A Focal Point of Academic Inquiry Reading Answers

Jan 6, 2025

A Focal Point of Academic Inquiry Reading Answers is an academic reading answers topic for the IELTS Exam. A Focal Point of Academic Inquiry Reading Answers consists of 11 IELTS questions in total. From Questions No.29-34, you have to give the answers in TRUE/ FALSE/ NOT GIVEN for the given statement. After that, for Questions No. 35-37, you have to complete the sentences with the required Words or Phrases, and for Questions No. 38-40, you have to choose the correct option for the given question.

The IELTS Reading section is an influential aspect of the IELTS exam, highly structured to assess a candidate's ability to understand and analyze a variety of passages. This task aims to improve your reading skills in identifying main ideas, extracting specific information, and drawing conclusions. Whether preparing for academic or general training modules, practicing these IELTS Reading Practice Papers will help you become familiar with the format and increase your confidence for the real test.

Section 1

A Focal Point of Academic Inquiry Reading Answers

Crime has long been a focal point of academic inquiry, due to its profound implications for societal well-being and individual rights. The investigation into the underlying causes of criminal behavior has evolved from simplistic attributions to the recognition of a multifaceted and intricate array of factors. Among the most widely discussed are the socioeconomic and psychological drivers, which interact in complex ways to perpetuate criminality. This essay seeks to explore these interrelated factors, scrutinizing the intricate interplay between poverty, social inequality, and psychological pathology, and how they contribute to the perpetuation of crime within society. The socioeconomic determinants of crime have been the subject of extensive research, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that poverty, lack of education, and unemployment are crucial in influencing criminal behavior. One of the most compelling arguments in the criminological literature is that individuals from impoverished backgrounds, particularly those who experience chronic deprivation, are more likely to engage in criminal activity. Theories such as strain theory, proposed by Robert Merton, assert that crime arises as a response to the inability to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means. For instance, an individual who is unable to obtain wealth through legal channels may resort to illicit activities such as theft or drug trafficking as a means of attaining financial stability. The argument is further bolstered by the concept of relative deprivation, which posits that individuals who perceive themselves as being less fortunate than their peers are more inclined to resort to crime as a means of restoring their perceived social status.

Moreover, social inequality exacerbates the propensity for criminal behavior. Communities characterized by stark disparities in wealth and opportunity often experience higher rates of crime, particularly violent crime. This is because inequality fosters a sense of resentment and alienation among disadvantaged individuals, which can manifest in criminal actions. The emergence of gang cultures in economically deprived areas is one example of how social inequality can lead to criminal behavior. In such contexts, Gangs frequently offer a sense of identity, protection, and economic opportunity that is otherwise unattainable through conventional means. However, while socioeconomic factors undoubtedly play a significant role, psychological factors cannot be overlooked in understanding criminal behavior. Psychological theories emphasize the individual's mental state, personality traits, and cognitive patterns as significant contributors to criminal actions. For instance, individuals with antisocial personality disorder or conduct disorder are more likely to engage in criminal acts due to their inherent lack of empathy, disregard for social norms, and impulsive tendencies. Furthermore, psychological theories such as the social learning theory by Albert Bandura suggest that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others, particularly in environments where deviant behavior is normalized.

The concept of criminal thinking, as elucidated by psychologists such as Yochelson and Samenow, further explores the cognitive distortions that contribute to criminal conduct. According to their research, criminals often harbor rationalizations that justify their actions, thereby reducing the psychological distress associated with their behavior. This cognitive dissonance enables them to view their criminal acts as acceptable or even necessary, regardless of the harm caused to others. Such distortions are typically deeply ingrained and resistant to change, posing a significant challenge to rehabilitation efforts.

The intersection of socioeconomic and psychological factors creates a complex web of causality that is difficult to disentangle. For example, individuals living in impoverished environments may be more vulnerable to developing mental health issues due to the chronic stress associated with financial instability. Conversely, those suffering from psychological disorders may find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty and crime, unable to break free due to a lack of access to resources or support. Thus, crime cannot be attributed to a single factor but must be understood as the result of a confluence of social, economic, and psychological variables. In conclusion, crime is not merely a product of individual failings or moral weakness; rather, it is the outcome of a complex interaction between socioeconomic deprivation and psychological pathology. Addressing the root causes of criminal behavior requires a holistic approach that considers both the external social conditions and the internal psychological processes that contribute to deviance. Policymakers must therefore adopt multifaceted strategies that not only address the structural inequalities within society but also provide support for individuals suffering from mental health issues. Only through such comprehensive efforts can crime be effectively mitigated and societal harmony restored.

Questions 29-34

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 1–5 on your answer sheet, write.

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

29. According to the passage, criminal behavior is purely an individual choice that results from moral failings.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: “.......In conclusion, crime is not merely a product of individual failings or moral weakness; rather, it is the outcome of a complex interaction between socioeconomic deprivation and psychological pathology.........”

Keywords: Crime, Moral, Behavior, Psychological

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 9-11

Explanation: The paragraph indicates that criminal behavior is influenced by multiple factors beyond individual moral failings, such as social, psychological, and environmental influences, and not purely individual choices.

30. The emergence of gangs in deprived areas is a natural response to economic inequality.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.......The emergence of gang cultures in economically deprived areas is one example of how social inequality can lead to criminal behavior.......”

Keywords: Emergence, Gangs, Economically, Inequality

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 5-7

Explanation: The passage explains that gang cultures emerge as a response to social inequality in economically deprived areas, providing identity, security, and economic opportunities that are otherwise unattainable through traditional means.

