IELTS® Academic Reading Practice 80

The answer is v. Section A discusses the view that historical relics provide infallible testimony about the past and that museums were seen as places for collections of objects that served as factual evidence. This is supported by statements in Section A such as, “The conviction that historical relics provide infallible testimony about the past is rooted in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when science was regarded as objective and value free,” and “Such conviction was, until recently, reflected in museum displays. Museums used to look — and some still do — much like storage rooms of objects packed together in showcases.” These lines show that the main focus was on collections of factual evidence before changes in museum curation styles were introduced.

Associated Text:
The conviction that historical relics provide infallible testimony about the past is rooted in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when science was regarded as objective and value free. Such conviction was, until recently, reflected in museum displays. Museums used to look — and some still do — much like storage rooms of objects packed together in showcases: good for scholars who wanted to study the subtle differences in design, but not for the ordinary visitor.

The answer is ii. Section B discusses changed attitudes towards the presentation of history in museums. The first sentence reads, "Recently, however, attitudes towards history and the way it should be presented have altered." The paragraph also mentions criticism of developments that make heritage displays more interactive and vivid, stating that “Such developments have been criticised as an intolerable vulgarisation, but the success of many historical theme parks and similar locations suggests that the majority of the public does not share this opinion.” This shows that there are mixed views regarding current changes.

Associated Text:
Recently, however, attitudes towards history and the way it should be presented have altered. Such developments have been criticised as an intolerable vulgarisation. but the success of many historical theme parks and similar locations suggests that the majority of the public does not share this opinion.

The answer is vi. Section C talks about the diminishing differences between museums, heritage sites, and theme parks. The very first sentence is “In a related development, the sharp distinction between museum and heritage sites on the one hand, and theme parks on the other, is gradually evaporating.” The paragraph then details how these different places are adopting similar approaches, showing the blurring of boundaries between them.

Associated Text:
In a related development, the sharp distinction between museum and heritage sites on the one hand, and theme parks on the other. is gradually evaporating. They already borrow ideas and concepts from one another.

The answer is i. Section D explains the commercial pressures on museum and heritage professionals. It begins by noting that theme parks are changing in response to market forces and then discusses the competitive environment for museums and heritage sites: “they are also operating in a very competitive environment, where visitors make choices on how and where to spend their free time.” The paragraph finishes by saying that those interpreting history must “steer a narrow course between the demands of ‘evidence’ and ‘attractiveness especially given the increasing need in the heritage industry for income generating activities.” This clearly shows the commercial pressures that people in charge face.

Associated Text:
This development is a response to market forces and, although museums and heritage sites have a special. rather distinct, role to fulfill, they are also operating in a very competitive environment, where visitors make choices on how and where to spend their free time. Heritage and museum experts do not have to invent stories and recreate historical environments to attract their visitors: their assets are already in place. However, exhibits must be both based on artefacts and facts as we know them, and attractively presented. Those who are professionally engaged in the art of interpreting history are thus in a difficult position, as they must steer a narrow course between the demands of 'evidence' and 'attractiveness especially given the increasing need in the heritage industry for income generating activities.

The answer is iii. Section E discusses how interpretations in museums are influenced by modern expectations and perceptions. For example, it states, “historical accuracy must be increasingly altered,” and provides examples such as Pithecanthropus erectus depicted with Malay features and Neanderthal man shown in a dominant gesture, reflecting current ideas more than historical fact. This means the facts are interpreted to meet what visitors expect or can relate to.

Associated Text:
It could be claimed that in order to make everything in heritage more `real` historical accuracy must be increasingly altered. For example, Pithecanthropus erectus is depicted in an Indonesian museum with Malay facial features, because this corresponds to public perceptions. Similarly, in the Museum of Natural History in Washington, Neanderthal man is shown making a dominant gesture to his wife. Such presentations tell us more about contemporary perceptions of the world than about our ancestors.