Consecutive and Simultaneous Translation – IELTS Reading Sample with Explanation

The IELTS reading section tests the reading and cognition prowess of the candidate over 40 questions of different styles. The following IELTS reading passage - Consecutive and Simultaneous Translations cover 13 questions in three different kinds:

1. Identifying the right answer from the given options
2. Filling the blanks to complete a summary
3. Choosing the appropriate letters from a given list in the context of a matter

The IELTS Reading Practice Tests contain a variety of sample passages with different kinds of questions which will equip a student with all the possible dimensions of this section. These practice tests should be taken with utmost seriousness to perform brilliantly on the D-Day.

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Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

Consecutive and Simultaneous Translation IELTS Reading Sample​

Section 2

Solution With Explanation

Questions 1-5
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.

Question 1. In which way does author state translation at the beginning of the passage?

(A) abstract and concrete meaning
(B) general and specific meaning
(C) several examples of translation’s meaning
(D) different meaning in various profession

Answer: B

Supporting Sentence: The term ‘translation’, is the neutral term used for all tasks where the meaning of expressions in one language (the source language) is turned into the meaning of another (the ‘target’ language), whether the medium is spoken, written, or signed.

Keywords: Neutral term

Keyword Location: Paragraph A, line 2

Explanation: While starting the passage, the author refers to the word 'translation' as a general term that refers to the process of turning the meaning of phrases in one language into another language.

Question 2. Application of headphone in a UN conference tells us that:

(A) TV show is being conducted
(B) radio program is on the air
(C) two sides are debating
(D) language practice is in the process

Answer: D

Supporting Sentence: At major conferences, such as the United Nations General Assembly, the presence of headphones is a clear indication that a major linguistic exercise is taking place.

Keywords: Clear indication, major linguistic exercise is taking place

Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line 3

Explanation: Interpretation has become an integral part of international politics, especially when world leaders from diverse linguistic backgrounds come together. This phenomenon is widely evident at important conferences like the UN meetings, where headphones are widely used to aid interpretation.

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Question 3. In the passage, what is the author’s purpose in citing the Tower of Babel?

(A) interpreting secret is stored in the Tower
(B) interpreter emerged exactly from time of Tower of Babel
(C) consecutive interpreting has a long history
(D) consecutive interpreting should be abandoned

Answer: C

Supporting Sentence: One procedure, consecutive interpreting, is very old — and presumably dates from the Tower of Babel!

Keywords: Consecutive interpreting, very old, Tower of Babel

Keyword Location: Paragraph D, line 2

Explanation: The author cites the Town of Babel to mention consecutive translation is an age-old process of translating, which takes place after an entire speech is over.

Question 4. About simultaneous interpreting, which of the following is TRUE?

(A) it is an old and disposable interpretation method
(B) it doesn’t need outstanding professional ability
(C) it relies on professional equipment
(D) it takes less than two seconds ear-voice span

Answer: C

Supporting Sentence: In larger and more formal settings, however, it has been generally replaced by simultaneous interpreting — a recent development that arose from the availability of modern audiological equipment and the advent of increased international interaction following the Second World War.

Keywords: Availability of modern audiological equipment

Keyword Location: Paragraph D, line 4

Explanation: Contrary to consecutive translation, simultaneous translation takes place during a live speech. However, this has been made possible due to the use of contemporary and professional audiological devices.

Question 5. In consecutive translation, if the section is longer than expected, what would an interpreter most probably do?

(A) he or she has to remember some parts ahead
(B) he or she has to break them down first
(C) he or she has to respond as quickly as possible
(D) he or she has to remember all parts ahead

Answer: A

Supporting Sentence: In this case he has to remember a great number of messages, and keep them in mind until he begins his translation. To make this possible the interpreter has to take notes of the original messages, various systems of notation having been suggested for the purpose.

Keywords: Take notes of the original message

Keyword Location: Paragraph C, line 6

Explanation: Since, in the case of consecutive translation, the interpreter's work starts after a speech is over. They need to remember tons of messages and data, which can get overwhelming. To simplify the process, they are recommended to make notes from the original speech.

Questions 6-9

Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage, using no more than two words or a number from the Reading Passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet.

