Cambridge IELTS 1 · Academic · Test 4 · Passage 2
Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men — IELTS Reading Answers
All 14 answers for Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men, Cambridge IELTS 1 Academic Reading Test 4 Passage 2, with the passage evidence and an explanation for each.
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Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men answer key at a glance
Questions 14–27. Tap an answer to see the evidence.
What this passage tests
This passage is tested with Matching Information (Q14–19), Matching Features (Q20–23), Short Answers (Q24–27). Each section below gives the strategy for that question type, the answers, and the sentence that proves them.
Questions 14–19: 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.
The drawbacks of current company restructuring patterns.
“In Europe a recent feature of corporate life in the recession has been the de-layering of management structures. Sears said that this has halted progress for women in as much as de-layering has taken place either where women are working or in layers they aspire to”
Paragraph E links the de-layering of management structures to halted progress for women, describing a drawback of current restructuring.
Associations that provide support for professional women.
“Organisations such as the European Women’s Management Development Network provide a range of opportunities for women to enhance their skills and contacts”
Paragraph G mentions the European Women's Management Development Network, which offers women opportunities to enhance their skills and contacts.
The success rate of female job applicants for management positions.
“Women who apply for jobs in middle or senior management have a higher success rate than men, according to an employment survey”
Paragraph A reports an employment survey finding that women applying for middle or senior management have a higher success rate than men.
Male and female approaches to job applications.
“Dr Marx said that when women apply for positions they tend to be better qualified than their male counterparts but are more selective and conservative in their job search. Women tend to research thoroughly before applying for positions or attending interviews.”
Paragraph C contrasts women researching thoroughly and being selective with men relying on selling themselves, comparing their approaches.
Reasons why more women are being employed in the business sector.
“Demographic trends suggest that the number of women going into employment is steadily increasing. In addition a far greater number of women are now passing through higher education, making them better qualified to move into management positions”
Paragraph F cites demographic trends and more women passing through higher education as reasons more women move into management.
The improvement in female numbers on company management structures.
“Managerial and executive progress made by women is confirmed by the annual survey of boards of directors carried out by Korn/Ferry/Carre/ Orban International. This year the survey shows a doubling of the number of women serving as non-executive directors compared with the previous year”
Paragraph D cites the Korn/Ferry survey showing a doubling of women non-executive directors, an improvement in female numbers on boards.
Questions 20–23: Matching Features
Strategy: Match the statement to the named person or thing. Names can repeat, so check each option against what that person actually says.
Options for Questions 20–23
- Aif the point is made by Ariane Berthoin Antal
Selection procedures do not favour women.
“And she said, “It’s still so hard for women to even get on to shortlists - there are so many hurdles and barriers.””
Ariane Berthoin Antal says it is still so hard for women even to get on to shortlists, with so many hurdles and barriers.
The number of female-run businesses is increasing.
“Sears also noted a positive trend from the recession, which has been the growing number of women who have started up on their own”
Hilary Sears noted a positive trend from the recession, the growing number of women who have started up on their own.
Male applicants exceed female applicants for top posts.
“But she added, “We should not lose sight of the fact that significantly fewer women apply for senior positions in comparison with men.””
Dr Marx points out that significantly fewer women apply for senior positions in comparison with men.
Women hold higher positions now than they used to.
“Hilary Sears, a partner with Korn/Ferry, said, “Women have raised the level of grades we are employed in but we have still not broken through barriers to the top.””
Hilary Sears said women have raised the level of grades they are employed in, though they have not broken through barriers to the top.
Questions 24–27: Short Answers
Strategy: Use the question word to predict the answer type, locate the relevant sentence, and copy no more words than the limit allows.
What change has there been in the number of women in top management positions detailed in the annual survey?
“This year the survey shows a doubling of the number of women serving as non-executive directors compared with the previous year”
The question asks about change in women in top management; the survey shows a doubling of women non-executive directors compared with the previous year.
What aspect of company structuring has disadvantaged women?
“Sears said that this has halted progress for women in as much as de-layering has taken place either where women are working or in layers they aspire to”
The question asks which aspect of company structuring disadvantaged women; Sears says de-layering halted their progress.
What information tells us that more women are working nowadays?
“Demographic trends suggest that the number of women going into employment is steadily increasing”
The question asks what information shows more women working; the text says demographic trends suggest the number going into employment is steadily increasing.
Which group of people should change their attitude to recruitment?
““Until there is a belief among employers, until they value the difference, nothing will change.””
The question asks which group should change its attitude to recruitment; the text says until there is belief among employers nothing will change.
Learn the question types in this passage
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men passage come from?
It is Passage 2 of Cambridge IELTS 1 Academic Reading Test 4, and it covers Questions 14–27.
What question types appear in Why Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men?
The passage is tested with Matching Information, Matching Features, Short Answers. 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.