Gesture Reading Answers

Mar 9, 2023

Gesture Reading Answers comprises a total of 13 questions. This IELTS academic reading topic; Gesture Reading Answers comprises question types such as; true/ false/ not given, match the heading, and choose the correct letter. To solve these questions in the IELTS reading topic, candidates must go through the passage carefully and identify the major keywords. Gesture Reading Answers are to be solved by the candidates within a timeframe of 20 minutes which remains the same for all the IELTS Reading assessments. To practice more such IELTS reading topics, candidates can refer to the book Complete IELTS Bands 5-6.5 Student's Book Without Answers with CD-ROM. Moreover, candidates might consider IELTS Reading practice papers to practice such relevant questions.

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Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

Gesture Reading Answers

Gesture is any action that sends a visual signal to an onlooker. To become a gesture, an act has too be seen by someone else and has to communicate some pieces of information to them. It can do this either because the gesturer deliberately sets out to send a signal or it can do it only incidentally. The hand-wave is a Primary Gesture, because it has no other existence or function. Therefore, to make it a gesture, first, it should be clear and unambiguous. Others would be able to understand it instantly when it is shown to them. Nor may any component of a gesture, its force, its direction and amplitude of movement, be altered: otherwise, confusion or misunderstanding may occur.

Most people tend to limit their use of the term "gesture" to the primary form the hand-wave type-but this misses an important point. What matters with gesturing is not what signals we think we are sending Out, but what signals are being received. I he observers of our acts will make no distinction between our intentional primary gestures and our unintentional, incidental ones. This is why it is preferable to use the term "gesture" in its wider meaning as an "observed action. This can be compared to the ring of a telephone. The speed, tone and intensity of a telephone remain the same for any phone call. Even the length of time before being told that the number you are dialing is not answering, unless the caller hangs up, is the same.

Some gestures people use are universal. The shoulder shrug is a case in point. The shrug is done by bringing the shoulders up, drawing the head in, and turning the palms upwards so as to reveal that nothing is hidden. The shoulder shrug can also demonstrate submission or that what is being said isn't understood. Another example is that an angry person usually expresses his rage by waving his clenched fist rapidly and forcefully. Surprisingly, you may find that people of

different cultures will do the same when they are offended. That is to say, a commonly accepted gesture is shared by them. But if the way the hand is clenched changes, or the amplitude of force and the direction the fhst is waved alters, the gesture no longer means the same.

So, is gesture born with us or is it developed as we grow up? Recent research found that gesture is more like a spontaneous reaction when we face certain situations. And we just do that automatically. When people talk, they almost always gesture with their hands. This expressive movement can be coaxed into a choreographic form if observed carefully. People can practice spontaneous gesture by forming pairs, then observing and questioning each other. They then show the group what they have collected from their partners. It is fun to surprise a group using this technique. Because spontaneous gestures are often unconscious, people will sometimes be surprised to have their gestures mirrored back to them, saying "DidI really do that?"

The attention of research was also drawn to cultural themes. Researchers discovered that if a person has a good set of teeth, he or she would be prone to have a bigger smile than he or she should when good things happen. And if a person possesses a bad set of teeth, he or she would tend to have his or her mouth shut when being teased. And people's reaction to the same joke also varies: some laugh out loud while others titter. However, this does not cause confusion and it helps to develop our "behavioural, which is an important aspect of our identity. It was referred to as a Gesture Variant, which indicates that individuals' gesture production is a complex process, in which speakers' internal and external factors and interactions could play a role in multi-modal communication.

During the research, an interesting phenomenon soon caught researchers' attention. A hand purse gesture, which is formed by straightening the fingers and thumb of one hand and bringing them together so the tips touch, pointing upwards and shaping like a cone, carries different meanings in different countries. In Malta, it means heavy sarcasm: "you may seem good, but you are really bad.; in lunisia, it is against recklessness, saying "slow down"; in Italy, it means What's the matter?" or "What are you trying to say?"; in France, it means "I am afraid" However, this gesture has no clear meaning in American culture. And of course, the way the gesture is conducted is similar in different countries.

But what wll happen if the gestures of different countries confront each other? The situation is further complicated by the fact that some gestures mean totally different things in different countries. To take one example, in Saudi Arabia, stupidity can be signalled by touching the lower eyelid with the tip of the forefinger. But this same gesture, in various other countries, can mean disbelief, approval, agreement, mistrust, scepticism, alertness, secrecy, craftiness, danger, or criminality. So people are faced with two basic problems where certain gestures are concerned: either one meaning may be signalled by different actions, or several meanings may be signalled by the same action, as we move from culture to culture. The only solution is to approach each culture with an open mind and learn their gestures as one would learn their vocabulary. These all require considerable skill and training and belong in a totally different world from the familiar gestures we employ in everyday life.

