Life without numbers

Life without numbers

Based on 'Achieve IELTS Grammar & Vocabulary'

1. Read the passage and choose the correct answer.

Ignore the gaps at this stage.

The scientist's name is actually Everett, not Everitt.

Now answer the two questions.

Go to the next slide.

Multiple Choice

The language

• has very complex phonological patterns.

• has no written form.

• has a wide range of vocabulary.

Multiple Choice

The Piraha people

• communicate by whistling.

• survive by trading.

• have good numeracy skills.

Addition and concession

We add information using linking words for addition and give contrasting or opposite ideas with linking words for concession.

Read the text again and put sentences A-E on the next slide into the correct part of the passage 1-5.

To complete this activity, proceed to the next slide.

Multiple Choice

A. In contrast to other cultures, they put huge emphasis on immediate physical experience.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

B. As a matter of fact, it has only ten phonemes.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

C. Indeed, as far as the Piraha tribe is concerned, everything exists in the present.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

D. What is more, they have no collective memory going back more than two generations.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

E. They actually have no distinct words to describe them.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

3. Choose the correct alternative

Multiple Choice

The language has a number of unusual features. ____________, it is so strange that it fascinates linguists and ethnologists.

• As a matter of fact

• What is more

Multiple Choice

he Piraha can’t count ______ communicate through humming and whistling.

• and

• yet

Multiple Choice

There is no past tense in the Piraha language. __________, there is no means of saying, for example, ‘I ate’.

• Moreover

• Actually

Multiple Choice

Life for the Piraha is about the present. ____________, they have no desire whatsoever to remember where they came from.

• Indeed

• Furthermore

Multiple Choice

________________ to other societies, the Piraha are hunter-gatherers who seldom trade.

• In contrast

• In addition

Multiple Choice

Not only are the Piraha unable to write, they ____ cannot draw.

• too

• also

4. Complete the summary using words and phrases for addition, concession and contradiction. You may use each word or phrase more than once.

Fill in the Blanks