- Study Abroad
- / ielts
- / salicylic acid reading answers
Salicylic Acid Reading Answers
Author
16-09-2025
The Salicylic acid reading answers are given here.
| 1. vii | 5. vi | 9. G | 13. A |
| 2. ix | 6. x | 10. A | |
| 3. iii | 7. iv | 11. F | |
| 4. ii | 8. viii | 12. D |
According to students, IELTS reading is not an easy module to solve; however, practising more can make it easy.
Salicylic acid reading answers will aid you to develop your reading capabilities and your understanding as well as a wide range of vocabulary. To practise more, prefer to know about all IELTS reading question types, and you will be able to score high in exams.
- IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions
- IELTS Reading Matching Sentence Endings
- IELTS Reading Matching Headings
Check out our YouTube Channel to Practice Full-Length IELTS Reading Tests Daily
IELTS Reading Passage - Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid
The Greek physician Hippocrates observed that a powder obtained from the bark of the white willow tree (Salix Alba) may reduce fevers and relieve pain, after that the effects of salicylic acid were first recorded in the fifth century BC. According to surviving evidence, ancient civilizations in the Middle East and North America also used willow bark for similar reasons. And so far, it was not until 1826 that Johann Andreas Buchner, a German pharmacologist from the University of Munich, distilled and named the active component of willow bark as salicin. A few years later, the procedure of isolation was improved, and the Italian scientist Raffaele Piria accomplished the chemical synthesis of salicylic acid. By the end of the nineteenth century, the German corporation Bayer was commercially selling the medication as tablets under the brand name Aspirin, and it quickly became a mainstay in Western medical cabinets.
Despite the fact that over-the-counter pain medications continue to be the most common use for salicylic acid, its uses have expanded significantly over the years. For example, in the area of dermatology, salicylic acid in the form of skin cream is recognized for its cleaning and complexion-improving properties. Due to its ability to soften and eliminate keratin, a type of "glue" in the skin's structure, salicylic acid can be utilised to treat a variety of diseases in which the skin has experienced an excessive accumulation or congestion of skin cells. All of these disorders, which include acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and folliculitis, have shown remarkable resistance to other treatments. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory characteristics and, as a consequence, may calm irritated skin, whilst other medications tend to worsen the issue.
While it has a reputation as a 'gentle' chemical in comparison to other alternatives, salicylic acid creams in high dosages may be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Long-term use of highly concentrated salicylic acid, specifically amounts used to remove warts, corns, and calluses, may result in chemical burns. Hyperpigmentation, a blotchy darkening of skin tone, may also occur in individuals with darker skin and those who expose themselves to excessive UV radiation after treatment. For this reason, the majority of over-the-counter face creams have a concentration range of 2% to 3%.
Moreover, salicylic acid has a variety of fewer applications. Because of its antibacterial qualities, it is used to produce bismuth subsalicylate, the active component in a variety of popular treatments for stomach distress and other intestinal issues. Some research shows that salicylic acid may eliminate E. coli. Coli Bacteria and, as a result, lowers diarrhoea and gastrointestinal discomfort in numerous patients. The buildup of bismuth subsalicylate in the body is harmful, hence its usage over the long term is prohibited.
Salicylic acid in the form of aspirin tablets is commonly used to reduce fever, aches and pains, and inflammation; however, when consumed, it can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach irritation or bleeding, as well as other undesirable side effects, which have been a problem for many aspirin users over the years. Epidemiological study indicates a correlation between the use of aspirin in children with a viral illness and a potentially fatal condition known as Reye's syndrome. Children appear to be especially vulnerable, as aspirin use in children with a viral illness has been linked to the potentially fatal Reye's syndrome. As a consequence, the Food and Drug Administration has urged parents to avoid giving aspirin to all kids and teenagers with fever.
In addition to its extensive use in human and animal medicine, salicylic acid is also important to the survival of many plant species. It seems to prevent fungal and bacterial infections by discouraging their development. Because of its involvement in plant responses to abiotic conditions including drought, extreme cold or heat, and heavy metal toxicity, it also functions as a therapeutic agent of sorts.
It's a component found in many different kinds of fruit, such as berries, dates, raisins, kiwis, olives, and tomatoes. Along with a few vegetables, mushrooms, and almonds have a strong salicylic acid content. Rowett Research Institute found that a very spicy curry had more salicylic acid than a dose of aspirin due to the high levels of turmeric and curcumin used to make the dish.
In order to protect some patients against heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation, some doctors advise their patients to take aspirin on a regular basis at very low doses. There is growing evidence that it may help prevent certain forms of cancer. However, it is not recommended that healthy people begin taking daily aspirin as a preventative measure, as positive lifestyle changes can be made instead: quitting smoking, consuming little or no alcohol, and maintaining a normal weight by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. These alterations to one's lifestyle may not be simple, but they are tremendously advantageous in the long term. If withdrawal symptoms are intense (from nicotine or coffee, for instance), you might take a few aspirin to relieve the brief pain.
