The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage & Questions

Did You Know? According to official IELTS test statistics, Indian students consistently make up one of the largest groups of IELTS test-takers worldwide, and their average Reading section score is typically around 6.0 out of 9.0.

In the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test, you answer 40 questions in 60 minutes based on three passages, totaling about 2,150–2,750 words. Question types include multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, and more. 

Each correct answer in the IELTS exam earns one mark; raw scores convert to Bands 1–9. Scoring assesses accuracy, not spelling or grammar, and no extra time is given for transferring answers. The IELTS academic reading passage “The Origin of Writing” explores how writing began with the Sumerians before 3,000 BC and evolved independently in other ancient civilizations.

Practicing The Origin of Writing IELTS reading passage helps candidates improve their skills in identifying main ideas, understanding complex historical texts, and answering diverse IELTS Reading question types.

The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage: Overview

The IELTS Reading section is a critical component of the exam, requiring candidates to answer 40 questions in 60 minutes based on three academic passages, each averaging 700–950 words. 

"The Origin of Writing" IELTS Reading Passage is a frequently used passage that explores the historical development of written communication, challenging test-takers with complex vocabulary and inference-based questions. The average Academic Reading band score globally was 6.26, with a standard deviation of 1.26, reflecting the section's moderate difficulty and high reliability. 

Below is a quick overview of the IELTS reading section: 

Feature	Details
Number of Passages	3
Total Questions	40
Time Allotted	60 minutes
Passage Length	2,150–2,750 words total
Scoring	1 mark per correct answer; Band 1–9 scale
Penalty for Wrong	No negative marking; attempt all questions
Importance	Required for academic admission, migration, and professional registration

Moreover, practicing the IELTS reading section is essential for university admission and migration, as it assesses a wide range of academic reading skills through different questions, under strict time constraints.

Here are the question types you will encounter on The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage: 

Question Type	Significance	Description
Multiple Choice	Tests comprehension and ability to identify specific details	Choose the correct answer from the options based on passage details.
Matching Headings	Assesses understanding of main ideas and paragraph structure	Match headings to sections/paragraphs reflecting main themes.
True/False/Not Given / Yes/No/Not Given	Evaluates the ability to distinguish between factual information and opinions	Decide if statements agree with the passage, contradict, or are not stated.
Matching Information	Checks skill in locating specific information within the text	Match statements to sections where information is found.
Sentence/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion	Measures the ability to summarize and extract key information	Complete sentences with words from the passage.
Short Answer Questions	Tests the ability to provide concise, accurate responses from the passage	Answer questions briefly using information from the passage.
Diagram Label Completion	Measures the ability to interpret and transfer information	Label diagrams based on passage content

Start your IELTS preparation online today with expert guidance and resources! Learn how to prepare for IELTS at home and improve your band score.

Next, let's look at a sample "The Origin of Writing" IELTS Reading Passage to see what test-takers encounter on exam day.

IELTS reading answers: "The Origin of Writing" Sample Passages

The IELTS reading test evaluates your ability to comprehend academic texts, with "The Origin of Writing" passage offering insights into humanity's earliest written communication systems. 

To excel, you must answer 13-14 questions in each passage under 20 minutes, focusing on accuracy, time management, and careful reading, as there is no extra time for transferring answers.

Here's the sample passage reflecting the style and content focus of actual IELTS Reading texts: 

Passage A

The earliest known writing system is attributed to the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia, emerging around 3200 BC. Initially, cuneiform was developed as a practical tool for recording economic transactions—clay tablets inscribed with pictograms represented commodities and numbers, such as "ten sheep". Over time, these pictograms evolved into more abstract symbols, enabling the documentation of laws, myths, and administrative orders. The Sumerians’ innovation marked a pivotal shift from oral to written communication, laying the foundation for complex societal structures and cultural preservation.

Passage B

Distinct from the Sumerians, the ancient Egyptians created hieroglyphics around 3100 BC, a script blending logographic and alphabetic elements. Hieroglyphics adorned temple walls, tombs, and papyri, primarily serving religious and ceremonial functions. The script’s intricate symbols allowed Egyptians to record prayers, rituals, and royal decrees, reflecting their belief in the divine power of written words. The development of hieroglyphics paralleled advances in art and architecture, highlighting the interconnection between writing, spirituality, and statecraft in early Egyptian society.

