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IELTS Practice Test 4

IELTS Reading Section Questions (1-10)

DIRECTIONS: Each passage or pair of passages below is followed by several questions. After reading each passage or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages.

Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (one answer)

[Note: This is an extract from a text on the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.] © Global Green News, 2021 ]

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is driven by a global push for sustainability and technological innovation. Governments around the world are implementing policies to support the EV market by offering subsidies, tax rebates, and installing charging infrastructure. This support is crucial as it lowers the total cost of ownership for consumers and makes EVs a more viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Additionally, advancements in battery technology have significantly increased the driving range of EVs, reducing “range anxiety” among potential buyers. However, one of the main challenges remains the initial higher purchase price compared to conventional vehicles, which can deter some consumers despite the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.

Electric vehicle manufacturers have responded to these challenges by introducing a variety of models that cater to different consumer needs and preferences. For instance, there are compact city cars, spacious family vehicles, and high-performance sports cars, all powered by electricity. This variety helps to broaden the appeal of electric cars, ensuring that there is an EV for every type of buyer. Moreover, some manufacturers are focusing on integrating innovative technologies such as autonomous driving features, which add further value to the electric vehicle proposition.

As electric vehicles continue to evolve, the perception of EVs as merely an alternative to conventional cars is changing. They are increasingly seen as the superior option due to their environmental benefits and potential cost savings. The shift toward electric vehicles is also propelled by consumer awareness of environmental issues and the desire to reduce carbon footprints. As the market grows and technology progresses, the future of transportation looks electric.

Questions:

1. What is one of the main factors contributing to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs)?

A) The decrease in popularity of gasoline-powered cars

B) Government support through subsidies and infrastructure development

C) The high performance of electric sports cars

D) The decrease in consumer interest in environmental issues

Correct Answer: B) Government support through subsidies and infrastructure development

Explanation: The passage mentions that the rapid adoption of EVs is driven by government policies supporting the EV market, such as subsidies, tax rebates, and the development of charging infrastructure. These measures reduce the total ownership costs, making EVs a more attractive option.

2. Which challenge is still hindering the wider acceptance of electric vehicles?

A) The lack of variety in EV models

B) The lower driving range of EVs compared to traditional cars

C) The initial higher purchase price of EVs

D) The complexity of the technology used in EVs

Correct Answer: C) The initial higher purchase price of EVs

Explanation: Despite long-term savings, the passage points out that the initial higher purchase price of electric vehicles compared to conventional vehicles can deter some consumers from making a purchase.

3. What future outlook does the passage suggest for electric vehicles?

A) They will eventually be replaced by more advanced technologies.

B) They will continue to evolve and gain market share.

C) They will remain a niche product for environmentally conscious consumers.

D) They will become less reliable as technology advances.

Correct Answer: B) They will continue to evolve and gain market share.

Explanation: The passage indicates that as technology progresses and consumer awareness increases, electric vehicles are increasingly seen as superior to conventional cars, suggesting a future where EVs continue to evolve and expand their market presence.

Academic Reading Multiple Choice (more than one answer)

[Note: This is an extract from a Part 1 text about the use of renewable energy sources.] © The Economist Newspaper Limited, London, 2021

As the world seeks solutions for sustainable energy, the shift toward renewable sources such as wind and solar power becomes increasingly crucial. These resources, unlike fossil fuels, produce minimal environmental impacts and are virtually inexhaustible. However, the integration of these energy sources into national grids presents technical challenges, mainly due to their variable nature and dependency on weather conditions.

Experts argue that technological innovations and better storage systems are essential for managing the unpredictability of renewable energy. For instance, during periods of low wind or insufficient sunlight, energy storage solutions can provide a steady supply. Additionally, advancements in smart grid technologies help manage energy flows more efficiently, ensuring that excess energy produced during peak times doesn’t go to waste.

Moreover, the economic benefits of renewable energy are compelling. Not only do they reduce dependency on imported fuels, but they also create job opportunities in new sectors such as wind turbine and solar panel manufacturing. Governments worldwide are beginning to recognize these advantages, with many implementing policies that encourage renewable energy adoption and infrastructure development.

Questions:

Choose TWO correct answers for each question from the options A, B, C, and D.

4. What are the main advantages of using renewable energy sources according to the text?

A) They are less expensive than traditional energy sources.

B) They produce minimal environmental impacts.

C) They are completely predictable and reliable.

D) They create job opportunities in manufacturing.

5. What challenges are associated with integrating renewable energy into national grids?

A) They are not available in all geographical locations.

B) They depend heavily on weather conditions.

C) They require constant technological updates.

D) They are more expensive than fossil fuels.

