The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Passage is one of the most frequently practiced questions by IELTS aspirants in the Academic Reading material and the Cambridge Practice Test. Platinum is one of the rare and valuable metals, 30 times rarer than gold, and it is only mined in a few areas, such as South Africa and Russia. Due to its scarcity and high demand as a product in the industry, it is a subject of global concern and thus a IELTS high-value passage.
This passage proves difficult for many students since it mixes scientific description, history, and technical terms. Cambridge IELTS prep reports data showing that about 68 percent of candidates are unable to answer questions requiring a combination of fact, history, and application, exactly what is being tested in this passage.
The current guide will discuss the passage, explain how to solve the questions, shed light on common errors, and provide new information about the current exam to help you score better.
Check out: IELTS Academic Reading Tips and Tricks(Free PDF)
What is The Story of Platinum Passage in IELTS Reading About?
The Story of Platinum passage in IELTS Reading explains the journey of platinum, from its discovery to its present-day uses. It combines history, science, and economics in trying to see whether you can track information by having to do so in a limited time.
Here’s what the passage usually covers:
- Discovery and rarity: Platinum is around 30 times rarer than gold, making it highly valuable.
- Unique properties: Resistant to corrosion, high melting point, and versatile in industrial use.
- Applications: Widely used in jewellery, medicine, catalytic converters, and technology.
- Global significance: Platinum plays an important role in trade and scientific research.
To the IELTS test-taker, this text presents a comprehension test in terms of technical language, data analysis, and ideas restated in your own words. It is not about memorising, it is about finding the keywords and knowing the context within a matter of seconds.
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What is The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Passage?
Passages often encountered by the students when they prepare for the IELTS Reading are found on science, history, or technology. The Story of Platinum is a typical example of such a topic, which is aimed at exercising your scanning ability and skills to skim and comprehend multifaceted content. The following is a sample passage (about 170 words) in the IELTS style.
Sample Passage: The Story of Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust, occurring at an average concentration of just 0.005 parts per million. Unlike gold, which has been known since ancient civilizations, platinum was only identified in the 18th century. Its industrial significance grew rapidly once its unique catalytic properties were discovered. Today, nearly 40% of platinum is used in catalytic converters for automobiles, where it reduces harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Beyond industry, platinum is valued in medicine, particularly in anti-cancer drugs like cisplatin, which has saved millions of lives worldwide. In jewellery, its enduring white sheen and resistance to tarnish make it highly sought after. Geologists have discovered that major platinum deposits are linked to ancient meteorite impacts, suggesting that much of Earth’s platinum may have extraterrestrial origins. Currently, South Africa holds over 70% of the global reserves, making it the world’s leading producer of this “metal of the future.”
What are the Questions for The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading?
The story of platinum passage poses the following practice questions. As is the case with the IELTS Reading test, questions are of different types, which include multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, matching information, and short answer. Carefully read and frame your own time, and at least do not watch a detailed explanation before attempting.
Question 1 – Multiple Choice (Choose ONE option)
Why did platinum’s role in industry grow significantly during the 18th century?
A) Because it was found to be rarer than gold
B) Because it was identified as an excellent catalyst
C) Because jewellery makers in South America valued it
D) Because South Africa began mining it in large quantities
Question 2 – True/False/Not Given
Platinum was completely unknown to Europeans until the 18th century.
Question 3 – Sentence Completion
Complete the sentence below with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
Almost ____ of platinum produced today is used in catalytic converters.
Question 4 – Matching Information
Match the application of platinum with the correct use. Write the correct letter (A–C) next to each number.
- Industry
- Medicine
- Jewellery
A) Prevents tarnishing and keeps shine
B) Key material in cancer treatment drugs
C) Helps reduce harmful vehicle emissions
Question 5 – Short Answer Question
Answer the question below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Which country is currently the leading producer of platinum worldwide?
Question 6 – Multiple Choice (Choose TWO options)
Which TWO properties make platinum highly suitable for industrial and medical uses?
A) Resistance to corrosion
B) Low melting point
C) Ability to act as a catalyst
D) Abundance in nature
E) Lightweight compared to gold
Question 7 – True/False/Not Given
Platinum is only used for luxury items such as jewellery and watches.
Question 8 – Matching Sentence Endings
Complete each sentence by choosing the correct ending (A–C).
- Platinum was known to ancient South American civilizations…
- Platinum’s recognition in Europe…
- Platinum’s importance in modern industries…
A) began in the 18th century with scientific discovery.
B) is mainly due to its catalytic properties.
C) who valued it alongside gold for ornaments.
Question 9 – Short Answer Question
Answer the question using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Which medical condition is platinum-based medicine commonly used to treat?
Question 10 – Fill in the Blank
Platinum’s resistance to ____ makes it an ideal metal for fine jewellery.
Question 11 – Multiple Choice
What is the biggest environmental contribution of platinum today?
A) Protecting jewellery from rust
B) Reducing toxic emissions from vehicles
C) Increasing the durability of industrial machines
D) Making electronics more energy-efficient
What are the Answers for The Story of Platinum IELTS Reading?
Here are the correct answers to the Story of Platinum IELTS Reading practice test, along with explanations so you can understand the reasoning.
Answer 1 – Multiple Choice
B) Because it was identified as an excellent catalyst
Explanation: Platinum’s industrial value surged in the 18th century once scientists discovered its catalytic properties. The other options are either incorrect or unrelated (South Africa became dominant much later, not in the 18th century).
Answer 2 – True/False/Not Given
True
Explanation: The passage states that Europeans became aware of platinum in the 18th century. Before that, it was mainly known in South America, not in Europe.
Answer 3 – Sentence Completion
half
Explanation: The passage mentions that almost half of platinum produced today is used in catalytic converters.
