IELTS Academic Reading Test Script
Passage 1: The Development of Electric Vehicles
Introduction: Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for more than a century, but their widespread adoption has only begun in recent years. This passage explores the history, technology, and environmental impact of electric vehicles.
Paragraph A: Early Developments The concept of electric vehicles dates back to the 19th century. In the 1830s, inventors in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the United States created some of the first small-scale electric cars. By the late 19th century, electric vehicles had gained popularity, especially in urban areas, due to their quiet operation and lack of emissions compared to steam or gasoline-powered cars.
Paragraph B: Decline and Resurgence However, the rise of gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 20th century, with their superior range and performance, led to the decline of electric cars. The discovery of vast oil reserves and the development of internal combustion engines made gasoline cars cheaper and more practical. Electric vehicles became rare, mostly used in niche applications like golf carts and industrial machinery.
Paragraph C: Modern Advances The 21st century has seen a resurgence of interest in electric vehicles due to concerns over climate change and advancements in battery technology. Companies like Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet have introduced electric cars that offer ranges comparable to gasoline vehicles. Governments worldwide are also offering incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Paragraph D: Environmental Impact Electric vehicles are often touted as being more environmentally friendly than traditional vehicles, primarily because they produce no tailpipe emissions. However, their overall environmental impact depends on how the electricity used to charge them is generated. If the electricity comes from renewable sources like wind or solar, the environmental benefits are significant. However, if it comes from coal or natural gas, the benefits are less clear.
Paragraph E: The Future of Electric Vehicles As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, the adoption of electric vehicles is expected to accelerate. Many experts predict that by 2040, the majority of new cars sold will be electric. However, challenges remain, including the need for better battery recycling methods and the development of more sustainable sources of electricity.
Questions 1-5: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write:
2. Electric cars were more popular than gasoline cars in the early 20th century.
3. Tesla was the first company to produce an electric car with a range comparable to gasoline cars.
4. The environmental benefits of electric vehicles depend on the source of electricity.
5. By 2040, all new cars sold will be electric.
Questions 6-10: Matching Information
Match each paragraph (A-E) with the correct information (i-x) below.
Passage 2: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Introduction: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, but its effects on mental health are a topic of ongoing debate. This passage examines the positive and negative impacts of social media on mental well-being.
Paragraph A: Positive Effects Social media has many benefits. It allows people to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographical distance. It also provides platforms for individuals to share their thoughts and experiences, find support communities, and engage in social activism. For some, social media is a source of inspiration and motivation.
Paragraph B: Negative Effects However, social media can also have negative effects on mental health. Studies have linked excessive use of social media to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying is another significant issue, particularly among teenagers.
Paragraph C: The Role of Algorithms Social media platforms use algorithms to curate content based on users' interests and behaviors. While this can enhance user experience, it can also create echo chambers, where individuals are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This can contribute to polarization and increase stress and anxiety.
Paragraph D: Managing Social Media Use Experts recommend several strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social media. These include setting time limits, curating your feed to include positive content, and taking regular breaks from social media. Developing healthy offline relationships and activities can also help balance social media use.
Paragraph E: Future Implications As social media continues to evolve, its impact on mental health will likely change. Ongoing research and awareness are crucial for understanding how to maximize the benefits while minimizing the harms. There is also a growing movement towards creating more ethical social media platforms that prioritize users' well-being over profit.
Questions 11-15: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
Questions 16-20: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
16. Social media can create feelings of __________ and low self-esteem.17. Echo chambers can contribute to increased __________ and anxiety.
18. Experts suggest __________ breaks from social media to reduce negative effects.
19. There is a growing movement towards creating more __________ social media platforms.
20. Ongoing __________ is crucial for understanding the impact of social media on mental health.
Passage 3: The History and Significance of the Olympic Games
Introduction: The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, with a history that spans thousands of years. This passage explores the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of the Olympics.
Paragraph A: Ancient Origins The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece around 776 BC. They were held in Olympia in honor of the god Zeus and were part of a religious festival. Athletes from various Greek city-states competed in events like running, wrestling, and chariot racing. The games were held every four years and were a time of peace, as all conflicts were suspended for the duration of the games.
Paragraph B: The Decline and Revival The ancient Olympic Games continued for nearly 12 centuries until they were abolished by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 393 AD as part of his campaign to impose Christianity as the state religion. The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 by French educator Pierre de Coubertin, who envisioned an international competition that would promote peace and unity.
Paragraph C: The Modern Olympics The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, with 14 nations participating. Since then, the Olympics have grown into a global event, with thousands of athletes from over 200 countries competing in a wide range of sports. The Olympics have also become a platform for promoting cultural exchange and understanding among nations.
Paragraph D: The Cultural Impact The Olympics are more than just a sporting event; they are a cultural phenomenon. The games have inspired art, literature, and music, and have served as a platform for political statements. For example, the 1968 Mexico City Olympics were marked by a protest against racial discrimination by African-American athletes. The Olympics also play a significant role in shaping national identity and pride.
Paragraph E: Challenges and Controversies Despite their significance, the Olympics have faced numerous challenges and controversies. These include issues related to the cost of hosting the games, doping scandals, and the political use of the event. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made efforts to address these challenges, but they remain a topic of ongoing debate.
Questions 21-26: Matching Headings
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
22. Paragraph B
23. Paragraph C
24. Paragraph D
25. Paragraph E
26. Paragraph F
Questions 27-30: Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
27. Where were the ancient Olympic Games held?28. Who abolished the ancient Olympic Games?
29. How often were the ancient Olympic Games held?
30. In what year were the modern Olympic Games revived?
Questions 31-39: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the box. Each word can be used once only.
The History and Evolution of the Olympics
The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece as a religious festival in honor of the god 31. __________. Athletes from different Greek 32. __________ competed in various sports, and all conflicts were suspended during the games. The ancient Olympics were abolished in 393 AD by the Roman Emperor 33. __________ as part of his efforts to impose 34. __________ as the state religion. The modern Olympics were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin, who saw them as a way to promote 35. __________ and unity among nations. The first modern Olympics were held in 36. __________, Greece, and have since grown into a global event with participants from over 200 countries. The games have inspired art, literature, and 37. __________ and have also been used to make political statements. Despite their significance, the Olympics have faced challenges, including issues related to the cost of hosting the games, 38. __________ scandals, and political controversies. The IOC has made efforts to address these challenges, but they remain a topic of debate. The future of the Olympics will likely depend on how well these challenges are managed and the ability to adapt to changing 39. __________ and expectations.
Word Box:
- Zeus
- city-states
- Theodosius I
- Christianity
- peace
- Athens
- music
- doping
- standards
Answer Key
Passage 1: The Development of Electric Vehicles
1. False2. False
3. Not Given
4. True
5. False
6. i
7. ii
8. iii
9. iv
10. v
Passage 2: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
11. B12. B
13. C
14. C
15. B
16. inadequacy
17. stress
18. taking regular
19. ethical
20. research
Passage 3: The History and Significance of the Olympic Games
21. iv22. ii
23. v
24. iii
25. vi
26. Not Applicable
27. Olympia
28. Theodosius I
29. Every four years
30. 1896
31. Zeus
32. city-states
33. Theodosius I
34. Christianity
35. peace
36. Athens
37. music
38. doping
39. standards