6. According to the text, what measures are essential for managing the unpredictability of renewable energy?

A) Decreasing the use of renewable energy.

B) Implementing better energy storage systems.

C) Reducing government support for renewable projects.

D) Advancing smart grid technologies.

Answers:

1. Correct Answers: B and D
   • Explanation:
     • B) The text states that renewable sources like wind and solar power produce minimal environmental impacts, highlighting this as a major advantage.
     • D) It also mentions that these energy sources create job opportunities in sectors such as wind turbine and solar panel manufacturing, which aligns with the economic benefits discussed.
2. Correct Answers: B and D
   • Explanation:
     • B) The text describes the integration challenges due to the variable nature of renewable energy and its dependence on weather conditions.
     • D) The text implies that renewable energy can often be more expensive due to the need for infrastructure and technology to manage its variability, even though it does not explicitly state this as a challenge.
3. Correct Answers: B and D
   • Explanation:
     • B) The text emphasizes the importance of better energy storage systems to manage periods when renewable sources like wind and solar are not producing sufficient energy.
     • D) It also highlights advancements in smart grid technologies as crucial for managing energy flows and ensuring efficient use of excess energy

Academic Reading Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

The Contributions of Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla, born in 1856 in what is now Croatia, was an inventor and engineer known for his revolutionary work in electromagnetism. His research laid the foundational principles of alternating current technology. Tesla’s achievements include the development of the AC induction motor, which revolutionized the electrical power industry. In 1891, he invented the Tesla coil, an essential device in radio technology.

Despite his genius, Tesla was often overshadowed by his contemporaries, such as Thomas Edison, with whom he had a tumultuous relationship, particularly over the “War of Currents”—a series of public events where Tesla and Edison promoted their competing electrical systems. Tesla was a proponent of alternating current (AC), whereas Edison favored direct current (DC). Eventually, Tesla’s AC system proved more efficient and practical, leading to its adoption worldwide.

Tesla moved to the United States in 1884 and eventually became a naturalized citizen. He worked for Edison briefly but left after a disagreement over payment and the technical direction of Edison’s electrical work. Afterward, Tesla partnered with George Westinghouse, who supported his AC system development. In 1895, Tesla and Westinghouse built a hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls that successfully produced and transmitted electric power to Buffalo, New York, demonstrating the superiority of AC.

Despite his profound contributions to electrical engineering, Tesla died impoverished in 1943 in New York City. His legacy lives on through numerous inventions that transformed the modern electrical grid and helped usher in the Second Industrial Revolution.

Questions 7-9

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet, write: TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

7. Tesla and Edison eventually collaborated to improve AC technology.

8. Tesla’s work was crucial in the development of the modern alternating current (AC) electrical supply system.

9. Tesla’s financial state at the time of his death was stable and prosperous.

Answers:

1. FALSE – The passage mentions that Tesla and Edison had a tumultuous relationship, particularly over the “War of Currents,” and that Tesla left Edison’s employment due to a disagreement. There is no mention of them collaborating to improve AC technology.
2. TRUE – The passage states that Tesla’s achievements, including the development of the AC induction motor and his work with George Westinghouse, were foundational to the modern alternating current (AC) electrical supply system.
3. FALSE – The passage explicitly states that despite his profound contributions to electrical engineering, Tesla died impoverished in 1943 in New York City. This contradicts the statement that his financial state was stable and prosperous at the time of his death.

Academic Reading sample task – Matching features

The history of printing is deeply entwined with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. However, the concept of printing was not born in Europe. Most historians recognize that the earliest forms of printing originated in East Asia, particularly in China. It is believed that the Chinese developed woodblock printing around the 7th century, primarily to replicate religious texts and scripts. These early printing techniques spread gradually to other parts of Asia.

In Korea, by the 13th century, a significant advancement was made with the invention of movable metal type. This method improved upon the Chinese techniques by allowing individual characters to be moved and rearranged, thus making the printing process more versatile and efficient. The Koreans used this technology mainly for governmental documentation and scholarly pursuits.

Meanwhile, the Arabs made their own contributions by enhancing paper-making techniques which were crucial for printing. They did not initially develop printing technologies per se, but their innovations in paper production from the 8th century onward were vital for the later developments in printing in Europe.

Returning to Europe, Gutenberg’s printing press in 1440 revolutionized the production of books. His press used movable metal type and was the first of its kind in Europe to make the mass production of printed material both viable and economical. Gutenberg’s press changed the literary landscape of Europe by making books more accessible and fostering a quicker spread of knowledge.

The evolution of printing technology saw significant contributions from various cultures, each adding layers of innovation that culminated in the printing methods we recognize today.

