Eiken Writing: Summary of a Passage Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, but its origins trace back to ancient Ethiopia. Legend says that a 9th-century goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. Kaldi reported his findings to a local monastery, where an abbot made a drink with the berries and found it kept him alert during long evening prayers. The knowledge of these energizing berries spread, first through the Arabian Peninsula, and then to Europe and beyond, eventually becoming the global phenomenon it is today.

Which of the following is the best summary of the passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage explains the legendary discovery of coffee in Ethiopia by a goat herder and how its use as an energizing beverage spread from a local monastery to the rest of the world.

Answer

A goat herder named Kaldi and a monastery abbot discovered that coffee could keep them awake during long prayers.

Answer

The passage describes how goats in Ethiopia were the first to cultivate coffee beans for trade with the Arabian Peninsula.

Answer

Coffee has been a very popular drink around the world for many centuries because it helps people stay alert.

Question 2

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

While recycling is often promoted as a key solution to plastic pollution, the reality is more complex. Not all plastics are the same; some types are easily recyclable, while others are difficult or impossible to process with current technology. Furthermore, the economic viability of recycling plastic is a major hurdle. It is often cheaper for manufacturers to produce new plastic from raw materials than to use recycled plastic. For recycling to be truly effective, there needs to be a combination of improved recycling technology, stronger government policies, and increased consumer demand for products made from recycled materials.

What is the main argument of the passage?

Accepted Answer

Effective plastic recycling faces significant challenges, including technological limitations and economic factors, and requires a multi-faceted approach to succeed.

Answer

Recycling is not an effective solution to plastic pollution because most types of plastic cannot be recycled.

Answer

The main problem with plastic recycling is that it is often more expensive than creating new plastic.

Answer

Governments must create stronger policies to force companies to use recycled plastic.

Question 3

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

For many years, sleep was considered just a passive state of rest. However, modern science has revealed that our brains are remarkably active during sleep, performing critical functions essential for our health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processing and storing information from the day. It also clears out toxic waste products that accumulate while we are awake. Insufficient sleep can impair cognitive functions like attention and decision-making, and chronic sleep deprivation is linked to serious health problems. Therefore, getting enough quality sleep is not a luxury, but a biological necessity.

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage explains that sleep is an active and essential biological process during which the brain consolidates memories and removes toxins, and a lack of it can lead to negative health consequences.

Answer

The main function of sleep is for the brain to clear out toxic waste products that build up during the day.

Answer

It is very important for people to get enough sleep every night to stay healthy.

Answer

Scientists now know that sleep is a passive state that is only for resting the body and brain.

Question 4

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

The Great Wall of China is not a single, continuous wall but a system of fortifications built over centuries by different dynasties. The earliest sections were constructed as early as the 7th century BC. However, the most famous and well-preserved sections were built by the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) using more durable materials like brick and stone. The primary purpose of the wall was not just to keep invaders out, but also to control trade and immigration. It also served as a powerful symbol of the emperor's strength and the unity of the Chinese empire.

Which of the following best summarizes the information about the Great Wall of China?

Accepted Answer

The Great Wall is a series of fortifications built by various dynasties over a long period, with the Ming Dynasty constructing the most famous parts, and it served multiple purposes including defense, trade control, and as a political symbol.

Answer

The Great Wall of China was built entirely by the Ming Dynasty to stop all nomadic invaders.

Answer

The passage emphasizes that the Great Wall was most important for controlling trade and immigration.

Answer

The Great Wall is not one long wall but many smaller walls built over a long time simply to protect China from invasion.

Question 5

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy from tides into electricity. Its main advantage is that tides are highly predictable and consistent, unlike solar or wind energy. Tidal power plants are also very durable and can last for a long time. However, the initial cost of building these plants is extremely high. Additionally, the dams used to capture tidal energy, known as barrages, can have a significant negative impact on marine ecosystems by altering water flow and affecting fish migration. Therefore, while promising, tidal energy has both strong benefits and serious drawbacks.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Accepted Answer

Tidal energy is a predictable and durable renewable energy source, but it is limited by high initial costs and potential negative environmental impacts on marine life.

Answer

The passage argues that tidal energy is the best renewable energy source because it is more reliable than wind or solar power.

Answer

Tidal energy is too expensive and harmful to the environment to be a practical source of power.

Answer

The primary problem with tidal energy is that the dams required for it can disrupt the migration of fish.

Question 6

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Bees play an indispensable role in our ecosystems and agriculture as primary pollinators. As they travel from flower to flower collecting nectar, they transfer pollen, which is essential for many plants to produce fruits and seeds. It is estimated that about one-third of the food we consume each day relies on pollination mainly by bees, including a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, bee populations worldwide are facing a serious decline due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This decline poses a significant threat to global food security and biodiversity.

Which of the following is the best summary of the passage?

Accepted Answer

Bees are crucial for food production and ecosystems because they pollinate many plants, but their populations are declining due to several threats, which endangers global food supplies.

Answer

The passage states that bees are responsible for pollinating all of the food that humans eat.

Answer

Bees are very important insects, and we must protect them from disappearing.

Answer

The main reason bee populations are declining is the use of pesticides in agriculture.