Section 2

Solution and Explanation

Questions 14-19:
Reading Passage 2 has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for paragraph A-C and from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 14-19 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

i The subconscious nature of gestures
ii The example of regional differences
iii The key factors of gestures
iv Sending out important signals
V Howa well-known gesture loses its meaning
vi Performance in a specific setting
vii Recent research of Gesture Variant
viii Comparison to an everyday-use object
ix How will conflict be handled
x Individual deviation of cultural norms

Paragraph A

Answer: iii
Supporting Sentence: To become a gesture, an act has…..be clear and unambiguous.
Keywords: gesture, act, clear, unambiguous
Keyword Location: Paragraph A, lines 1-5
Explanation: For an act to be considered a gesture, it must be observable by another person and convey information to them, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The primary function of a gesture is to communicate a message, and the hand-wave is an example of such a gesture. To qualify as a gesture, the hand-wave must be easily comprehensible and unambiguous to others who observe it. In essence, a gesture is a deliberate action intended to convey meaning or information to someone else.

Paragraph B

Answer: viii
Supporting Sentence: This can be compared to the ring of a telephone. The speed, tone and intensity of a telephone remain the same for any phone call. Even the length of time before being told that the number you are dialing is not answering, unless the caller hangs up, is the same.
Keywords: telephone, speed, tone, dialing, hangs up
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, lines 4-8
Explanation: A telephone's ring can be likened to a gesture in that it is a consistent and recognizable signal with a predetermined meaning. The speed, tone, and intensity of the ring are consistent across all phone calls. The amount of time before being informed that the dialed number is not answering remains constant unless the caller hangs up. This uniformity of the ring's characteristics allows for it to be easily recognized and understood as a signal for an incoming call.

Paragraph C

Answer: v
Supporting Sentence: The shoulder shrug can also demonstrate submission or that what is being said isn't understood. Another example is that an angry person usually expresses his rage by waving his clenched fist rapidly and forcefully. Surprisingly, you may find that people of different cultures will do the same when they are offended.
Keywords: shoulder shrug, rage, clenched
Keyword Location: Paragraph C, lines 3-6
Explanation: The shoulder shrug is a gesture that can convey submission or indicate a lack of understanding. Similarly, a person who is angry may express their emotions by rapidly and forcefully waving a clenched fist. Interestingly, individuals from different cultural backgrounds may use the same gesture to indicate offense. This suggests that certain gestures may have universal meanings that transcend cultural boundaries.

Paragraph E

Answer: x
Supporting Sentence: The attention of research was also drawn to cultural themes. Researchers discovered that if a person has a good set of teeth, he or she would be prone to have a bigger smile than he or she should when good things happen. And if a person possesses a bad set of teeth, he or she would tend to have his or her mouth shut when being teased.
Keywords: research, cultural themes, teeth, mouth
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, lines 1-4
Explanation: Research has also examined the influence of cultural factors on nonverbal communication. For instance, studies have found that individuals with healthy teeth are more likely to exhibit a larger smile. It is in response to positive events than those with poor dental health. Conversely, individuals with dental issues may be more likely to keep their mouths closed when teased. These findings suggest that cultural norms and personal experiences can impact how nonverbal cues are expressed and interpreted.

Paragraph F

Answer: ii
Supporting Sentence: A hand purse gesture, which is formed by straightening the fingers and thumb of one hand and bringing them together so the tips touch, pointing upwards and shaping like a cone, carries different meanings in different countries.
Keywords: gesture, fingers, shaping
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, lines 1-4
Explanation: The hand purse gesture, characterized by joining the fingers and thumb of one hand to create a cone-like shape. The upward-facing tips, can convey distinct messages depending on the cultural context. Variations in the gesture's interpretation across different countries suggest that nonverbal communication is influenced by cultural norms and values.

Paragraph G

Answer: ix
Supporting Sentence: The situation is further complicated by the fact that some gestures mean totally different things in different countries. To take one example, in Saudi Arabia, stupidity can be signalled by touching the lower eyelid with the tip of the forefinger.
Keywords: complicated, gestures, Saudi Arabia,
Keyword Location: Paragraph G, lines 1-4
Explanation: The complexity of nonverbal communication is heightened by the fact that certain gestures can carry vastly different meanings across various countries and cultures. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, touching the lower eyelid with the tip of the forefinger is a gesture that conveys stupidity. This illustrates how cultural context can significantly influence the interpretation of nonverbal cues.

Questions 20 - 22:
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write your answers in boxes 20-22 on your answer sheet.

According to the passage, which aspect of the ringing of a telephone is compared with gestures?

The length of the ringing.
The unchanging sound of the ringing.
The telephone ringing intrudes upon our life.
The speed of ringing signals the urgency.

Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: This can be compared to the ring of a telephone. The speed, tone and intensity of a telephone remain the same for any phone call. Even the length of time before being told that the number you are dialing is not answering, unless the caller hangs up, is the same.
Keywords: telephone, speed, tone, dialing, hangs up
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, lines 4-8
Explanation: The ring of a telephone provides an apt comparison to nonverbal communication in that it is a consistent and recognizable signal with a predetermined meaning. Regardless of the caller or call recipient, the speed, tone, and intensity of a phone's ring are consistent. Additionally, the length of time before being informed that the dialed number is not answering remains constant unless the caller hangs up. This uniformity of the ring's characteristics allows for it to be easily recognized and understood as a signal for an incoming call.

Which of the diagrams below shows the gesture "Hand Purse?

The length of the ringing.
The unchanging sound of the ringing.
The telephone ringing intrudes upon our life.
The speed of ringing signals the urgency

Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: A hand purse gesture, which is formed by straightening the fingers and thumb of one hand and bringing them together so the tips touch, pointing upwards and shaping like a cone, carries different meanings in different countries.
Keywords: gesture, fingers, shaping
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, lines 1-4
Explanation: The hand purse gesture, where the fingers and thumb of one hand are straightened and brought together to create a cone-shaped. It is form with upward-facing tips, can convey varied messages depending on the cultural context. Differences in the interpretation of this gesture across various countries emphasize how nonverbal communication is influenced by cultural norms and values.

In which country should the gesture "Hand Purse" be used with caution?

Malta
Tusinia
Italy
France

Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: In Malta, it means heavy sarcasm: "you may seem good, but you are really bad.; in Tunisia, it is against recklessness, saying "slow down"; in Italy, it means What's the matter?" or "What are you trying to say?"; in France, it means "I am afraid"
Keywords: Malta, sarcasm, Tunisia
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, libes 4-6
Explanation: The meaning of the hand purse gesture varies depending on the cultural context in which it is used. For instance, in Malta, it can be employed to convey heavy sarcasm, as in the phrase "you may seem good, but you are really bad." In Tunisia, it is used to caution against recklessness, with the intended message being "slow down." In Italy, the gesture is often employed to ask "what's the matter?" or to inquire about the intended message. In France, the gesture is used to express fear, with the intended message being "I am afraid." These examples underscore how nonverbal communication is influenced by cultural norms. Further, can convey vastly different meanings across different regions and societies.

Questions 23 - 25:
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2?
In boxes 23-25 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 orn this

Angry people are often in the same age range or group.

Answer: Not given
Explanation: There has been no relevant information provided in the reading passage above.

Personal physical characteristics may affect the gesture used.

Answer: True
Supporting Sentence: A hand purse gesture, which is formed by straightening the fingers and thumb of one hand and bringing them together so the tips touch, pointing upwards and shaping like a cone, carries different meanings in different countries.
Keywords: gesture, fingers, shaping
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, lines 1-4
Explanation: The hand purse gesture, created by extending the fingers and thumb of one hand and joining their tips to form a cone-like shape. It points upwards, can convey divergent meanings in various nations. This demonstrates how nonverbal communication is shaped by cultural norms and values, and can be subject to diverse interpretations depending on the context.

A Gesture Variant can still be understood by the members of the same culture.

Answer: True
Supporting Sentence: It was referred to as a Gesture Variant, which indicates that individuals' gesture production is a complex process, in which speakers' internal and external factors and interactions could play a role in multi-modal communication.
Keywords: Gesture Variant, individuals', speakers'
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, lines 6-9
Explanation: The term "Gesture Variant" is used to describe the complex process of gesture production. It is influenced by both internal and external factors and interactions. This highlights the intricate nature of multi-modal communication, where speakers utilize a range of nonverbal cues to convey meaning.

Question 26:
According to the passage, what is the writer's purpose in writing this passage?
Choose the correct letter A, B, CorD
Write you answer in box 26 on your answer sheet.

to clarify the origin of gesture-based communication
to promote the worldwide use of gestures
to investigate whether gesture use affects information content
to explain the concept of gesture.

Answer: D
Supporting Sentence: This expressive movement can be coaxed into a choreographic form if observed carefully. People can practice spontaneous gesture by forming pairs, then observing and questioning each other. They then show the group what they have collected from their partners. It is fun to surprise a group using this technique.
Keywords: expressive, coaxed, choreographic
Keyword Location: Paragraph D, lines 3-7
Explanation: By paying close attention, one can identify the choreographic potential of expressive movement. Through partner observation and inquiry, individuals can practice spontaneous gesture and develop their nonverbal communication skills. This involves sharing what they have learned with the group, which can lead to fun and surprising outcomes.

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