Salicylic Acid IELTS Reading Questions
Questions 1
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Circle the correct letter in
1. What is the writer's overall purpose in writing this article?
- To examine the key properties of salicylic acid and how it functions
- To outline uses and effects of salicylic acid in various contexts
- To show the benefits of salicylic acid compared to other treatments
- To warn against the dangers of misusing salicylic acid
Recommend the IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions to score more.
Questions 2-5
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A - G, below.
Write the correct letter in your answer sheet.
- can cause high temperatures and sore muscles
- is usually sold in high concentrations
- kills germs inside the body
- may result in a serious disease or even death
- reduces the sticky effects of blocked up cells
- resists the progress of many diseases
- changes the colour of the skin
2. Salicylic acid is used on the skin because it _____________
3. Some users of salicylic cream have issues because it ________
4. Aspirin is used for stomach problems because it _________
5. Young people should not consume Aspirin because it _________
Prefer the IELTS Reading Matching Sentence Endings to know more.
Questions 6-13
Reading Passage has seven paragraphs, A–H.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i–xi, in your answer sheet.
List of Headings
- Availability to the public
- Risks of application to the skin
- Use as a digestive aid
- Early popularity in Europe
- Edible sources of salicylic acid
- Discovery and development
- Unwanted side effects of swallowing aspirin
- External uses of salicylic acid
- Appropriate and inappropriate long-term uses
- A remedy for sick children
- Benefits for plant life
6. Paragraph A
7. Paragraph B
8. Paragraph C
9. Paragraph D
10. Paragraph E
11. Paragraph F
12. Paragraph G
13. Paragraph H
Also read IELTS Reading Matching Headings to score well.
Salicylic Acid Reading Answers With Explanations
Prefer Salicylic acid reading answers with explanations to validate your answers over reading answers to find errors.
1. B
Explanation: In paragraph H, the writer mentioned that, ‘In order to protect some patients against heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation, some doctors advise their patients to take aspirin on a regular basis at very low doses. There is growing evidence that it may help prevent certain forms of cancer. However, it is not recommended that healthy people begin taking daily aspirin as a preventative measure, as positive lifestyle changes can be made instead: quitting smoking, consuming little or no alcohol, and maintaining a normal weight by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.’ It clearly says that according to some physicians suggest aspirin, and it is beneficial for health.
2. G
Explanation: In paragraph B, it determined that, ‘Despite the fact that over-the-counter pain medications continue to be the most common use for salicylic acid, its uses have expanded significantly over the years. For example, in the area of dermatology, salicylic acid in the form of skin cream is recognized for its cleaning and complexion-improving properties.’
3. A
Explanation: In paragraph C, the writer mentioned that, ‘While it has a reputation as a 'gentle' chemical in comparison to other alternatives, salicylic acid creams in high dosages may be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Long-term use of highly concentrated salicylic acid, specifically amounts used to remove warts, corns, and calluses, may result in chemical burns.’
4. F
Explanation: In paragraph E, it determined that, ‘Salicylic acid in the form of aspirin tablets is commonly used to reduce fever, aches and pains, and inflammation; however, when consumed, it can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach irritation or bleeding, as well as other undesirable side effects, which have been a problem for many aspirin users over the years.’
5. D
Explanation: In paragraph E, the writer mentioned that, ‘...when consumed, it can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach irritation or bleeding, as well as other undesirable side effects, which have been a problem for many aspirin users over the years…Children appear to be especially vulnerable, as aspirin use in children with a viral illness has been linked to the potentially fatal Reye's syndrome.’
6. vi
Explanation: Paragraph A, it determined that, ‘The Greek physician Hippocrates observed that a powder obtained from the bark of the white willow tree (Salix Alba) may reduce fevers and relieve pain, after that the effects of salicylic acid were first recorded in the fifth century BC. According to surviving evidence, ancient civilizations in the Middle East and North America also used willow bark for similar reasons. And so far, it was not until 1826 that Johann Andreas Buchner, a German pharmacologist from the University of Munich, distilled and named the active component of willow bark as salicin.’ These lines mentioned about discovery and development.
7. viii
Explanation: Paragraph B, it determined that, ‘Despite the fact that over-the-counter pain medications continue to be the most common use for salicylic acid, its uses have expanded significantly over the years. For example, in the area of dermatology, salicylic acid in the form of skin cream is recognized for its cleaning and complexion-improving properties.’ These lines mentioned external uses of salicylic acid.
8. ii
Explanation: Paragraph C, it determined that, ‘While it has a reputation as a 'gentle' chemical in comparison to other alternatives, salicylic acid creams in high dosages may be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Long-term use of highly concentrated salicylic acid, specifically amounts used to remove warts, corns, and calluses, may result in chemical burns.’ These lines mentioned risks of application to the skin.
