The real IELTS Reading Test contains three separate reading passages. The reading section is different for the Academic Reading Test takers and the General Reading Test takers.
IELTS Academic Reading Test passage texts are taken from magazines, journals, research papers, books, and newspapers.
IELTS General Reading Test texts are taken from notices, advertisements, official documents, booklets, newspapers, instruction manuals, leaflets, timetables, books and magazines.
Collecting Ant Specimens Collecting ants can be as simple as picking up stray ones and placing them in a glass jar, or as complicated as completing an exhaustive survey of all species present in an area and estimating their relative abundances. The exact method used will depend on the final purpose of the collections. For … more →
A spark, a flint: How fire leapt to life [The control of fire was the first and perhaps greatest of humanity’s steps towards a life-enhancing technology.] To early man, fire was a divine gift randomly delivered in the form of lightning, forest fire or burning lava. Unable to make flame for themselves, the earliest peoples … more →
Measuring organizational performance There is clear-cut evidence that, for a period of at least one year, supervision which increases the direct pressure for productivity can achieve significant increases in production. However, such short-term increases are obtained only at a substantial and serious cost to the organization. To what extent can a manager make an impressive … more →
Creating artificial reefs In the coastal waters of the US, a nation’s leftovers have been discarded. Derelict ships, concrete blocks, scrapped cars, army tanks, tyres filled with concrete and redundant planes litter the sea floor. However, this is not waste disposal, but part of a coordinated, state-run programme. To recently arrived fish, plants and other … more →
Is there anybody out there? The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence The question of whether we are alone in the Universe has haunted humanity for centuries, but we may now stand poised on the brink of the answer to that question, as we search for radio signals from other intelligent civilizations. This search often known by … more →
The danger of ecstasy Use of the illegal drug named Ecstasy (MDMA) has increased alarmingly in Britain over the last few years, and in 1992 the British Medical Journal claimed that at least seven deaths and many s,evere adverse reactions have followed its use as a dance drug. 14 deaths have so far been attributed … more →
Questions 28-31 The passage has five sections A-E Choose the correct heading for section A and C-E from the list of headings below. Write the correct number i-viii in boxes 28-31 on your answer sheet. List of Headings i The connection between health-care and other human rights ii The development of market-based health systems. iii … more →
New Book Releases A This book describes the creativity of Aboriginal people living in the driest parts of Australia. Stunning reproductions of paintings, beautiful photography and informative text. B Pocket-sized maps and illustrations with detailed information on the nesting sites and migration patterns of Australia. This is a classic booklet suitable for both beginner and … more →
The Shock of the Truth A Throughout history, there have been instances in which people have been unwilling to accept new theories, despite startling evidence. This was certainly the case when Copernicus published his theory – that the earth was not the center of the universe. B Until the early 16th century, western thinkers believed … more →
Questions 27-32 The passage has seven paragraphs, A—G. Choose the correct heading for paragraphs B—G from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i—x, in boxes 27-32 on your answer sheet. List of Headings i The biological clock ii Why dying is beneficial iii The ageing process of men and women iv Prolonging … more →