The CT Scanner IELTS Reading Answers
In the IELTS exam, reading skills play a vital role in scoring a high band. The IELTS Reading skills are checked with 40 questions of different types such as matching heading, sentence formation, true false not given and so on for 60 minutes. The solutions and explanations for The CT Scanner IELTS Reading Answers are discussed in this post. The types of questions asked in this passage are:
- Matching Headings
- Locating Specific Information
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Section 1
Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions
The CT Scanner IELTS Reading Answers
- The computed tomography scanner, better known as the CT scanner, was originally designed to provide cross-sectional images of the brain. The word tomography comes from the Greek word tomos, meaning “section,” and graphia, meaning “picture.” Godfrey Hounsfield developed the technique in 1972 and was later knighted and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the medical field. Within four years of this development, CT scans, also called CAT scans (computed axial tomography), were restructured, allowing technicians to scan the entire body for evidence of tumours, injuries, and other abnormalities. Rather than taking a single picture as in an X-ray, a CT scanner sends several beams into an area and takes photographs from many different angles.
- While the original CT scans took Hounsfield several hours to reconstruct into a useful image, today’s machines can produce an in-depth image in a fraction of a second. Creating a scanner that could produce images at a faster rate was crucial in the development of tomography, as it reduced the degree of distortion in an image caused when patients breathed and moved. As well as providing images with better resolution, today’s scanners also provide more comfort for the patient.
- During a CT scan, a patient must lie still on a special table while the radiology technician locates the specific area that needs to be photographed. The table slides into a round tunnel (gantry), where it can be rotated or moved forward and backwards in order to obtain the necessary view. Inside the doughnut-shaped machine, a number of X rays are taken, each producing a small slice of the image that doctors require. When passing through dense tissue such as a bone, the X-ray beams are weak and appear white in the CT images. Tissues such as those found in the brain are less dense and appear grey. Images that appear black denote organs such as lungs or others that can fill with air.
- The CT scanner is made up of several computer systems, including the host computer, which organizes the entire process. One of the computers converts the raw data into an image, while another allows the technician to control the rotation of the gantry. After the information is processed, it is displayed on a monitor for radiologists and physicians to analyze. The information is also saved and printed to keep in a doctor’s records and to share and discuss with patients and their family members.
- Physicians order CT scans for a number of different reasons, including searching for and assessing tumours, cysts, kidney stones, and bone injuries. Without this technology, surgeons would have to perform many needless and costly operations. Brain, chest, and abdominal CT scans are the most common, though physicians also rely on the CT scanner to guide their needles while draining an abscess or performing a biopsy. Most emergency or shock-treatment centres contain a CT scanner in order to assess trauma victims. CT scans can pinpoint internal bleeding both in the brain and throughout the body.
- In many cases, a patient must be given a contrast material before undergoing a CT scan. During “dynamic CT scanning,” iodine dye is either injected into the blood or added to a drink that the patient must ingest approximately forty-five minutes before entering the scanner. The liquid X-ray dye makes it easier to see the organs and blood vessels when the pictures are developed. The intravenous contrast material is typically used for chest or pelvic scans, while oral-contrast material is used for abdominal scans. In some cases, physicians request that pictures be taken both before and after the contrast material enters the patient’s body. Patients who receive contrast material in the arm often report feeling a warm sensation, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction occurs. Contrast material causes water loss and is avoided when scanning patients who suffer from kidney failure.
- The danger of radiation exposure caused by X-ray beams is generally considered minimal compared to the benefits that a CT scan can provide. In many cases, especially in the detection of tumours and internal bleeding, CT scans provide information that can save a person’s life. Full-body scanning, which is saved for serious conditions such as coronary artery disease, remains a controversial procedure as prolonged exposure to radiation is linked to cancer. Pregnant women are excluded from receiving CT scans, as the X rays can be harmful to the fetus. When pregnant women require an evaluation, most physicians favour using other procedures such as an ultrasound or an MRI.
Section 2
Solution and Explanation
Question 1-7:
The following reading passage has seven sections, A - G. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number (i–x) on lines 1-7 on your answer sheet.
NB: There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use them all.
| List of Headings: i) Scanning the Brain and Chest ii) The Role of Computers iii) The CT Scan is Invented iv) The High Cost of CT Scans v) Risks associated with the CT Scan vi) Emergency Room Care vii) Faster and More Comfortable viii) How Doctors Use CT Scan ix) The Patient is Photographed x) Enhancing Scan Images with Dyes |
- Section A
Answer: iii- The CT Scan is Invented
Supporting Sentence: Godfrey Hounsfield developed the technique in 1972 and was later knighted and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the medical field.
Keywords: CT Scan, invented
Keyword Location: Section A, Lines 4
Explanation: The passage mentions that the CT scan was developed by Godfrey Hounsfield in 1972. Here “developing” refers to the invention of the machine. Hence, the appropriate heading is “v.”
Read More IELTS Reading Related Samples
- Section B
Answer: vii- Faster and More Comfortable
Supporting Sentence: Creating a scanner that could produce images at a faster rate was crucial in the development of tomography, as it reduced the degree of distortion in an image caused when patients breathed and moved. As well as providing images with better resolution, today’s scanners also provide more comfort for the patient.
