IELTS Reading Sample (Academic) #13

Prior to the 19th century, professional (1) did not exist and scientific research was largely carried out by amateurs. However, while (2) today is mostly the domain of professionals, a recent US survey highlighted the fact that amateurs play an important role in at least seven (3) and indeed many professionals are reliant on their (4) In areas such as astronomy, amateurs can be invaluable when making specific (5) on a global basis. Similarly in the area of palaeontology their involvement is invaluable and helpers are easy to recruit because of the popularity of (6) Amateur birdwatchers also play an active role and their work has led to the establishment of a (7) Occasionally the term ‘amateur’ has been the source of disagreement and alternative names have been suggested but generally speaking, as long as the professional scientists (8) the work of the non-professionals, the two groups can work productively together.