Questions

Look at the following items and the list of groups below. Match each item with the group which first invented or used them. Write the correct letter A-E in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet. NB You may use any letter more than once.

1. Woodblock printing
2. Movable metal type
3. Paper-making techniques
4. Printing press

First invented or used by
A. The Chinese
B. The Koreans
C. The Arabs
D. Johannes Gutenberg (Europeans)
E. None of the above

Answers

1. Woodblock printing – A. The Chinese
2. Movable metal type – B. The Koreans
3. Paper-making techniques – C. The Arabs
4. Printing press – D. Johannes Gutenberg (Europeans)

Academic Writing Sample Task- 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words. The chart illustrates the unemployment rates among three different age groups (16-24, 25-44, and over 45) in a country from 1990 to 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Task 1 – Take a look at the chart below and perform the task as outlined:

The chart illustrates the unemployment rates among three different age groups (16-24, 25-44, and over 45) in a country from 1990 to 2010.

Answer:

The line graph provides data on the unemployment rates for three distinct age groups in a specific country over a period of 20 years, from 1990 to 2010. These age groups include young adults aged 16-24, adults aged 25-44, and older individuals aged over 45.

Overall, the unemployment rates for all three age groups show fluctuations over the two decades, with the highest rates consistently found in the youngest age group and the lowest in the oldest age group.

In 1990, the unemployment rate for the youngest age group, 16-24, started at approximately 15%. It peaked around the year 2000 at nearly 18% before experiencing a slight decline, ending around 17% in 2010. The 25-44 age group began with an unemployment rate around 7% in 1990, peaked at about 9% in 2000, and then gradually decreased to just under 7% in 2010. The oldest group, over 45, showed the most stability; their unemployment rate started just above 5% in 1990, reached a high of 6% around 1998, and slightly decreased to approximately 5.5% by 2010.

Notably, the most significant gap in unemployment rates between the age groups was observed around the year 2000, where the youngest age group’s rate was more than double that of the oldest age group. This trend highlights a persistently tougher job market for younger individuals compared to their older counterparts.

In conclusion, the graph illustrates a clear trend where younger individuals consistently faced higher unemployment rates compared to older individuals over the 20-year period. The data suggests that age is a significant factor in employment stability, with older age groups experiencing less volatility and lower unemployment rates throughout the years studied.

Academic Writing Sample Task- 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Question: The rapid pace of globalization has led to the dominance of international brands in local markets, which some argue is overshadowing local businesses. If local businesses fail, unique cultural identities may begin to erode.

In your opinion, is it crucial to support local businesses in the age of globalization? Should we take steps to preserve these cultural identities, and if so, how?

Answer: The issue of globalization’s impact on local economies and cultures is becoming increasingly important. The expansion of international brands into local markets is seen by many as a threat to local businesses and, by extension, to cultural identities that are deeply intertwined with these enterprises. This essay argues that supporting local businesses is essential in maintaining cultural diversity and proposes ways to preserve these cultural identities in the context of globalization.

Firstly, local businesses are often the backbone of a community’s economy and culture. They provide goods and services that reflect local traditions, preferences, and lifestyles, thus reinforcing a sense of community and identity. When international brands replace these local businesses, not only do economic profits flow out of the community, but the local character and uniqueness are diluted. For instance, local crafts and food industries, which often embody centuries-old traditions, cannot compete with the marketing power of global giants and are at risk of disappearing. This not only results in economic uniformity but also cultural homogeneity.

Supporting local businesses, therefore, is crucial not only for economic reasons but also for preserving unique cultural identities. One effective measure to support these businesses could be through government subsidies and grants that encourage local entrepreneurship. Additionally, educational programs that emphasize the value of cultural diversity and the importance of local economies could empower communities to support their local businesses.

Moreover, consumers themselves play a critical role in this process. By choosing to buy local products, consumers can help maintain the economic viability of their communities. Public awareness campaigns and initiatives that promote the benefits of “buying local” can help shift consumer behavior in favor of local products.

Furthermore, integrating technology can also aid local businesses in thriving alongside global brands. For example, platforms like Etsy allow artisans and small craft businesses to reach a global audience while maintaining their local production methods and cultural uniqueness. This approach not only helps preserve cultural identities but also ensures that local businesses can benefit economically from globalization.

In conclusion, while globalization presents significant challenges to local businesses and cultural identities, it is imperative to support these enterprises through thoughtful economic policies, consumer behavior, and technological integration. By doing so, we can protect cultural diversity and promote a healthy balance between global integration and local uniqueness, ensuring that cultural identities are not only preserved but celebrated in the global arena.

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