Keywords: Faster, comfortable
Keyword Location: Section B, Lines 3-6
Explanation: The passage mentions that modern CT scanners are fast as well as they produce a good quality picture within a fraction of seconds and also offer comfort to patients.
- Section C
Answer: viii- How Doctors Use CT Scan
Supporting Sentence: During a CT scan, a patient must lie still on a special table while the radiology technician locates the specific area that needs to be photographed.
Keywords: Doctors, use, CT Scan
Keyword Location: Section C, Line 1
Explanation: The whole passage deals with how experts use CT scans. The radiologists make the patients lie on the bed and use X-ray to produce images.
- Section D
Answer: ii- The Role of Computers
Supporting Sentence: The CT scanner is made up of several computer systems, including the host computer, which organizes the entire process.
Keywords: Role, computers
Keyword Location: Section D, Line 1
Explanation: The passage mentions that a CT scanner is made up of many computers that work together to produce the final image. While one converts the raw data into an image, another allows the technician to control the rotation of the gantry.
- Section E
Answer: i- Scanning the Brain and Chest
Supporting Sentence: Brain, chest, and abdominal CT scans are the most common, though physicians also rely on the CT scanner to guide their needles while draining an abscess or performing a biopsy.
Keywords: Scanning, brain, chest
Keyword Location: Section E, Line 4
Explanation: The passage mentions that the most common types of CT scans are brain and chest as any internal damage on the tissues can be easily identified.
- Section F
Answer: x- Enhancing Scan Images with Dyes
Supporting Sentence: The liquid X-ray dye makes it easier to see the organs and blood vessels when the pictures are developed.
Keywords: Enhancing, scan images, dyes
Keyword Location: Section F, Line 4
Explanation: The passage mentions that in many cases, a liquid dye is infused into the body of patients either by ingestion or permeated through the blood which makes it easier to see organs and blood vessels.
- Section G
Answer: v- Risks associated with the CT Scan
Supporting Sentence: The danger of radiation exposure caused by X-ray beams is generally considered minimal compared to the benefits that a CT scan can provide.
Keywords: Risks, associated, CT Scan
Keyword Location: Section G, Line 1
Explanation: The passage mentions that the danger associated with radiation exposure is present but it is minimal. Although the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but risk is present in using CT scans.
Questions 8-10:
Which of the following are facts about the original CT scanner mentioned in the passage?
Choose THREE answers from the list below and write the correct letters, A-F, in boxes 8-10 on your answer sheet.
- It made it difficult for patients to breathe.
- It was created to take pictures of the brain.
- It was much bigger than current CT scanners.
- It was developed in 1972.
- It took several hours to produce a completed image.
- It produced images in colour.
Question 8:
Answer: E
Supporting Sentence: While the original CT scans took Hounsfield several hours to reconstruct into a useful image, today’s machines can produce an in-depth image in a fraction of a second.
Keywords: Took, several hours, produce, completed images
Keyword Location: Section B, Line 1
Explanation: It is mentioned that the original CT scans took several hours to produce an image. Hence E is the correct answer.
Question 9:
Answer: D
Supporting Sentence: Godfrey Hounsfield developed the technique in 1972 and was later knighted and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the medical field.
Keywords: Developed, 1972
Keyword Location: Section A, Line 4
Explanation: It is mentioned that the CT scan was developed by Godfrey Hounsfield in 1972. Hence, D is the correct answer.
Question 10:
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: The computed tomography scanner, better known as the CT scanner, was originally designed to provide cross-sectional images of the brain.
Keywords: Created, take pictures, brain
Keyword Location: Section A, Line 1
Explanation: It is mentioned that CT scan was originally made to capture the image of the brain. Hence, B is the correct answer.
Questions 11-13:
Which of the following are facts about contrast materials used for CT scans mentioned in the passage?
Choose THREE answers from the list below and write the correct letters, A-F, in boxes 11-13 on your answer sheet.
- They are bright in colour.
- They can be given by injection.
- They have a bitter taste.
- They might cause a feeling of warmth in the arm.
- They are administered only by a specially trained technician.
- They may cause allergies in a few patients.
Question 11:
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: During “dynamic CT scanning,” iodine dye is either injected into the blood or added to a drink that the patient must ingest approximately forty-five minutes before entering the scanner.
Keywords: Given, injection
Keyword Location: Section F, Line 2
Explanation: It is mentioned that the dye which is used as a contrast material can be either injected in the bloodstream or ingested orally. Hence, B is the correct answer.
Question 12:
Answer: F
Supporting Sentence: Patients who receive contrast material in the arm often report feeling a warm sensation, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction occurs.
Keywords: Cause, allergies, patients
Keyword Location: Section F, Line 8-9
Explanation: It is mentioned that though very few patients might develop allergic reactions to the contrast material. Hence, F is the correct answer.
Question 13:
Answer: D
Supporting Sentence: Patients who receive contrast material in the arm often report feeling a warm sensation, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction occurs.|
Keywords: Cause, feeling, warmth
Keyword Location: Section F, Line 8
Explanation: It is mentioned that some patients might feel a warm sensation when facing contrast material. Hence, D is the correct answer.
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