IELTS® Academic Reading Practice 50

The answer is vii. Section A discusses how, as eastern agricultural land became less plentiful, the federal government turned its focus to promoting settlements in the West. The section states, "A western rural settlement was the goal, as it would provide homesteads for the sons and daughters of eastern farmers." This matches the heading "In order to ease overcrowding, the government promotes resettlement."

Associated Text:
Meanwhile, rural settlements were the true focus of the federal government’s attention. A western rural settlement was the goal, as it would provide homesteads for the sons and daughters of eastern farmers. At this time, eastern agricultural land quickly became less plentiful as the populations grew.

The answer is v. Section B focuses on the expansion of law enforcement as new settlements are planned, specifically with the creation of the Mounted Police Force (NWMP) to secure the area for settlers. The section states, "The Canadian government then formed a Mounted Police Force in the following year of 1873. These Mounties traveled west to make sure the area was secured for incoming settlers." This matches the heading "As migration is planned, law and order spreads."

Associated Text:
The Canadian government then formed a Mounted Police Force in the following year of 1873. These Mounties traveled west to make sure the area was secured for incoming settlers.

The answer is ii. Section C describes the construction of a transcontinental railway to connect eastern and western Canada. The text says, "They began building a transcontinental railway to connect the eastern and western expanses of Canada. With the help of the railway, western Canada would be able to sustain the growing urban industrial population of the east with food, the trade-off being that eastern Canadian manufactured goods would be able to reach the eastern part of the country." This is a clear fit for "An improved infrastructure allow easier movement of people and goods."

Associated Text:
They began building a transcontinental railway to connect the eastern and western expanses of Canada. With the help of the railway, western Canada would be able to sustain the growing urban industrial population of the east with food, the trade-off being that eastern Canadian manufactured goods would be able to reach the eastern part of the country.

The answer is i. Section D emphasizes a period of rapid development and the high impact that growth had on the area, especially referencing Winnipeg's transformation and regional development: "...resulted in a period of rapid development from years 1881-1883, transforming small settlements such as Portage la Prairie and Brandon into towns, in addition to a significant boost to the population size of Manitoba." This aligns with "A period of high growth has an impact on the newly populated region."

Associated Text:
...resulted in a period of rapid development from years 1881-1883, transforming small settlements such as Portage la Prairie and Brandon into towns, in addition to a significant boost to the population size of Manitoba.

The answer is vi. Section E discusses how the population in Winnipeg and its surroundings went from being mostly British/English Protestant to including more immigrants from countries like Austria-Hungary and Ukraine, thus making the region more culturally and nationally diverse. The text states, "However, the population did not remain ethnically homogenous for long as more immigrants from foreign lands began to arrive." This matches "Western Canada become culturally and nationally more diverse."

Associated Text:
However, the population did not remain ethnically homogenous for long as more immigrants from foreign lands began to arrive. Many immigrants came from Austria-Hungary and Ukraine, thus influencing the ethnic makeup of the settler populations in British settlements, older First Nation Metis, and Selkirk.

The answer is ix. Section F describes a period when Canada lost its appeal to immigrants, primarily due to an economic depression and increased competition from other regions like the United States and South America. The section says, "During the 1870s and 1880s, an economic depression suppressed the value of Canada’s most important exports, dissuading many from settling permanently in the West...Many immigrants and thousands of Canadians were drawn to the appeal of the American frontier." This matches the heading "Canada loses its appeal and immigrants are drawn to other developing countries."

Associated Text:
During the 1870s and 1880s, an economic depression suppressed the value of Canada’s most important exports, dissuading many from settling permanently in the West...Many immigrants and thousands of Canadians were drawn to the appeal of the American frontier.

The answer is iv. Section G compares life in urban areas (described as slum-like) with rural living, explaining why social reformers preferred and advocated rural lifestyles. The text notes, "The social reformers of the time thought that a rural lifestyle would allow people to be healthier, more moral, and more charitable than they would be in an urban lifestyle." This matches the heading "A rural lifestyle is considered healthier and thereby preferential to that of life in the city."

Associated Text:
The social reformers of the time thought that a rural lifestyle would allow people to be healthier, more moral, and more charitable than they would be in an urban lifestyle.

The answer is x. Section H outlines various methods the Canadian government used to attract immigrants, such as offering land, establishing agencies, and encouraging letters from settlers home. The text says, "The Canadian government advertised the appeals of Canada to potential migrants abroad in a few different ways." This fits the heading "The approaches used in order to encourage people to come to Canada."

Associated Text:
The Canadian government advertised the appeals of Canada to potential migrants abroad in a few different ways. The government proposed giving away land to farmers either for free or at subsidized prices. In addition to this, agents and/or agencies were established to bring in migrants from overseas. The assisted passage from abroad and cash bonuses and commissions to agents and settlers advertised on pamphlets enticed even more immigrants into Canada.