The Power of Music Reading Answer - IELTS Reading Practice, Answers Here!

The “Power of Music” is a significant IELTS Reading passage. It examines the profound influence music has on human emotions, culture, cognition, and social connections. The passage discusses how music acts as a universal language that shapes personal identity, reflects cultural heritage, and even supports therapeutic and cognitive benefits.

This passage is accompanied by ten practice questions, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), True/False statements, and Fill-in-the-Blank questions. Practicing these questions helps IELTS candidates improve their skills in locating specific details, understanding key concepts, and interpreting the broader impact of music for the IELTS exam.

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The Power of Music IELTS Reading Passage

The passage below, "The Power of Music," is a very common Reading passage in the IELTS exam. Read the passage to answer questions 1—10, which are given below. 

The Power of Music

Music, a universal language, transcends the barriers of nations and communicates directly to the soul. This art form, existing since the dawn of human civilization, has evolved into a complex tapestry of sounds and rhythms, each note carrying the weight of emotions, memories, and cultural heritage. The power of music extends far beyond its auditory beauty, influencing our emotions, shaping cultural identities, and even aiding in healing and cognitive development. This passage explores the multifaceted influence of music, providing insight into its role as a cultural artifact, a catalyst for emotional response, and a tool for cognitive and therapeutic benefits.

The Emotional Power of Music

Music's ability to evoke and manipulate emotions is perhaps its most universally acknowledged effect. The phenomenon whereby music induces a plethora of emotional states is not merely subjective; it is rooted in the neurobiological processes of the human brain. Research has shown that certain melodies and harmonies can trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure, happiness, and social bonding, respectively. This biochemical response explains why a piece of music might bring tears to one's eyes, send shivers down the spine, or elevate one's mood. The emotional impact of music is profound and pervasive, influencing not only individual experiences but also collective behavior and societal norms.

Music as a Cultural Mirror

Music also serves as a mirror reflecting the cultural, social, and historical landscapes from which it originates. Each genre, from the classical symphonies of Western Europe to the traditional Sufi music of South Asia, tells a story of its people, their history, struggles, and celebrations. Music acts as a vessel for cultural expression and identity, preserving languages, traditions, and stories that might otherwise be lost to time. In this way, music contributes to the maintenance of cultural diversity, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the world's myriad societies.

Cognitive and Therapeutic Benefits

Beyond its emotional and cultural significance, music has been recognized for its cognitive and therapeutic benefits. Engagement with music, whether through listening or playing an instrument, has been linked to enhanced learning abilities, improved memory, and increased concentration in individuals. Musical training, especially from a young age, has been shown to result in structural changes in the brain, leading to heightened auditory and motor skills, as well as enhanced verbal ability and non-verbal reasoning. Furthermore, music therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the treatment of various psychological and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and autism. By tapping into the intricate connection between music and the brain, therapists can facilitate communication, emotional expression, and healing in ways that words cannot.

The Social and Unifying Aspects of Music

Music possesses a unique ability to bring people together, creating a sense of community and shared experience. Concerts, festivals, and communal singing are just a few examples of how music can act as a social glue, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds around a common passion. This unifying power of music is evident in its role in social movements, national anthems, and religious ceremonies, where it serves to inspire solidarity, evoke a collective spirit, and articulate common goals and aspirations. In times of conflict or societal tension, music can be a medium for dialogue and reconciliation, bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding.

Music and Personal Identity

On a personal level, music is a medium through which individuals explore and express their identities. The music one listens to or creates can reflect one's personality, mood, values, and experiences. Through lyrics, melody, and rhythm, individuals find a voice for their innermost thoughts and feelings, crafting a sonic identity that resonates with their personal narrative. Music, in this sense, becomes not just a form of entertainment, but a companion through life's journey, echoing our joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears.

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The Power of Music IELTS Reading Passage

Q1. According to the passage, what role does music play in human culture?

A) It serves merely as a form of entertainment.

B) It acts as a medium for expressing emotions.

C) It is a cultural identifier that embodies community values.

D) It is used for therapeutic purposes only.

Q2. What does neuroscience research suggest about music’s effect on the brain?

A) It has no significant impact.

B) It triggers the release of neurotransmitters related to pleasure.

C) It can decrease cognitive abilities.

D) It only affects the emotional state temporarily.

Q3. True or False: Musical training can enhance memory and intelligence.

A) True

B) False

Q4. How does music influence emotions according to the passage?

A) By causing a temporary change in mood.

B) Through the biochemical response it triggers in the brain.

C) By altering the brain's structure permanently.

D) Solely by its rhythm and melody.

Q5. Fill in the blank: Music has been a medium for __________ across different times and spaces.

A) conflict

B) expression

C) isolation

D) technology

Q6. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an impact of music in the passage?

A) Enhancing cognitive development.

B) Preserving societal legacies.

C) Causing adverse health effects.

D) Eliciting strong emotional reactions.

Q7. True or False: Music's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is explained by its melody and lyrics alone.

A) True

B) False

Q8. According to the passage, music acts as a __________, passing down stories and expressions from generation to generation.

A) barrier

B) living archive

C) temporary medium

D) forgotten relic

Q9. True or False: The passage suggests that engaging deeply with music has no long-term benefits for the brain.

A) True

B) False

Q10. Which aspect of music's influence is primarily discussed in terms of its ability to unite individuals?

A) Its cognitive impact.

B) Its cultural significance.

C) Its emotional resonance.

D) Its therapeutic uses.

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IELTS Reading Passage Answers: "The Power of Music" 

Answers to Questions 1-10:

Question Number	Answer	Answer Location
1	C) It is a cultural identifier that embodies community values.	Music as a Cultural Mirror
2	B) It triggers the release of neurotransmitters related to pleasure.	The Emotional Power of Music
3	True	Cognitive and Therapeutic Benefits
4	B) Through the biochemical response it triggers in the brain.	The Emotional Power of Music
5	B) expression	Music as a Cultural Mirror
6	C) Causing adverse health effects.	Throughout the passage
7	False	The Emotional Power of Music
8	B) living archive	Music as a Cultural Mirror
9	False	Cognitive and Therapeutic Benefits
10	C) Its emotional resonance	The Social and Unifying Aspects of Music

Read more about: Tips For Reading in IELTS Exam | IELTS Academic Reading | IELTS Reading Tips And Tricks | IELTS General Reading Test |

Conclusion

Understanding the Power of Music reading passage is a great way to improve your ability to scan for details and interpret complex ideas in IELTS Reading. 

For more in-depth practice, vocabulary-building exercises, or practice mock questions, connect with upGrad experts.