Passage C

Writing systems also appeared independently in the Indus Valley and ancient China. The undeciphered Indus script, found on seals and pottery, dates to around 2500 BC and hints at a sophisticated urban culture with standardized symbols. In China, oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang dynasty (c. 1200 BC) represent the earliest known Chinese writing, used for divination and record-keeping. These scripts illustrate how writing emerged as a response to administrative, religious, and social needs, adapting to the unique contexts of each civilization.

Passage D

The proliferation of writing systems catalyzed the growth of complex societies by enabling efficient record-keeping, long-distance communication, and the codification of laws. Written language facilitated the administration of empires, the collection of taxes, and the transmission of scientific knowledge. As literacy expanded, writing became essential for cultural continuity, allowing stories, traditions, and innovations to be transmitted across generations. The adaptability of logographic, syllabic, and alphabetic writing systems demonstrates their enduring significance in human history.

Passage E

Today, studying ancient scripts like cuneiform, hieroglyphics, and the Indus script provides invaluable insights into early civilizations' social structures, beliefs, and technological achievements. Modern scholars employ advanced techniques, from digital imaging to linguistic analysis, to decipher these scripts and reconstruct lost histories. The ongoing quest to understand the origin of writing underscores humanity's universal drive to communicate, innovate, and preserve knowledge for future generations.

Improve your IELTS reading skills with free practice papers and top IELTS exam material. Get access to expert resources to support your study abroad journey.

Now that you have explored "The Origin of Writing" IELTS reading passage, it's essential to test your comprehension with practice questions modeled on the IELTS Reading format.

The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage: Practice Questions and Answers

Engaging with practice questions for "The Origin of Writing" passage sharpens your test-taking strategies. According to IELTS exam statistics, multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given questions comprise over 65% of the Reading section, underscoring the importance of mastering these formats.

Let's begin by exploring one of the most common and crucial question types and IELTS reading answers: "The Origin of Writing":

Question 1-5 Type of question: Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the IELTS Reading section assess your ability to identify main ideas, specific details, and inferences from the passage by selecting the best answer from three or four options. MCQs account for approximately 15-20% of the reading questions, making them a significant part of your overall score.

Here are the sample MCQ questions: 

Question 1

According to Passage A, what was the initial purpose of Sumerian cuneiform?

A) Recording religious rituals

B) Documenting economic transactions

C) Writing myths and stories

D) Communicating with other civilizations

Focus: Identify the original function of Sumerian cuneiform.

Strategy: Scan for keywords like "initially" and "practical tool" to locate the relevant sentence quickly.

Impact: Clarifies the evolution of writing and prevents confusion with its later uses, improving accuracy in detail-based questions.

Answer: B) Documenting economic transactions Explanation: The passage states that cuneiform was "developed as a practical tool for recording economic transactions."

Question 2

What does Passage B highlight as a unique feature of Egyptian hieroglyphics?

A) They were used for everyday communication

B) They blended logographic and alphabetic elements

C) They were the first writing system in the world

D) They were only used by priests

Focus: Distinguish what sets Egyptian hieroglyphics apart from other systems.

Strategy: Look for comparative or descriptive phrases that emphasize uniqueness.

Impact: Enhances the ability to answer questions requiring comparing or identifying distinctive features.

Answer: B) They blended logographic and alphabetic elements Explanation: The passage describes hieroglyphics as "a script blending logographic and alphabetic elements."

Question 3

What is suggested about the Indus script in Passage C?

A) It has been fully deciphered

B) It was used for religious texts only

C) It indicates a sophisticated urban culture

D) It was borrowed from the Sumerians

Focus: Infer what the existence of the Indus script reveals about the society.

Strategy: Pay attention to words like "hints at" or "suggests," which signal implied information.

Impact: Develops inference skills, which are crucial for tackling questions where answers are not directly stated.

Answer: C) It indicates a sophisticated urban culture Explanation: The passage notes that the Indus script "hints at a sophisticated urban culture with standardized symbols."

