IELTS Academic Reading Test
Passage 1: The Exploration of Mars
Mars has long captured the imagination of humans. From early telescopic observations to the latest Mars rover missions, the Red Planet has been a focal point for scientific inquiry. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and shares some similarities with Earth, including polar ice caps, seasonal weather patterns, and a day length almost equal to Earth's. However, its thin atmosphere and lack of liquid water on the surface present challenges for potential human exploration and colonization.
One of the most significant findings in recent years is the discovery of evidence suggesting that water once flowed on Mars. This discovery has fueled speculation about the possibility of life, either past or present, on the planet. Mars rovers, such as Curiosity and Perseverance, have been instrumental in analyzing Martian soil and rocks, looking for signs of microbial life.
NASA and other space agencies are planning manned missions to Mars within the next few decades. These missions will require advanced technology to address the challenges of long-duration space travel, radiation exposure, and the psychological effects of isolation. The exploration of Mars will likely continue to be a major focus of space exploration for many years to come.
Questions 1-6
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
1. Mars has a ___________ that is almost the same as Earth's.2. The thin ___________ of Mars makes human exploration challenging.
3. ___________ has been found on Mars, suggesting the possibility of life.
4. Rovers like ___________ are crucial for analyzing Martian soil.
5. Future manned missions to Mars will need to deal with ___________.
6. The exploration of Mars will be a focus of ___________ for many years.
Questions 7-10
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? 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
8. Mars has a shorter day length than Earth.
9. Evidence of water on Mars was discovered by a manned mission.
10. Future Mars missions will focus on the psychological effects of isolation.
Passage 2: The History of Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most significant medical advancements in human history. The practice dates back to the late 18th century when Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, the first successful vaccine. Jenner's work was based on the observation that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a less severe disease, were immune to smallpox. He hypothesized that exposure to a similar but less dangerous disease could provide immunity to a more serious one.
Jenner's method involved taking material from a cowpox sore and inoculating it into a human. The success of this method led to the widespread use of vaccination to prevent smallpox, eventually leading to the disease's eradication in 1980. Since then, vaccines have been developed for many other diseases, including polio, measles, and more recently, COVID-19.
The development of vaccines has not been without controversy. Concerns about vaccine safety, efficacy, and ethics have been present since the early days of vaccination. However, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that vaccines are a safe and effective means of preventing infectious diseases.
Questions 11-15
12. Were observed to be immune to smallpox.
13. Played a role in the eradication of smallpox.
14. Provided evidence for the concept of immunity through exposure to a similar disease.
15. Continued the development of vaccines after Jenner.
Questions 16-20
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
16. When did the practice of vaccination begin?- A. 17th century
- B. 18th century
- C. 19th century
- D. 20th century
- A. Polio
- B. Measles
- C. Smallpox
- D. COVID-19
- A. Cowpox
- B. Measles
- C. Polio
- D. Smallpox
- A. WHO
- B. CDC
- C. UNICEF
- D. FDA
- A. Cost
- B. Safety
- C. Availability
- D. Production
Passage 3: The Evolution of Human Language
Language is one of the defining characteristics of the human species. It allows us to communicate complex ideas, share knowledge, and express emotions. The evolution of human language is a subject of great interest to linguists, anthropologists, and evolutionary biologists. While the exact origins of language remain unclear, several theories have been proposed to explain how language developed.
One theory is that language evolved as a tool for social bonding. Early humans lived in groups, and effective communication would have been essential for cooperation and survival. Another theory suggests that language developed as a way to transmit knowledge, particularly about tool-making and other survival skills. The development of language likely involved both biological and cultural factors, including changes in the brain and the structure of the vocal tract.
The study of language evolution also involves examining the languages spoken by non-human primates and other animals. While these animals have forms of communication, they do not have language in the same sense as humans. The complexity and flexibility of human language are unmatched in the animal kingdom, making it a unique aspect of our species.
Questions 21-26
The evolution of human language is a complex process influenced by various factors. One theory suggests that language developed as a tool for (21) ___________ within early human groups. This would have been essential for (22) ___________ and (23) ___________. Another theory proposes that language evolved to transmit (24) ___________, especially about (25) ___________. The evolution of language likely involved both biological and (26) ___________.
Questions 27-30
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
27. What is one theory about why language evolved?- A. To express emotions
- B. For artistic expression
- C. As a tool for social bonding
- D. To build shelters
- A. The development of writing systems
- B. The languages of non-human primates
- C. The history of literature
- D. The evolution of musical instruments
- A. Vocalization
- B. Communication
- C. Complexity and flexibility
- D. Symbolic representation
- A. It was crucial for tool-making
- B. It played a role in the development of language
- C. It is unique to humans
- D. It evolved to support social bonding
Answers
Passage 1: The Exploration of Mars
1. day length2. atmosphere
3. Water
4. Curiosity
5. radiation exposure
6. space exploration
7. FALSE
8. FALSE
9. FALSE
10. TRUE
17. C
18. A
19. A
20. B
28. B
29. C
30. B