9. iii
Explanation: Paragraph D, it determined that, ‘Moreover, salicylic acid has a variety of fewer applications. Because of its antibacterial qualities, it is used to produce bismuth subsalicylate, the active component in a variety of popular treatments for stomach distress and other intestinal issues. Some research shows that salicylic acid may eliminate E. coli.’ These lines mentioned about use as a digestive aid.
10. vii
Explanation: Paragraph E, it determined that, ‘Salicylic acid in the form of aspirin tablets is commonly used to reduce fever, aches and pains, and inflammation; however, when consumed, it can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach irritation or bleeding, as well as other undesirable side effects, which have been a problem for many aspirin users over the years. Epidemiological study indicates a correlation between the use of aspirin in children with a viral illness and a potentially fatal condition known as Reye's syndrome. Children appear to be especially vulnerable, as aspirin use in children with a viral illness has been linked to the potentially fatal Reye's syndrome.’ These lines mentioned unwanted side effects of swallowing aspirin.
11. xi
Explanation: Paragraph F, it determined that, ‘In addition to its extensive use in human and animal medicine, salicylic acid is also important to the survival of many plant species. It seems to prevent fungal and bacterial infections by discouraging their development. Because of its involvement in plant responses to abiotic conditions including drought, extreme cold or heat, and heavy metal toxicity, it also functions as a therapeutic agent of sorts.’ These lines mentioned benefits for plant life.
12. v
Explanation: Paragraph G, it determined that, ‘It's a component found in many different kinds of fruit, such as berries, dates, raisins, kiwis, olives, and tomatoes. Along with a few vegetables, mushrooms, and almonds have a strong salicylic acid content. Rowett Research Institute found that a very spicy curry had more salicylic acid than a dose of aspirin due to the high levels of turmeric and curcumin used to make the dish.’ These lines mentioned edible sources of salicylic acid.
13. ix
Explanation: Paragraph H, it determined that, ‘In order to protect some patients against heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation, some doctors advise their patients to take aspirin on a regular basis at very low doses. There is growing evidence that it may help prevent certain forms of cancer. However, it is not recommended that healthy people begin taking daily aspirin as a preventative measure, as positive lifestyle changes can be made instead: quitting smoking, consuming little or no alcohol, and maintaining a normal weight by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.’ These lines mentioned appropriate and inappropriate long-term uses.
Check the other reading passages
- The context meaning and scope of tourism reading answers
- Vanished reading answers
- The rise of the agribots reading answers
Conclusion
If you want to increase your vocabulary, reading speed, and general knowledge, "Salicylic acid Reading Answers" might be a great resource to use as it contains a wide range of vocabulary. If you put in the effort to prepare for the IELTS, you may be able to get your targeted score.
About Author Arivarasi
Arivarasi is an experienced author with expertise in the study abroad industry and preparing test materials for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, PTE, etc. She stays up-to-date with university and college requirements for international students which allows her to provide guidance on course selection, documents like SOP, LOR, and scholarship opportunities. She has written numerous articles on study abroad exams, destinations, universities & colleges requirements, admission procedures, and the entire process of studying abroad. Collaborating with industry experts and counselors, she crafts informative articles that make students take the right decisions.
Kanan.co is a trusted study abroad consultancy offering comprehensive services, resources, and solutions for students and education institutions. We support students at every stage of their global education journey, ensuring a smooth and guided experience. Along with test preparation for IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, and SAT, we provide expert services such as SOP writing, visa guidance, accommodation support, scholarship assistance, and education loan support. Our expertise and commitment to excellence make us a reliable partner for students pursuing international education.
Free Online Mock Test 2026
Practice our mock test worth Rs. 25000 for Free and know your IELTS score!
Global Headquarters
Kanan Int EdTech Inc
320 Bay Street, Suite 321 (Spaces), Toronto ON, Canada M5B 1N9
Indian Headquarters
Kanan International Pvt. Ltd.
D-wing, 2nd Floor, Trident Complex, Ellora Park Vadiwadi Road, Vadodara, Gujarat 390007
IT/ Digital Campus
Kanan International Pvt. Ltd
Old, New No 3, 2nd Floor, 1A, Dr Sadasivam Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Our branches
- Bardoli
- Bharuch
- Chennai
- Dehradun
- Gurugram
- Himatnagar
- Karnal
- Nadiad
- Navsari
- Palanpur
- Rajkot
- Vadodara
- Valsad
- Vallabh Vidyanagar
- Vapi
Study Abroad
Test Prep
Top Universities
Consultants
IELTS Centers
GRE Centers
TOEFL Centers
SAT Centers
Language Courses in Vadodara
SOP Blogs
Featured Blogs
Study Abroad Consultants in Chennai
Study Abroad Consultants in Surat
Study Abroad Consultants in Navsari
Study Abroad Consultants in Bardoli
Study Abroad Consultants in Ahmedabad
Study Abroad Consultants in Anand
Study Abroad Consultants in Khanna
Study Abroad Consultants in Nadiad
Study Abroad Consultants in Vadodara
Study abroad consultants in Valsad
Copyright © 2026 KANAN.CO All rights reserved.