Question 4

According to Passage D, how did the spread of writing affect societies?

A) It replaced oral traditions entirely

B) It limited scientific advancement

C) It enabled efficient record-keeping and administration

D) It caused the decline of art and architecture

Focus: Understand the societal impact of writing systems.

Strategy: Identify main effects or outcomes described in the passage, especially in topic sentences.

Impact: Strengthens the ability to summarize and synthesize information about broad historical changes.

Answer: C) It enabled efficient record-keeping and administration Explanation: The text says writing "enabled efficient record-keeping, long-distance communication, and the codification of laws."

Question 5

As stated in Passage E, what is the main benefit of studying ancient scripts today?

A) It helps recreate ancient art

B) It allows for the preservation of modern languages

C) It provides insights into early civilizations

D) It solves all mysteries of human history

Focus: Identify the contemporary relevance or benefit of ancient script studies.

Strategy: Focus on concluding sentences or summary statements for main ideas.

Impact: Improves the ability to identify the author's purpose and the main point, which is essential for summary and inference questions.

Answer: C) It provides insights into early civilizations Explanation: The passage states that studying ancient scripts "provides invaluable insights into early civilizations' social structures, beliefs, and technological achievements."

Also Read: How to Improve IELTS Score from 6.5 to 7

Now that you've practiced multiple-choice questions, let's move to another standard question format in the Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage: fill in the blanks. 

Question 6-10 Type of question: Fill in the Blanks

Fill-in-the-blank questions test your ability to find exact words or phrases from the passage to complete sentences. These questions assess your understanding of specific details and vocabulary in context. So, strictly follow the word limit, usually one to three words, and use the exact wording, as synonyms aren't accepted. Below are sample questions: 

Question 6

Sumerian cuneiform began as a system for recording ________ transactions on clay tablets.

Focus: Identify the original use of cuneiform.

Strategy: Scan for keywords like "began" and "recording" to locate the relevant detail in Passage A.

Impact: Reinforces the importance of understanding the primary function of early writing systems.

Answer: economic Explanation: Passage A states that cuneiform was "developed as a practical tool for recording economic transactions.” "Economic" is the precise word needed for accuracy.

Question 7

Egyptian hieroglyphics were notable for blending ________ and alphabetic elements in their script.

Focus: Recognize the unique structural feature of hieroglyphics.

Strategy: Look for descriptive phrases in Passage B highlighting what made hieroglyphics distinct.

Impact: Develops the ability to spot comparative and descriptive information.

Answer: logographic Explanation: Passage B describes hieroglyphics as “a script blending logographic and alphabetic elements.” “Logographic” completes the sentence correctly.

Question 8

The Indus script, found on ________ and pottery, remains undeciphered to this day.

Focus: Identify artifacts associated with the Indus script.

Strategy: Search for nouns in Passage C that are directly linked to the Indus script.

Impact: Builds skill in matching specific details to context clues.

Answer: seals Explanation: Passage C notes that the Indus script is "found on seals and pottery," making "seals" the correct word.

Question 9

The spread of writing enabled the ________ of laws and efficient administration in ancient societies.

Focus: Understand the societal impact of writing's proliferation.

Strategy: Locate verbs or nouns in Passage D that describe the effects of writing on governance.

Impact: Enhances the ability to summarize main ideas and societal changes.

Answer: codification Explanation: Passage D mentions writing enabled "the codification of laws," so “codification” is the accurate term.

Question 10

Modern scholars use digital imaging and linguistic analysis to ________ ancient scripts and reconstruct lost histories.

Focus: Identify current scholarly activities related to ancient scripts.

Strategy: Find action verbs in Passage E that describe what scholars do with ancient scripts.

Impact: Strengthens understanding of contemporary relevance and application of historical studies.

Answer: decipher Explanation: Passage E states scholars "employ advanced techniques…to decipher these scripts," so "decipher" is the correct answer.

Also Read: Validity of IELTS Score

When writing the IELTS reading answers: "The Origin of Writing", let's practice the TRUE or FALSE question type. 

