The Meaning and Power of Smell Reading Answers
After reading the above passage, here are the meaning and power of smell reading questions and answers for test-takers to practice:
Questions 1-6: The given reading passage contains six paragraphs, from A to F. Choose the appropriate heading for each paragraph from the list below.
List of Headings
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The difficulties of talking about smells.
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The role of smell in personal relationships.
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Future studies into the smell.
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The relationship between the brain and the nose.
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The interpretation of smells as a factor in defining groups.
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Why our sense of smell is not appreciated?
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The smell is our superior sense.
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The relationship between smell and feelings.
Answers
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Para A
Explanation: The third line of this text plainly states that 'Smell can generate intense emotional responses,' implying that scent can produce feelings.
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Para B
Explanation: It is said in the second sentence of this paragraph that "there is no meaningful emotional connecting without touching and smelling a loved one," which suggests that a smell is essential to build a strong connection between two individuals in any relationship.
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Para C
Explanation: The second sentence of this paragraph mentions that humans' sense of smell is underdeveloped.
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Para D
Explanation: It is stated in the first and second lines of this paragraph that the odours cannot be specified but must be described by saying "it smells like...". It signifies that a smell lacks the ability to convey itself verbally.
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Para E
Explanation: The third sentence of this paragraph makes it apparent that the smell investigation is still ongoing and that it has yet to be determined if the smell is one or two senses.
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Para F
Explanation: The first line of the paragraph states that smell is a social and historical phenomenon that is not solely tied to emotion or biology. This means that smell has always been related to cultures throughout history. Our perceptions of odour distinguish us from other groups of humans.
Questions 7-10: Choose the correct letter in the questions given below, A, B, C or D.
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According to the introduction, we realise the significance of fragrance when ____
A. We discover a new smell
B. We experience a powerful smell
C. Our ability to smell is damaged
D. We are surrounded by odours
- Paragraph B describes an experiment that is
A. It shows how we make use of smell without realizing it.
B. Demonstrates that family members have a similar smell.
C. Proves that a sense of smell is learnt.
D. Compares the sense of smell in males and females.
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In paragraph C, what is the writer doing?
A. Supporting other research
B. Making a proposal
C. Rejecting a common belief
D. Describing limitations
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In paragraph E, what does the author recommend about the research on smell in the atmosphere?
A. The measurement of smell is becoming more accurate.
B. Researchers believe smell is a purely physical reaction.
C. Most smells are inoffensive.
D. Smell is yet to be defined.
Answers
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C
Explanation: Yes, we will realise the importance of scent when our ability to smell is impaired, because we will not be aware that we can detect the odour until then.
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A
Explanation: In a relationship, the odour is very essential. Children recognise their mother's odours shortly after birth, while adults use smell to identify family members.
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C
Explanation: The majority of individuals believe that humans' olfactory abilities are inferior to those of animals. However, humans do have powerful olfactory abilities that allow us to recognise thousands of different odours.
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D
Explanation: The smell has yet to be identified because there is no scientific evidence that odour affects simply the nose in our bodies. There is considerable debate about whether the smell is a single or dual sense.
Questions 11-14: Complete the sentences given below: Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
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According to studies, odours can help people recognise the ______ of their spouses and wives.
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Certain linguistic groups may struggle to describe smell because they lack the necessary ______.
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The sense of smell may involve a response to ________ which does not smell, in addition to obvious odours.
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Odours regarded as unpleasant in certain ________ are not regarded as unpleasant in others.
Answers
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Clothing
Explanation: Odours have been shown in studies to assist people to identify apparel belonging to their husbands and wives.
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Vocabulary
Explanation: Certain linguistic groups may struggle to describe smell because they lack the necessary vocabulary.
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Chemicals
Explanation: In addition to visible odours, the sense of smell may include a response to substances that do not smell.
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Cultures
Explanation: Certain odours are considered unpleasant in some cultures but not in others.
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