The Role of Investigative Journalism Reading Answers

Aug 25, 2025

The Role of Investigative Journalism Reading Answers is an academic reading answers topic. The Role of Investigative Journalism Reading Answers has a total of 7 IELTS questions in total. In the question set given, you have to state whether the statement is true, false or not given with the information given in the text.

The IELTS Reading section is an essential part of the test that evaluates a candidate's comprehension and analysis of various passage types. You will work through a number of IELTS reading practice problems in this section that resemble actual test situations. These questions are designed to help you improve your ability to recognise essential concepts, extract particular facts, and make inferences. Practising these IELTS reading problems can help you get comfortable with the structure and increase your confidence for the exam, regardless of whether you are studying for the Academic or General Training module.

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Section 1

THE ROLE OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM

Investigative journalism refers to a type of journalism where reporters conduct in-depth research to uncover hidden truths about significant issues such as political scandals, corruption, or misuse of power. Unlike daily news reporting, which often relies on official sources, press releases, or scheduled events, investigative journalism is proactive.

Journalists may spend months - sometimes even years - working on a single story. The aim of such journalism is not simply to inform but to reveal. Investigative journalists use a wide array of methods: examining public documents, analyzing financial records, using confidential informants, and sometimes even going undercover. The goal is to find facts that are not readily available to the public. This kind of work is often risky and may involve legal or personal threats.

The Watergate scandal in the 1970s is perhaps the most well-known example of investigative journalism. Reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncovered a political conspiracy that eventually led to the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon. More recently, investigations like the Panama Papers have highlighted international tax avoidance by powerful individuals.

Despite its importance, investigative journalism is under threat. Many media organizations have reduced funding for such projects due to high costs and lower immediate returns. It is far cheaper to publish breaking news or viral content than to fund a months-long investigation. However, nonprofit groups and international collaborations have emerged to support this essential work.

While time-consuming and costly, investigative journalism is considered vital to a healthy democracy. By exposing wrongdoing and holding authorities accountable it helps to ensure transparency and justice in society.

Questions 1-7

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

TRUE - if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE - if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN — if there is no information

1. Investigative journalism usually focuses on issues like entertainment and sports.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: Investigative journalism refers to a type of journalism where reporters conduct in-depth research to uncover hidden truths about significant issues such as political scandals, corruption, or misuse of power.

Keywords: political scandals, corruption, misuse of power

Keyword Location: Para 1, Lines 2-3

Explanation: The text states that investigative journalism focuses on serious issues like political scandals and corruption, not entertainment and sports.

2. Journalists working in this field rely heavily on press releases.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: Unlike daily news reporting, which often relies on official sources, press releases, or scheduled events, investigative journalism is proactive

Keywords: daily news reporting, press releases

Keyword Location: Para 1, Lines 3-4

Explanation: The passage explicitly contrasts investigative journalism with daily news reporting, stating that the latter (not investigative journalism) often relies on press releases. Investigative journalism is described as proactive and uses different methods.

3. Investigative reports can sometimes take years to complete.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: Journalists may spend months - sometimes even years - working on a single story.

Keywords: months, sometimes even years

Keyword Location: Para 2, Line 1

Explanation: The text directly states that journalists sometimes spend even years working on a story.

4. Undercover work may be involved in gathering information.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: Investigative journalists use a wide array of methods: examining public documents, analyzing financial records, using confidential informants, and sometimes even going undercover.

Keywords: confidential informants, going undercover

Keyword Location: Para 2, Lines 3-4

Explanation: The passage lists, sometimes even going undercover, as one of the methods used by investigative journalists.

5. The Watergate case ended in the imprisonment of two reporters.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: Reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncovered a political conspiracy that eventually led to the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon

Keywords: resignation, U.S. President Richard Nixon

Keyword Location: Para 3, Line 3

Explanation: The passage states that the Watergate scandal led to President Nixon's resignation, but it makes no mention of the reporters being imprisoned.

6. Investigative journalism is often expensive to produce.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: Many media organizations have reduced funding for such projects due to high costs and lower immediate returns

Keywords: media organizations, high costs

Keyword Location: Para 4, Lines 1-2

Explanation: The text clearly states that media organizations have reduced funding for investigative journalism due to high costs.

7. Some nonprofit organizations are helping support investigative reporting.

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: However, nonprofit groups and international collaborations have emerged to support this essential work.

Keywords: nonprofit groups, essential work

Keyword Location: Para 4, Line 4

Explanation: The role of nonprofits in supporting investigative journalism is explicitly stated.