Question 11-13 Type of question: TRUE or FALSE

This question type asks you to decide if a statement matches (TRUE) or contradicts (FALSE) the information in the passage. Answers must be based solely on the passage content, without relying on outside knowledge or assumptions. This tests your critical reading skills, requiring close attention to detail and distinguishing specific facts. 

Let's look at some true and false questions: 

Question 11

The Sumerians used cuneiform to record economic transactions and religious rituals from the beginning.

A) True

B) False

Focus: Determine the original uses of cuneiform.

Strategy: Compare the statement with the passage, noting the timeline and initial applications of cuneiform.

Impact: Builds attention to detail and prevents assumptions about the evolution of writing systems.

Answer: FALSE Explanation: Passage A specifies that cuneiform was initially used for economic transactions; religious and other uses developed later.

Question 12

Egyptian hieroglyphics were primarily used for religious and ceremonial purposes.

A) True

B) False

Focus: Identify the primary function of hieroglyphics.

Strategy: Look for phrases describing the primary uses of hieroglyphics in Passage B.

Impact: Reinforces the importance of distinguishing between primary and secondary functions.

Answer: TRUE Explanation: Passage B states hieroglyphics "adorned temple walls, tombs, and papyri, primarily serving religious and ceremonial functions."

Question 13

The Indus script has been completely deciphered by modern scholars.

A) True

B) False

Focus: Assess the current scholarly understanding of the Indus script.

Strategy: Find explicit statements about the decipherment status of the Indus script in Passage C.

Impact: Strengthens the ability to separate fact from assumption and recognize explicit information.

Answer: FALSE Explanation: Passage C clearly states the Indus script "remains undeciphered to this day," directly contradicting the statement.

A strong vocabulary is essential for excelling in the IELTS Reading section, especially for IELTS reading answers: "The Origin of Writing" 

Important Vocabulary for The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage

Vocabulary knowledge directly impacts your IELTS Reading performance; Research shows that vocabulary breadth and depth together account for over 53% of reading test score variance. Lexical Resource, or vocabulary range, contributes up to 25% of your overall IELTS score.

Below are some important vocabulary terms from "The Origin of Writing," along with their meanings and contextual usage:

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Cuneiform	An ancient wedge-shaped writing system developed by the Sumerians	"Cuneiform was used to record transactions on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia."
Hieroglyphics	A pictorial script used in ancient Egypt	"Egyptian hieroglyphics adorned temple walls and recorded royal decrees."
Logographic	Using symbols to represent words or morphemes	"Hieroglyphics blended logographic and alphabetic elements in their script."
Decipher	To interpret or make sense of something difficult to understand	"Modern scholars work to decipher ancient scripts using digital imaging and linguistic analysis."
Codification	The process of arranging laws or rules into a systematic code	"The spread of writing enabled the codification of laws in early societies."
Oracle bones	Animal bones used in ancient China for divination and writing	"Oracle bone inscriptions represent the earliest known Chinese writing."
Pictograms	Simple drawings representing objects or concepts	"Early cuneiform began as pictograms representing commodities and numbers."
Ritual	A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions	"Hieroglyphics were often used to record prayers and rituals."
Urban culture	The way of life characteristic of cities and towns	"The Indus script hints at a sophisticated urban culture with standardized symbols."
Preservation	The act of maintaining or protecting something from loss	"Writing contributed to the preservation of stories and traditions across generations."

Also Read: IELTS Last Minute Tips & Advice for Exam Day

A strong command of collocations and phrases is also required to pass the IELTS exam with a good band score, especially when tackling academic passages like "The Origin of Writing."

Collocations and Phrases

Knowing collocations, natural word combinations such as "record-keeping system" or "ancient civilization," significantly boosts reading speed, comprehension, and fluency. 

Research shows that students who actively use collocations can process information up to 30% faster and achieve higher band scores, particularly in the Lexical Resource criterion, which accounts for 25% of your IELTS score.