The cycle from ear to voice normally lasts about………6…….., which depends on the sophistication of paper, for example, it could go up to ………7……..sometimes. When experts took close research on affecting elements, they found appropriate speaking speed is somehow among ……..8………. w.p.m. In a specific experiment, the accuracy of interpretation dropped while the ear-voice span speed increased between 95 to 164 w.p.m. However, the maximum speed was about ……….9……….W.p.m.

Question 6

Answer: 2-3 seconds

Supporting Sentence: This ‘ear-voice span’ is usually about 2 or 3 seconds, but it may be as much as 10 seconds or so, if the text is complex.

Keywords: Ear-voice span

Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line 4

Explanation: There exists a gap between the actions of the speaker and the interpreter, especially for simultaneous translation. This is because the brain has to assimilate, what was said, what is being said, and foresee what can be said. The usual length of 'ear-voice span' is 2 to 3 seconds.

Question 7

Answer: 10 seconds

Supporting Sentence: This ‘ear-voice span’ is usually about 2 or 3 seconds, but it may be as much as 10 seconds or so, if the text is complex.

Keywords: Maybe as much as 10 seconds or so, the text is complex

Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line 4

Explanation: The interlude between the speaker and the interpreter is called 'ear-voice span' and is 2 to 3 seconds long. Nevertheless, if the speech is complex, this can extend up to 10 seconds.

Question 8

Answer: 100 to 120

Supporting Sentence: Research projects have now begun to look at these factors – to determine, for example, how far successful interpreting is affected by poor listening conditions or the speed at which the source language is spoken. It seems that an input speed of between 100 and 120 words per minute is a comfortable rate for interpreting, with an upper limit of around 200 w.p.m.

Keywords: Successful interpreting, poor listening conditions, input speed, between 100 and 120 words per minute

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, lines 1-2

Explanation: Researchers were undertaken to ascertain which factors affect a successful interpretation. The studies show that if the input speed for words is 100 to 120 words per minute, then it is convenient for the interpreter.

Question 9

Answer: 200

Supporting Sentence: It seems that an input speed of between 100 and 120 words per minute is a comfortable rate for interpreting, with an upper limit of around 200 w.p.m.

Keywords: Upper limit, 200 w.p.m.

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 2

Explanation: A controlled study showed that the increase in speaking speed is inversely proportional to the accuracy of the interpretation. The standard speed is 100-120 w.p.m. for an effective translation. However, the maximum upper limit can be 200 w.p.m., although the study showed that there can be a decline in the quality of interpretation.

Questions 10-13

Choose FOUR correct letters. Write your answers in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet.
Which FOUR of the following are the factors that affect interpreting?

(A) mastery in structure and grammar of sentences in the script
(B) speed of the incoming sound source
(C) noisy of background
(D) emotional states of the interpreter
(E) culture of different backgrounds
(F) understanding the significance of being precise
(G) upper volume limit of speakers

Question 10

Answer: B

Supporting Sentence: Research projects have now begun to look at these factors – to determine, for example, how far successful interpreting is affected by poor listening conditions or the speed at which the source language is spoken.

Keywords: Speed at which the source language is spoken.

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 1

Explanation: Attentive listening is a requisite for successful interpretation. However, it can be affected by the speed at which the source language is spoken. This speed can impact cognition capabilities and in turn, result in poor translations.

Question 11

Answer: C

Supporting Sentence: That it is done at all is a source of some wonder, given the often lengthy periods of interpreting required, the confined environment of an interpreting booth, the presence of background noise, and the awareness that major decisions may depend upon the accuracy of the work.

Keywords: Presence of background noise

Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line 2

Explanation: Interpretation can be a tedious job that requires concentration. The quality of translation can be easily affected by background noises affecting its accuracy.

Question 12

Answer: E

Supporting Sentence: Other considerations such as cultural background also make it aim to pay full attention to the backgrounds of the authors and the recipients and to take into account differences between source and target language.

Keywords: Cultural backgrounds

Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line 3

Explanation: Another important determinant impacting interpretation is the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the speaker or author and the audience.

Question 13

Answer: F

Supporting Sentence: Also, as the translating load increases, not only are there more errors of commission (mistranslations, cases of vagueness replacing precision), there are also more errors of omission, as words and segments of meaning are filtered out.

Keywords: Errors of commission, cases of vagueness replacing precision

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 5

Explanation: The translation process is often burdened with information; hence an error of commission is a common problem. The lack of preciseness usually leads to mistranslation and incoherency.