Paleolithic Cave Art Ielts Reading Answers May 2026

"Prehistoric Cave Paintings Took up to 20,000 Years to Complete." Report 1: Paleolithic Cave Art (Lascaux vs. Chauvet)

Section C: True / False / Not Given

Questions 11-13: Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN. paleolithic cave art ielts reading answers

Paleolithic cave art refers to the prehistoric paintings, drawings, and engravings found in caves and rock shelters, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. These ancient artworks were created by early humans, likely for ritualistic, spiritual, or communicative purposes. The most famous examples of paleolithic cave art include the cave paintings of Lascaux in France and Altamira in Spain. "Prehistoric Cave Paintings Took up to 20,000 Years

5 Golden Tips for This Topic

  1. Don’t bring outside knowledge. You may know the Lascaux caves were closed to the public in 1963. If the passage doesn’t say it, it’s Not Given.
  2. Watch for synonyms. The passage may say “Upper Paleolithic” while the question says “late Stone Age.”
  3. Numbers are traps. “Over 300 caves” vs. “more than 350” – check exactly.
  4. Purpose vs. Fact. Many answers hinge on whether a statement is a proven fact (yes) or a proposed theory (not given or false if stated as absolute).
  5. Time markers are critical. “40,000 years ago” vs. “20,000 years ago” – different periods, different art styles.

Quick background (1–2 lines)

Paleolithic cave art — paintings and engravings from roughly 40,000–10,000 years ago — appears across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia and often features animals, human figures, symbols, and hand stencils; interpretations include ritual, hunting magic, and social signaling. Don’t bring outside knowledge

The use of color in paleolithic cave art is a striking feature. Researchers have identified several distinct colors, including red, black, and yellow, which were used to create the paintings. The colors may have held symbolic meanings, with red possibly representing life and vitality.