The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Answers | Tips & Expert Guidance

The IELTS Reading test includes a total of three passages for both Academic and General Training versions. The Story of Platinum is an IELTS Reading passage that explores the historical discovery of a rare and valuable metal. 

The Story of Platinum is an IELTS Reading passage that includes 10 questions categorised as Multiple-Choice questions, true-false statements, and Fill-in-the-blank questions. The questions are included to examine candidates' different reading skills. Practicing these questions can help test-takers understand the IELTS Reading test pattern, question types, answering standards, and more. 

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The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Passage

The passage below, "The Story of Platinum," is a very common Reading passage in the IELTS exam. Read the passage to answer Questions 1—10 given below.

The Story of Platinum 

Paragraph A: Platinum, with its silvery-white sheen and unparalleled durability, has fascinated civilizations for centuries. Unlike gold or silver, whose histories are woven into the fabric of human culture from its earliest days, platinum remained unknown to the wider world until relatively recently. This passage embarks on a journey through time, exploring the discovery, applications, and significance of platinum, a metal that has become synonymous with exclusivity and innovation.

Discovery and Early Uses

Paragraph B: The story of platinum begins in the pre-Columbian era, where evidence suggests that indigenous South American peoples had already mastered the art of utilizing this metal for ceremonial and decorative purposes. However, these early uses of platinum were limited by its high melting point, which made it difficult to work with using the rudimentary metallurgical techniques available at the time. It was not until the Spanish conquest of the Americas that Europeans first encountered platinum, dismissing it as an impurity in gold and coining the term "platina," derived from "plata," the Spanish word for silver, but diminutively referring to it as lesser than silver itself.

European Recognition and Industrial Applications

Paragraph C: The 18th century marked a turning point for platinum, as European scientists and metallurgists began to unravel its unique properties. Antonio de Ulloa, a Spanish scientist, is credited with bringing platinum to the attention of the European scientific community. The metal's resistance to corrosion and oxidation, along with its remarkable durability, sparked interest for potential applications beyond ornamentation. By the 19th century, platinum had become indispensable in various scientific instruments, including thermometers and electrical contacts, due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical reactions.

Platinum in the Modern Era

Paragraph D: In contemporary society, platinum's role extends far beyond the confines of scientific laboratories. Its rarity, combined with its exceptional physical and chemical properties, has made it a symbol of wealth and prestige, especially in the jewelry industry. However, the uses of platinum are diverse, impacting various sectors including automotive, medical, and environmental industries.

Paragraph E: One of the most significant applications of platinum today is in the automotive industry, where it is used in catalytic converters. These devices reduce harmful emissions by catalyzing a reaction that converts toxic gases from exhaust into less harmful substances, thus playing a crucial role in efforts to combat air pollution. The medical field has also benefited from platinum, particularly in the development of chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, which has been a critical component in cancer treatment regimens.

Paragraph F: Moreover, platinum's role in environmental protection extends to its use in fuel cells, which generate electricity through the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct. This technology, although still in developmental stages, promises a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, with platinum acting as an efficient catalyst in the electrochemical reactions.

Challenges and Controversies

Paragraph G: Despite its invaluable contributions to technology and medicine, the extraction and processing of platinum pose significant environmental and ethical challenges. Platinum mining, primarily concentrated in South Africa, Russia, and Zimbabwe, requires extensive labor and can lead to significant ecological disruption, including deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. The social implications are equally profound, with mining communities often facing health risks, economic instability, and conflicts over land rights.

Paragraph H: The future of platinum is, therefore, intertwined with ongoing efforts to balance its undeniable benefits against the environmental and social costs of its production. Recycling initiatives and research into more sustainable mining practices are crucial steps toward minimizing the negative impacts associated with platinum extraction.

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IELTS Reading Answers for "The Story of Platinum" Questions

Q1. In which area was platinum first used before European recognition?

A) In scientific equipment

B) As currency

C) In decorative objects

D) In automotive catalytic converters

Q2. What was the initial attitude of Spanish conquistadors towards platinum?

A) They valued it for its beauty

B) They discarded it as a nuisance

C) They mistook it for silver

D) They used it as currency

Q3. Fill in the blank: Platinum was named "platina" by the Spanish, which translates to "little _______."

