Unveiling the Mystique of the White Horse of Uffington: IELTS Reading Passage with Question & Answer

Introduction:

The IELTS Reading test challenges learners to demonstrate their comprehension by responding to a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and true/false. The topic of the White Horse of Uffington offers a captivating blend of history, art, and mystery, making it an ideal subject for an enriching IELTS reading passage. Below is a detailed passage about this ancient figure followed by questions designed to test various reading skills.

Passage:

Nestled in the verdant hills of Oxfordshire, the White Horse of Uffington is one of Britain's most intriguing and enduring prehistoric geoglyphs. This stylized representation of a horse, measuring approximately 110 meters in length, is composed of deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk. For over 3,000 years, it has graced the English countryside, giving rise to myriad legends and continuing to bewitch onlookers and scholars alike.

The origin of the White Horse remains shrouded in enigma. Archaeologists date it to the late Bronze Age, around 1000 BC, but why and by whom it was created are questions that still stimulate much debate. Some suggest it is a symbol of a tribe, while others believe it to be connected to ancient fertility cults due to its close proximity to the Uffington Castle hillfort and the mysterious Dragon Hill, where St. George is said to have slain the dragon.

Maintenance of the White Horse is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. It involves a process known as 'scouring,' where the chalk is cleaned and replenished to ensure its enduring visibility. This act of preservation is often accompanied by a local fair, a tradition that links the community of the past with the present.

The figure's design is simplistic yet dynamic, with the horse depicted in motion – its head turned back, mouth open, and tail flowing with the imagined wind. This simplicity gives it an abstract quality that, rather than diminishing its impact, renders it timeless and universally recognizable.

The White Horse of Uffington transcends its physical form, symbolizing a mystical connection to Britain's ancient past. It is a protector of history, a canvas of folklore, and an inspiration for artists and poets who have celebrated its form and speculated on its origins.

Questions & Answers:

Q1. The White Horse of Uffington is primarily made up of:

A. Granite

B. Limestone

C. Crushed white chalk

D. Sandstone

A1. C. Crushed white chalk

Explanation: The passage specifies that the geoglyph is "composed of deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk."

Q2. According to the passage, the White Horse of Uffington dates back to:

A. 500 AD

B. 1000 AD

C. 1000 BC

D. 500 BC

A2. C. 1000 BC

Explanation: The passage indicates that archaeologists date the White Horse to "the late Bronze Age, around 1000 BC."

Q3. Fill in the blank: The White Horse of Uffington is located in the hills of __________.

A3. Oxfordshire

Explanation: The passage begins by situating the White Horse "in the verdant hills of Oxfordshire."

Q4. True or False: The White Horse is believed to be a symbol of a local dragon myth.

A4. False

Explanation: While there is a mention of Dragon Hill and St. George's myth in the passage, the White Horse itself is not claimed to be a symbol of the dragon myth.

Q5. The process of maintaining the White Horse is known as:

A. Renovating

B. Scouring

C. Sculpting

D. Chalking

A5. B. Scouring

Explanation: The passage mentions that the maintenance involves a process called 'scouring,' which entails cleaning and replenishing the chalk.

Q6. The design of the White Horse can be described as:

A. Complex and modern

B. Simple and dynamic

C. Intricate and static

D. Abstract and minimalistic

A6. B. Simple and dynamic

Explanation: The passage describes the figure's design as "simplistic yet dynamic," indicating movement and life.

Q7. Fill in the blank: The tradition of scouring the White Horse is accompanied by a local __________.

A7. fair

Explanation: It's noted that the act of preservation, or 'scouring,' is "often accompanied by a local fair."

Q8. True or False: Archaeological evidence provides a clear understanding of why the White Horse was created.

A8. False

Explanation: The passage clearly states that "why and by whom it was created are questions that still stimulate much debate," indicating a lack of clear understanding.

Q9. According to the passage, the White Horse is:

A. A private art installation

B. A natural landform

C. A prehistoric geoglyph

D. A medieval sculpture

A9. C. A prehistoric geoglyph

Explanation: The White Horse is introduced as "one of Britain's most intriguing and enduring prehistoric geoglyphs."

Q10. The act of maintaining the White Horse symbolizes:

A. The change from past to present

B. A disconnect from historical practices

C. The link between the community of the past with the present

D. The commercialization of local traditions

A10. C. The link between the community of the past with the present

Explanation: The passage explains that the tradition of scouring "links the community of the past with the present."

Tips for Cracking the IELTS Reading Exam:

Tip 1: Skim the passage first to get a general understanding of the topic before diving into the questions.

Tip 2: Look for keywords in the questions and scan the passage to find where these topics are discussed for quick retrieval of information.

Tip 3: Practice identifying the writer’s tone and purpose, which can help in answering questions about the passage's intent and viewpoint.

Tip 4: Develop the ability to distinguish between factual statements and the author's opinions or hypotheses to tackle true/false and not given questions.

Tip 5: Time management is crucial. Allocate time to each question and do not spend too long on any single one. Remember, practice makes perfect.

By employing these tips and understanding how to navigate passages like the one about the White Horse of Uffington, students can significantly enhance their performance in the IELTS Reading section.