Free IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test With Scoring Guide

Time: 60 minutes
Questions: 40

Section 1: The Future of Renewable Energy Storage

Reading Passage
The rapid adoption of solar and wind energy has exposed a critical challenge: intermittency. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable sources depend on weather conditions, creating instability in power grids. To address this, researchers are pioneering advanced energy storage systems. Among these, lithium-ion batteries dominate due to their declining costs and high efficiency. However, limitations in capacity and resource scarcity (e.g., cobalt) have spurred interest in alternatives like solid-state batteries, which use non-flammable electrolytes and offer higher energy density.

Another promising technology is flow batteries, where liquid electrolytes store energy in chemical bonds. Though less efficient than lithium-ion, they excel in scalability and longevity, making them ideal for grid-level storage. Meanwhile, gravity-based storage (e.g., lifting weights in disused mines) offers a low-tech solution with minimal environmental impact.

The true breakthrough, however, may lie in green hydrogen. Excess renewable energy can electrolyze water into hydrogen, stored indefinitely and converted back to electricity via fuel cells. While currently expensive, projects like the European Hydrogen Backbone aim to slash costs by 2030.

Questions 1–13

1. Identifying Information
   Which energy storage technology uses liquid electrolytes?
   A) Lithium-ion batteries
   B) Solid-state batteries
   C) Flow batteries
   D) Gravity-based storage
2. Matching Headings
   Match the following headings to paragraphs (A–D):
   i) A low-impact alternative
   ii) Converting water into fuel
   iii) The current market leader
   iv) Large-scale potentialParagraph A:
   Paragraph B:
   Paragraph C:
   Paragraph D:
3. True/False/Not Given
   • Solid-state batteries are more flammable than lithium-ion batteries.
   • Gravity-based storage repurposes existing infrastructure.
   • Green hydrogen is already cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
4. Summary Completion
   Complete the summary using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
   Flow batteries are valued for their __________ and long lifespan, despite lower efficiency. Green hydrogen production involves the __________ of water, offering indefinite storage.

Section 2: The Lost City of Iram

Reading Passage
In 1992, satellite imagery revealed ancient caravan routes beneath Oman’s deserts, leading archaeologists to Iram—a city described in the Quran as “pillars towering above the dunes.” Excavations uncovered foundations of 8-meter-high stone columns, confirming legends of its wealth from frankincense trade. Pottery shards dated to 300–100 BCE aligned with historical accounts of Iram’s peak as a trading hub.

The city’s decline, however, remains debated. While the Quran cites divine punishment for corruption, geological evidence suggests climate change dried up aquifers around 200 CE. Sand encroachment, accelerated by overgrazing, likely forced abandonment. This parallels modern vulnerabilities; the UN notes that 23% of Earth’s fertile land is now degraded, partly due to unsustainable farming.

Questions 14–26
5. Multiple Choice
What evidence supports Iram’s existence as a wealthy city?
A) Quranic descriptions
B) Satellite images of trade routes
C) Stone columns and pottery
D) Geological data on aquifers

6. Matching Features
   Match each theory of Iram’s decline to its supporting evidence:
   • Divine punishment: __________
   • Environmental collapse: __________
     A) Sand encroachment from overgrazing
     B) Quranic narrative
     C) Aquifer depletion
7. Sentence Completion
   Complete the sentences using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
   Iram’s columns reached heights of __________. Today, __________ of global fertile land faces degradation.

Section 3: Neuroplasticity and Learning

Reading Passage
Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—challenges the old dogma that neural pathways fixate by adulthood. Studies show that London taxi drivers, who memorize the city’s labyrinthine streets, develop enlarged hippocampi, regions linked to spatial memory. Conversely, stroke victims regain mobility by “reassigning” functions to undamaged areas through repetitive tasks.

This adaptability hinges on myelination, where fatty sheaths insulate neurons to speed signal transmission. Myelination peaks during focused practice, explaining why deliberate repetition (e.g., musicians mastering scales) solidifies skills. However, chronic stress releases cortisol, inhibiting myelination and impairing learning.

Educators now leverage these insights via spaced repetition systems (SRS), which optimize review timing to strengthen memory retention. Apps like Anki use algorithms to schedule reviews at neural decay thresholds, boosting efficiency by 200% compared to cramming.

Questions 27–40
8. Matching Information
Which paragraph contains the following?

• A physiological barrier to learning under pressure.
• A method exploiting memory decay cycles.
• Evidence disproving static neural networks.

9. Identifying Writer’s Claims
   Do the statements reflect the writer’s claims?
   • Myelination is less effective in stressed individuals.
   • Spaced repetition triples learning speed.
10. Flow Chart Completion
    Complete the flow chart using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
    Neuroplasticity Process:
    Stimulus (e.g., taxi drivers’ navigation) → __________ growth → __________ of neurons → Skill mastery.

Answer Key & Explanations

Section 1

1. C (Flow batteries) [Ref: Passage mentions “liquid electrolytes” for flow batteries] 2.
2. Paragraph A: iii; B: iv; C: i; D: ii [Headings match tech descriptions] 7.
3. False (Solid-state uses non-flammable electrolytes); True (uses “disused mines”); Not Given (cost reduction is future goal) 8.
4. scalability; electrolysis [Summary uses exact terms from text] 2.

Section 2
5. C (Stone columns and pottery directly prove wealth) 8.
6. Divine: B; Environmental: C + A [Theories linked to Quran/climate data] 8.
7. 8 meters; 23% [Specific figures from passage] 8.

Section 3
8. Evidence: 1st para; Barrier: 2nd para; Method: 3rd para [Paragraph-specific details] 2.
9. Yes (cortisol “inhibits myelination”); No (boosts “efficiency,” not speed) 5.
10. hippocampi; myelination [Sequential process described] 3.

Scoring Guide