Spot the Difference IELTS Reading Answers with Explanation

“Spot the Difference” is Part 1 of IELTS Reading Test 3. This page gives the answers for Questions 1-13, with a short explanation wherever the reasoning is clear, so you can check your work and learn from every mistake.

Quick answers: Questions 1-13

Question	Answer
1	C
2	F
3	G
4	B
5	variation / difference
6	futile
7	fertile offspring
8	species inflation
9	FALSE
10	TRUE
11	FALSE
12	NOT GIVEN
13	NOT GIVEN

Questions 1-13

Q	Statement	Answer	Explanation
1	How species are generally named	C	Paragraph C describes the naming convention created by Linnaeus.
2	Why conservationists welcome the new leopard species	F	Conservationists see the news as a way to gain attention and support.
3	How genes could cause a problem for conservationists	G	Gene-based grouping may strip polar bears of species protection.
4	Scientists wanting to change leopard classification	B	Paragraph B proposes replacing four subspecies with two species.
5	Deciding when there is enough to call an animal a new species	variation / difference	Deciding when enough change has occurred is a matter of judgment.
6	Comparing ant and butterfly species counts is	futile	Different classification methods make such comparison pointless.
7	Animals of the same species can make ___ together	fertile offspring	Members of one species can breed and produce fertile young.
8	Genetics has led to ___ rather than new discoveries	species inflation	Genetic analysis often upgrades subspecies to species, a practice called species inflation.
9	The new leopard differs from others in two ways	FALSE	The passage lists three differences: spots, fur colour, and stripe.
10	Darwinism created a problem defining species	TRUE	Gradual change makes deciding when a new species exists subjective.
11	Lepidopterists study ants	FALSE	Ant experts study ants; lepidopterists study butterflies.
12	Scientists will study more clouded leopards in Indonesia	NOT GIVEN	The text mentions past limited sampling but no future plans.
13	Polar bears are not a species in their own right	NOT GIVEN	The author describes a genetic view but never states personal belief.

Tips for these question types

• Read the question first. Underline keywords, then scan the passage for the same idea in different words.
• Check the instructions. Note the word limit and whether letters or words are needed before you write.
• Review every mistake. Find the sentence that proves the answer so you can spot the same trap next time.

FAQ

How many questions does Part 1 have? Part 1 of this test covers Questions 1-13, which is 13 questions.

Why do some answers have no explanation? We add an explanation only where the reasoning is clear. Always confirm doubtful answers against the passage.

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