Here are some essential collocations and phrases from the passage, along with their meanings:

Collocation/Phrase	Meaning
Record-keeping system	A method for maintaining written records of transactions or events
Ancient civilization	A society that existed in the distant past with an advanced culture
Codification of laws	The process of arranging and systematizing legal rules
Pictorial script	A writing system using pictures or symbols to represent words
Social structures	The organized patterns of relationships and roles in a society
Cultural transmission	The passing of cultural beliefs and practices from one generation to another
Ritual and governance	The combination of religious ceremonies and administrative control
Standardized symbols	Symbols that are used consistently across a writing system
Linguistic analysis	The study of language structure and meaning

Before you take on the "The Origin of Writing" passage, it's vital to understand the most common pitfalls and best practices that can make or break your IELTS exam results.

Top Mistakes to Avoid and Key Tips for "The Origin of Writing" IELTS Reading Passage

Many test-takers struggle with time management, misreading questions, and relying on background knowledge instead of the passage. These issues can lead to avoidable errors and lower scores, especially in challenging passages like "The Origin of Writing."

Let's understand the common mistakes and some helpful IELTS reading tips: 

1. Trying to Read Every Word in the Passage

• Reading every word wastes precious time. For example, you may not finish all the questions if you attempt to understand every detail in a 900-word passage.
• Tip: Use skimming to grasp the main ideas and scanning to locate answers quickly. Focus on headings, topic sentences, and keywords.

2. Misunderstanding the Question

• Misinterpreting what is being asked leads to wrong answers. For instance, confusing "why" with "how" or missing subtle qualifiers can change the meaning entirely.
• Tip: Read each question carefully, underline key terms, and match them precisely to the information in the passage. Paraphrasing is common, so look for synonyms and reworded ideas.

3. Spending Too Much Time on One Question

• Getting stuck can cause you to rush through later questions. If you spend five minutes on a single MCQ, you risk not completing the section.
• Tip: If unsure, make your best guess, mark the question, and move on. Return if time permits. Time management is crucial for all 40 questions.

4. Relying on Keywords Without Understanding Context

• Spotting a keyword doesn't guarantee the answer is nearby or correct. For example, the word "urban culture" might appear, but the context could be about its limitations, not its strengths.
• Tip: Always read the whole sentence or paragraph to understand the meaning, not just the presence of keywords.

5. Making Assumptions Based on Background Knowledge

• Using what you know, rather than what's in the passage, leads to errors. For example, you might know that "cuneiform" was used for literature, but if the passage says it was first used for accounting, that's the answer.
• Tip: Trust only the passage. Answers must be based solely on the text, especially for True/False/Not Given questions.

7. Not Practicing with Real IELTS Materials

• Practicing only with unofficial or unverified materials can give a false sense of readiness.
• Tip: Use authentic IELTS practice tests and official resources to familiarize yourself with objective exam standards and question types.

Learn about the IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025 – Section-Wise Breakdown & Question Types to understand the test structure.

To maximize your score on "The Origin of Writing” IELTS Reading passage, using the right practice materials is crucial for learning both the content and the unique question types you'll face.

Recommended Practice Resources for The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage

The most effective practice resources for "The Origin of Writing" passage closely mirror the official IELTS exam in structure, difficulty, and question variety. High-quality materials provide authentic passages, detailed answer explanations, and exposure to all relevant question types, such as multiple choice, summary completion, and matching information.

Here's a list of top practice resources: 

Resource	Focus Area	Why Use It?
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Downloadable practice materials covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections to build overall proficiency.
IELTS Reading Test	Reading skills	Practice tests focused on improving the IELTS reading section's reading comprehension and time management.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Visual learning	Engaging video lessons that explain strategies, tips, and common pitfalls across all exam sections.

As you move closer to your IELTS exam date, using specialized support can make a measurable difference in your score, especially for high-difficulty passages like "The Origin of Writing."

How upGrad Supports Your Preparation for The Origin of Writing IELTS Reading Passage

upGrad offers a uniquely comprehensive and targeted approach to mastering the IELTS Reading section, with resources specifically designed to address the complexities of passages like "The Origin of Writing."

UpGrad ensures you're fully prepared for the nuanced demands of "The Origin of Writing" and similar IELTS Reading passages by focusing on question types, vocabulary, time management, and real exam strategies.

Start your IELTS Preparation today! Schedule a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts to access expert-led lessons, realistic practice tests, and personalized feedback, everything you need to achieve your target band score!