Cambridge IELTS 20 · Academic · Test 2 · Passage 2
Procrastination — IELTS Reading Answers
All 11 answers for Procrastination, Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Reading Test 2 Passage 2, with the passage evidence and an explanation for each.
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Procrastination answer key at a glance
Questions 14–25. Tap an answer to see the evidence.
What this passage tests
This passage is tested with Matching Information (Q14–16), Summary Completion (Q17–22), Two Choices (Q23–24), Two Choices (Q25–26). Each section below gives the strategy for that question type, the answers, and the sentence that proves them.
Questions 14–16: Matching Information
Strategy: Scan for the idea, not the exact words. The answer is a paragraph letter, and one paragraph may be used more than once unless the instructions say otherwise.
mention of false assumptions about why people procrastinate
“Contrary to popular belief, procrastination is not due to laziness or poor time management. Scientific studies suggest procrastination is, in fact, caused by poor mood management”
Paragraph B says 'contrary to popular belief, procrastination is not due to laziness or poor time management', correcting false assumptions.
reference to the realisation that others also procrastinate
“We should admit that we feel bad, but not be overly critical of ourselves. We should remind ourselves that we're not the first person to procrastinate, nor the last”
Paragraph F advises reminding ourselves that 'we're not the first person to procrastinate, nor the last'.
neurological evidence of a link between procrastination and emotion
“Research involving brain imaging has found that areas of the brain linked to detection of threats and emotion regulation are actually different in people who chronically procrastinate compared to those who don't procrastinate frequently”
Paragraph B cites brain imaging showing areas linked to 'detection of threats and emotion regulation' differ in chronic procrastinators.
Questions 17–22: Summary Completion
Strategy: Read the summary as a paragraph first to establish the logic, then locate the missing idea in the passage. With a lettered list, confirm the grammar fits.
“Contrary to popular belief, procrastination is not due to laziness or poor time management”
The gap needs the wrongly blamed cause, and the text names 'laziness or poor time management'.
“If just thinking about the task threatens our sense of self-worth or makes us anxious, we will be more likely to put it off”
If a task 'makes us anxious, we will be more likely to put it off', so the adjective is 'anxious'.
“Research involving brain imaging has found that areas of the brain linked to detection of threats and emotion regulation are actually different in people who chronically procrastinate compared to those who don't procrastinate frequently”
Brain areas linked to 'detection of threats' differ in chronic procrastinators, so the gap is 'threats'.
“Tasks that are emotionally loaded or difficult, such as preparing for exams, are prime candidates for procrastination”
'Emotionally loaded or difficult' tasks 'such as preparing for exams' are prime candidates, so the gap is 'exams'.
“Another group of people who tend to procrastinate are perfectionists, who worry their work will be judged harshly by others”
'Another group of people who tend to procrastinate are perfectionists', which is the noun needed.
“The 'mood repair' we experience is temporary. Afterwards, people tend to be left with a sense of guilt that not only increases their negative mood, but also reinforces their tendency to procrastinate”
Afterwards 'people tend to be left with a sense of guilt', which reinforces the habit.
Questions 23–24: Two Choices
Strategy: Both answers must be supported by the passage. Check each option independently; order does not usually matter.
“In fact, in one US survey of over 22,000 employees, participants who said they regularly procrastinated had less annual income and less employment stability”
A and C match the survey: regular procrastinators reported less annual income and less employment stability than other employees.
Questions 25–26: Two Choices
Strategy: Both answers must be supported by the passage. Check each option independently; order does not usually matter.
“There are a number of evidence-based strategies that can help us fend off distractions that can occupy our minds when we should be focusing on the thing we should be getting on with. For example, reminding ourselves about why the task is important and valuable can increase positive feelings towards it.”
A and E match two evidence-based strategies: reminding ourselves why the task matters, and forgiving ourselves when we procrastinate.
Learn the question types in this passage
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Procrastination passage come from?
It is Passage 2 of Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Reading Test 2, and it covers Questions 14–25.
What question types appear in Procrastination?
The passage is tested with Matching Information, Summary Completion, Two Choices, Two Choices. Each type is explained on this page, alongside the answers.
Are these reading answers reliable?
Every answer is paired with the sentence that proves it, so you can check each one against the passage yourself. Use the page after a timed attempt, not instead of one.
Cambridge IELTS is published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Band9Prep is not affiliated with Cambridge. This page is an independent study aid: it gives the answer key, the passage evidence and an explanation so you can review an attempt you have already made.