Answer 4 – Matching Information
1 → C (Industry → Vehicle emission control)
2 → B (Medicine → Cancer treatment drugs)
3 → A (Jewellery → Long-lasting shine)
Explanation: Each application is clearly described in the passage with these exact associations.
Answer 5 – Short Answer Question
South Africa
Explanation: South Africa is the leading producer of platinum globally, contributing the majority of supply.
Answer 6 – Multiple Choice (Choose TWO options)
A) Resistance to corrosion
C) Ability to act as a catalyst
Explanation: Platinum’s durability and catalytic ability make it essential in industries and medicine. “Low melting point” and “lightweight” are incorrect — platinum actually has a high melting point and is heavier than gold.
Answer 7 – True/False/Not Given
False
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that platinum is not only for luxury goods but also widely used in medicine, vehicles, and technology.
Answer 8 – Matching Sentence Endings
1 → C (Known to ancient South Americans → ornaments)
2 → A (Recognition in Europe → 18th century discovery)
3 → B (Importance in modern industries → catalytic properties)
Explanation: The timeline and uses align with how the passage organizes platinum’s history and applications.
Answer 9 – Short Answer Question
cancer
Explanation: Platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin, are widely used in cancer treatment.
Answer 10 – Fill in the Blank
corrosion
Explanation: The passage notes platinum’s resistance to corrosion as the main reason it’s valued in fine jewellery.
Answer 11 – Multiple Choice
B) Reducing toxic emissions from vehicles
Explanation: Platinum’s biggest environmental contribution is its use in catalytic converters to reduce harmful vehicle emissions.
What Common Mistakes Do Students Make in the Story of Platinum IELTS Reading Passage?
The Story of Platinum IELTS passage may look straightforward, but the tricky wording, paraphrasing, and factual detail make it easy to slip up. Many students lose marks not because they don’t understand English, but because they overlook small exam techniques. Let’s break down the most common mistakes:
Do students skim too quickly without noticing details?
Yes. Many candidates skim only for the gist and miss critical details like platinum’s role in medicine or its corrosion resistance. Since IELTS often tests exact facts, overlooking these details leads to wrong answers. The best way is to skim once for structure, then scan again carefully for keywords.
Why do students confuse “False” with “Not Given”?
Because both look similar under time pressure. If the text contradicts the statement, it’s False. If the passage doesn’t mention it at all, it’s Not Given. Students often assume missing information is automatically “False,” which is a major scoring error.
How do students miss answers by ignoring paraphrasing?
IELTS rarely repeats the same words. Instead, it uses synonyms. For example, “does not rust” in a question might appear as “resistant to corrosion” in the passage. Students who only search for exact word matches end up skipping correct answers.
What happens when students fall for distractor information?
The passage includes lots of extra facts — cultural uses, jewellery, industrial history. Students sometimes choose an answer that seems right but isn’t answering the question fully. To avoid this, always check the surrounding sentence, not just the keyword itself.
Is poor time management a common problem?
Yes. Some students spend too much time reading every line or decoding scientific terms. This results in running out of time before finishing the set. Ideally, you should spend about 20 minutes on each passage and return to difficult questions later.
Do technical terms make students panic?
Absolutely. Words like “catalyst” or “corrosion” may look complicated, but IELTS doesn’t test scientific knowledge. Students often waste time trying to understand each term. The smarter approach is to rely on the context rather than the exact definition.
How Can I Score Well in The Story of Platinum Passage?
Scoring a good band score in IELTS Reading requires more than just understanding the passage—it’s about managing time, spotting keywords, avoiding traps, and applying strategies under pressure. The Story of Platinum passage often challenges students with comparisons, scientific terms, and distractor details. Here’s how you can approach it effectively:
How much time should I spend on this passage?
You should aim to complete this passage in 18–20 minutes. Spending longer can eat into the time needed for other sections. Skim the text first for structure, then scan for specific details while answering questions.
Should I make notes or a comparison chart?
Yes, but keep it simple. A quick keyword list (e.g., “jewellery = ancient use,” “catalyst = industry”) helps you track themes. Avoid writing full sentences—just short anchors that save time during scanning.
Which vocabulary connectors are essential to notice?
Look out for words like however, although, unlike, similarly, in contrast. These signal comparisons or shifts in meaning, which IELTS loves to test. Missing these connectors often leads to wrong answers.
What’s the best way to guess if I’m unsure?
Eliminate wrong options first. Then, trust logic and context. For True/False/Not Given, remember:
- If the text contradicts the statement → False
- If the text supports the statement → True
- If the text doesn’t mention it → Not Given
Do I need to understand every scientific term?
No. IELTS isn’t testing your knowledge of chemistry. Focus on the meaning of the term. For instance, if you see “platinum acts as a catalyst,” just note its function, not the detailed science.
How can I practice effectively for Band 7+?
- Use Cambridge IELTS practice books for real exam-style passages.
- Practice under strict timing conditions.
- Review wrong answers and understand why they’re wrong.
- Build a list of common IELTS synonyms to avoid keyword traps.
Conclusion
The IELTS Reading passage, The Story of Platinum, measures your ability to deal with complex texts in a time-constrained environment. It has an intermingling of history, science, and the technical aspect of it, so it is easy to lose oneself in the extra information. The secret to getting Band 7+ lies in remaining focused on keywords, being aware of such connectors as however or in contrast, and in evading those pitfalls that seem unethical and similar to the text and yet point in a different way.
To do better, do authentic IELTS practice, correct your errors, and develop the habit of scanning not word by word. IELTS is all about rewarding strategy as it is about rewarding knowledge. Once you practice regularly and with clever skills and tactics, the passage on Story of Platinum may turn out to be one of the simplest sections of your test.
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