31. Relative deprivation refers to the sense of frustration people feel when they cannot reach the same status as their wealthier peers.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.......The argument is further bolstered by the concept of relative deprivation, which posits that individuals who perceive themselves as being less fortunate than their peers are more inclined to resort to crime as a means of restoring their perceived social status........”

Keywords: Relative, Deprivation, Peers, Status

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 19-23

Explanation: The passage explains that relative deprivation refers to individuals feeling less fortunate than peers, leading to frustration and possibly crime as a way to restore perceived social status.

32. Individuals from affluent backgrounds are less likely to commit crimes according to the strain theory.

Answer: NOT GIVEN

Explanation: This passage explains strain theory in the context of individuals from poor backgrounds resorting to crime due to deprivation, but does not explicitly address the possibility of crime among affluent individuals.

33. Psychological disorders may prevent individuals from overcoming financial hardship.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.......Conversely, those suffering from psychological disorders may find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty and crime, unable to break free due to a lack of access to resources or support.........”

Keywords: Psychological, Disorders, Resources, Individuals

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 5-7

Explanation: The passage mentions that individuals with psychological disorders may become trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime due to a lack of resources or support, which can lead to difficulty overcoming financial hardship.

34. Social inequality always leads to violent criminal behavior in every context.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: “.......Communities characterized by stark disparities in wealth and opportunity often experience higher rates of crime, particularly violent crime.........”

Keywords: Crime, Communities, Violent, Wealth

Keyword Location: para 3, Line 2-3

Explanation: Communities with severe disparities in wealth and opportunity often experience higher rates of crime, especially violent crime.

Questions 35-37

Complete the sentences below with WORDS OR PHRASES from the passages.

35. According to Robert Merton's strain theory, crime can occur when individuals are unable to achieve socially accepted goals through ________ means.

Answer: Legitimate

Supporting statement: “.......Theories such as strain theory, proposed by Robert Merton, assert that crime arises as a response to the inability to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means........”

Keywords: Strain Theory, Robert Merton, Legitimate

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 15-17

Explanation: According to Robert Merton's strain theory, crime arises when individuals cannot achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means such as legal employment, causing them to seek alternative, often illegal means.

36. Psychological theories emphasize the role of an individual's ________ and mental state in determining their likelihood of engaging in crime.

Answer: Personality traits

Supporting statement: “.......Psychological theories emphasize the individual's mental state, personality traits, and cognitive patterns as significant contributors to criminal actions.........”

Keywords: Psychological, Mental, Traits, Personality

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 11-13

Explanation: This passage highlights that psychological theories focus on factors such as an individual's mental state, personality traits, and cognitive patterns as important contributors to criminal behavior.

37. The theory of _______ posits that crime is a response to perceived disparities in wealth and social status.

Answer: Relative Depreciation

Keywords: Relative Deprivation, Posits, Crime

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 19-22

Explanation: The passage explains that the concept of relative deprivation suggests individuals who feel less fortunate than their peers may resort to crime to restore their perceived social status.

Questions 38-40

Choose the correct option from the given options.

38. What is suggested as a significant barrier to the rehabilitation of criminals in the passage?

A. Cognitive distortions that allow criminals to justify their actions.

B. The lack of legal deterrents to criminal behavior.

C. The absence of effective social policies in impoverished areas.

D. The failure of psychological treatments in criminal rehabilitation.

Answer: A (Cognitive distortions that allow criminals to justify their actions)

Supporting statement: “.......This cognitive dissonance enables them to view their criminal acts as acceptable or even necessary, regardless of the harm caused to others. Such distortions are typically deeply ingrained and resistant to change, posing a significant challenge to rehabilitation efforts...........”

Keywords: Cognitive, Rehabilitation, Criminal, Significant

Keyword Location: para 3, Line 5-8

Explanation: This passage highlights that underlying cognitive distortions, such as rationalizations that justify criminal acts, reduce psychological distress and resist change, posing a significant challenge to rehabilitation efforts.

39. According to the passage, which of the following is the most likely outcome for individuals who are both mentally ill and impoverished?

A. They will eventually escape their condition through social welfare programs.

B. They will continue to be trapped in cycles of poverty and crime.

C. They will experience a sudden improvement in their social standing.

D. They will resort to illegal activities as a form of self-empowerment.

Answer: B (They will continue to be trapped in cycles of poverty and crime)

Keywords: Poverty, Crime, Trapped, Suffering

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 4-7

Explanation: The passage states that individuals suffering from mental illness and poverty are often unable to break free due to chronic stress, and lack of resources and support, allowing the cycle to continue.

40. The author suggests that to address crime, policymakers should:

Focus solely on addressing mental health issues among criminals
Prioritize social reform by improving economic conditions
Implement broad reforms that tackle both psychological and social causes of crime.
Adopt punitive measures against offenders to deter criminal behavior.

Answer: C (Implement broad reforms that tackle both psychological and social causes of crime)

Supporting statement: “.......Policymakers must therefore adopt multifaceted strategies that not only address the structural inequalities within society but also provide support for individuals suffering from mental health issues.............”

Keywords: Policymakers, Structural, Inequalities, Strategies

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 14-16

Explanation: The author emphasizes that addressing crime requires a holistic approach that considers both external social conditions, such as economic inequalities, and internal psychological processes, such as mental health issues.

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