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Cambridge 13 Academic Reading Test Two Passage Two
Oxytocin
Reading Passage 2 has six paragraphs, A—F.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
NB You may use any letter more than once.
14. reference to research showing the beneficial effects of oxytocin on people
The answer is B.
In paragraph two, in a groundbreaking experiment, Markus Heinrichs and his colleagues at the University of Freiburg, Germany, asked volunteers to do an activity in which they could invest money with an anonymous person who was not guaranteed to be honest.
15. reasons why the effects of oxytocin are complex
The answer is F.
In paragraph six, ‘Oxytocin probably does some very basic things, but once you add our higher-order thinking and social situations, these basic processes could manifest in different ways depending on individual differences and context.’
16. mention of a period in which oxytocin attracted little scientific attention
The answer is B.
In paragraph two, ‘For eight years, it was quite a lonesome field,‘ Heinrichs recalls.
17. reference to people ignoring certain aspects of their research data
The answer is E.
In paragraph five, where once researchers took no notice of such findings, now a more nuanced understanding of oxytocin’s effects its propelling investigations down new lines.
Look at the following research findings (Questions 18–20) and the list of researchers below.
Match each research finding with the correct researcher, A–F.
18. People are more trusting when affected by oxytocin.
The answer is A. > Markus Heinrichs
In paragraph one, one sniff of it can, it is claimed, make a person more trusting, empathetic, generous, and cooperative.
19. Oxytocin increases people’s feelings of jealousy.
The answer is B. > Simone Shamay-Tsoory
In paragraph three, Simone Shamay-Tsoory at the University of Haifa, Isreal, found that when volunteers played a competitive game, those who inhaled the hormone showed more pleasure when they beat other players, and felt more envy when others won.
20. The effect of oxytocin varies from one type of person to another.
The answer is C. > Jennifer Bartz
In paragraph five, Bartz has recently shown that in almost half of the existing research results, oxytocin influenced only certain individuals or in certain circumstances.
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Oxytocin research
21. The earliest findings about oxytocin and bonding came from research involving ….. .
The answer is ANIMALS.
In paragraph one, it was through various studies focusing on animals that scientists first became aware of the influence of oxytocin.
22. It was also discovered that humans produce oxytocin during ….. .
The answer is CHILDBIRTH.
In paragraph one, it is also released by women in childbirth, strengthening the attachment between mother and baby.
23. An experiment in 2005, in which participants were given either oxytocin or a …., reinforced the belief that the hormone had a positive effect.
The answer is PLACEBO.
In paragraph two, the team found that participants who had sniffed oxytocin via a nasal spray beforehand invested more money than those who received a placebo instead.
24. A study at the University of Haifa where participants took part in a …. revealed the negative emotions which oxytocin can trigger.
The answer is GAME.
In paragraph three, Simone Shamay-Tsoory at the University of Haifa, Israel, found that when volunteers played a competitive game, those who inhaled the hormone showed more pleasure when they beat other players, and felt more envy when others won.
25. A study at the University of Antwerp showed people’s lack of willingness to help …. while under the influence of oxytocin.
The answer is STRANGERS.
In paragraph four, studies conducted by Carolyn DeClerch of the University of Antwerp, Belgium, revealed that people who had received a dose of oxytocin actually became less cooperative when dealing with complete strangers.
26. Meanwhile, research at the University of Amsterdam revealed that people who have been given oxytocin consider … that are familiar to them in their own country to have more positive associations than those from other cultures.
The answer is NAMES.
In paragraph four, Dutch men became quicker to associate positive words with Dutch names than with foreign ones, for example.