A) Gold

B) Bronze

C) Silver

D) Copper

Q4. What property of platinum made it valuable in scientific equipment?

A) Its color

B) Its high melting point

C) Its rarity

D) Its luster

Q5. True or False: Platinum is used in the production of jewelry due to its low melting point.

A) True

B) False

Q6. Which of the following is NOT a use of platinum?

A) In catalytic converters

B) In chemotherapy treatments

C) As a food additive

D) In jewelry

Q7. Fill in the blank: Platinum-based compounds are used in _______ treatments for cancer.

A) Radiation

B) Chemotherapy

C) Immunotherapy

D) Hormonal

Q8. What makes platinum particularly valuable in environmental protection?

A) Its ability to absorb sunlight

B) Its role in water filtration

C) Its use in catalytic converters to reduce emissions

D) Its use in solar panels

Q9. True or False: The desirability of platinum in jewelry has decreased over time.

A) True

B) False

Q10. Which century saw European scientists begin to study and recognize the potential of platinum?

A) 16th century

B) 17th century

C) 18th century

D) 19th century

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The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Answers 

1. In which area was platinum first used before European recognition?

• Answer: C) In decorative objects
• Answer Location: Paragraph B
• Reference: “...indigenous South American peoples had already mastered the art of utilizing this metal for ceremonial and decorative purposes.”
• Explanation: Platinum was first used decoratively by pre-Columbian South Americans.

2. What was the initial attitude of Spanish conquistadors towards platinum?

• Answer: B) They discarded it as a nuisance
• Answer Location: Paragraph B
• Reference: “...dismissing it as an impurity in gold...”
• Explanation: Spaniards considered platinum an unwanted contaminant in gold.

3. Fill in the blank: Platinum was named "platina" by the Spanish, which translates to "little _______."

• Answer: C) Silver
• Answer Location: Paragraph B
• Reference: “‘Platina,’ derived from ‘plata,’ the Spanish word for silver...”
• Explanation: The name reflects its similarity to silver in appearance.

4. What property of platinum made it valuable in scientific equipment?

• Answer: B) Its high melting point
• Answer Location: Paragraph C
• Reference: “...due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures...”
• Explanation: Its heat resistance made it ideal for laboratory instruments.

5. True or False: Platinum is used in the production of jewelry due to its low melting point.

• Answer: B) False
• Answer Location: Paragraph D
• Reference: “...symbol of wealth and prestige, especially in the jewelry industry.”
• Explanation: Jewelry use is due to rarity and durability, not melting point.

6. Which of the following is NOT a use of platinum?

• Answer: C) As a food additive
• Answer Location: Paragraphs D–F
• Reference: Various uses mentioned: jewelry, medical, automotive, fuel cells
• Explanation: Platinum is not used in food, unlike the other applications listed.

7. Fill in the blank: Platinum-based compounds are used in _______ treatments for cancer.

• Answer: B) Chemotherapy
• Answer Location: Paragraph E
• Reference: “...development of chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin...”
• Explanation: Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug.

8. What makes platinum particularly valuable in environmental protection?

• Answer: C) Its use in catalytic converters to reduce emissions
• Answer Location: Paragraph E
• Reference: “...catalyzing a reaction that converts toxic gases...”
• Explanation: Platinum helps clean car exhaust emissions.

9. True or False: The desirability of platinum in jewelry has decreased over time.

• Answer: B) False
• Answer Location: Paragraph D
• Reference: “...symbol of wealth and prestige...”
• Explanation: Platinum continues to be highly valued in jewelry.

10. Which century saw European scientists begin to study and recognize the potential of platinum?

• Answer: C) 18th century
• Answer Location: Paragraph C
• Reference: “The 18th century marked a turning point...
• Explanation: That’s when European interest in platinum began scientifically.

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

Conclusion

Understanding the Platinum IELTS Reading Answers can make your IELTS preparation much easier and less stressful. The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Answers with detailed explanation is mentioned, and is easy for practice. 

Getting a good score in IELTS reading is possible with the right help and practice. If you want more support and expert advice, connect with a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad today and start your journey to IELTS success!