Academic ielts Passage 1: The History of Paper

Passage 1: The History of Paper

(Descriptive/Scientific – Easier)

Paper, as we know it today, originated in China around 105 AD during the Han Dynasty. Before paper, materials such as bamboo, silk, and animal bones were used for writing. The Chinese invention was made from mulberry bark, hemp, and rags, beaten into a pulp and dried in sheets. This innovation spread slowly across Asia, reaching Japan by the 7th century.

It was not until the 8th century that paper-making techniques reached the Islamic world after the Battle of Talas. From there, knowledge of paper spread into Europe via Spain by the 12th century. Europeans improved the process by using water-powered mills and linen rags, increasing efficiency and quality.

The mass production of paper transformed communication. Books, once copied by hand on parchment, became more affordable when paired with Gutenberg’s printing press in the 15th century. By the 19th century, wood pulp replaced rags as the primary material, allowing paper to be produced in vast quantities, supporting newspapers, education, and bureaucracy.

Today, the demand for paper remains strong despite digital technology. However, environmental concerns over deforestation and waste have prompted the development of recycled paper and sustainable forestry practices.

Questions 1–13

Questions 1–5: True/False/Not Given

1.      The Chinese first made paper during the Tang Dynasty.

2.      Silk was among the materials used before the invention of paper.

3.      Paper-making spread to Japan in the 7th century.

4.      Europeans invented the printing press before they knew about paper.

5.      Recycled paper has been used since the 15th century.

Questions 6–9: Matching Headings
Match the headings to the paragraphs (A–D).
Headings:
i. Early substitutes for paper
ii. Paper’s spread to other regions
iii. Environmental challenges and solutions
iv. Industrial innovations in Europe

6.      Paragraph 1 ___

7.      Paragraph 2 ___

8.      Paragraph 3 ___

9.      Paragraph 4 ___

Questions 10–13: Sentence Completion
10. Paper was introduced to the Islamic world after __________.
11. The printing press was invented by __________.
12. In the 19th century, __________ became the main raw material for paper.
13. Environmentalists today encourage __________ and sustainable forestry.

 

Passage 2: The Rise of Online Education

(Discursive – Moderate)

Over the last two decades, online education has grown from a niche experiment to a global industry. Early distance learning programs offered simple text-based lessons through email or websites. Today, platforms provide interactive lectures, virtual classrooms, and even AI-based tutors.

One major advantage of online learning is accessibility. Students in remote areas can access world-class courses without traveling abroad. Additionally, online education is often more affordable, allowing students to work while studying. However, critics argue that it lacks the social interaction and networking opportunities of traditional universities.

Research shows that outcomes vary. While some students thrive in self-paced environments, others struggle with motivation and discipline. Universities have responded by offering hybrid models that combine online resources with on-campus activities. Employers, too, have become more accepting of online degrees, though some skepticism remains in professional fields such as medicine or law.

Looking ahead, the integration of virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI is expected to reshape online education further. Whether it will replace traditional universities entirely is uncertain, but it is likely to remain a vital part of global learning.

Questions 14–26

Questions 14–18: Multiple Choice
14. Early online education mainly relied on:
a) Virtual reality
b) Email and websites
c) AI tutors
d) Printed textbooks

15. One key benefit of online education is:
a) Guaranteed employment
b) High tuition fees
c) Greater accessibility
d) Increased social interaction

16. Critics of online learning often highlight:
a) Excessive costs
b) Lack of social interaction
c) Limited internet access
d) Overuse of AI tutors

17. Hybrid models combine:
a) Online courses with overseas travel
b) Online and traditional learning methods
c) Distance learning and vocational training
d) Universities and private companies

18. Future online education is likely to involve:
a) Typewriters
b) Handwritten exams
c) Virtual reality and AI
d) Only in-person teaching

Questions 19–23: True/False/Not Given
19. Online learning has completely replaced universities.
20. Some students find it hard to stay motivated in online courses.
21. Employers in every field fully trust online degrees.
22. Universities now offer both online and campus-based education.
23. VR and AR are predicted to influence future online education.

Questions 24–26: Short Answer
24. Which students benefit most from online education?
25. Which fields still remain skeptical about online degrees?
26. What combination of technologies is expected to reshape education?

 

Passage 3: Human Memory and Forgetting

(Argumentative/Abstract – Hardest)

Memory is often considered one of the most fascinating aspects of human cognition. It allows us to retain knowledge, recall past experiences, and plan for the future. However, forgetting is equally essential. Without the ability to forget, the brain would be overwhelmed with irrelevant details.

Psychologists distinguish between short-term memory, which lasts seconds, and long-term memory, which may endure for years. The process of consolidation, where memories are strengthened through repetition or emotional impact, is critical for long-term storage. However, not all memories are permanent.

Theories of forgetting vary. The "decay theory" suggests that memories fade over time if unused. The "interference theory" argues that new information can disrupt old memories. Another perspective is that forgetting is sometimes intentional, a process known as motivated forgetting, often linked to traumatic experiences.

Modern neuroscience has revealed that memory is not stored in a single place but distributed across different brain regions, particularly the hippocampus and cortex. Research into memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease has provided insights into how memories are formed, stored, and lost.

Despite its imperfections, memory remains a cornerstone of human identity. Our ability to balance remembering and forgetting allows us to function effectively in daily life, while shaping our personal narratives.

Questions 27–40

Questions 27–32: Matching Headings
Headings:
i. Theories about why we forget
ii. Definition of memory and forgetting
iii. How memories are formed and stored
iv. Importance of forgetting for survival
v. Brain regions linked to memory
vi. Memory as a part of identity

27. Paragraph 1 ___

28. Paragraph 2 ___

29. Paragraph 3 ___

30. Paragraph 4 ___

31. Paragraph 5 ___

32. Paragraph 6 ___

Questions 33–36: Multiple Choice
33. According to decay theory, memories are lost when:
a) They are replaced by new ones
b) They are intentionally erased
c) They fade if unused
d) They move to the cortex

34. Interference theory claims forgetting occurs because:
a) Brain regions are damaged
b) New information disrupts old memories
c) People choose not to remember
d) Memories decay naturally

35. Motivated forgetting is often linked to:
a) Childhood learning
b) Traumatic experiences
c) Daily routines
d) Short-term memory loss

36. Alzheimer’s disease research has mainly helped us understand:
a) Why people dream
b) How memories are formed and lost
c) Why some people never forget
d) The role of sleep in memory

Questions 37–40: Sentence Completion
37. Short-term memory usually lasts only a few __________.
38. Long-term memory can be strengthened by __________ or repetition.
39. The hippocampus and __________ are key areas for memory storage.
40. Memory helps shape our __________.

 

Answer Key

Passage 1:

1.      False | 2. True | 3. True | 4. False | 5. False

2.      i | 7. ii | 8. iv | 9. iii

3.      the Battle of Talas | 11. Gutenberg | 12. wood pulp | 13. recycled paper

Passage 2:
14. b | 15. c | 16. b | 17. b | 18. c
19. False | 20. True | 21. False | 22. True | 23. True
24. Students in remote areas | 25. Medicine/law | 26. VR, AR, AI

Passage 3:
27. ii | 28. consolidation/short-term vs long-term → iv | 29. i | 30. v | 31. vi | 32. (wrap-up) vi (could vary)
33. c | 34. b | 35. b | 36. b
37. seconds | 38. emotional impact | 39. cortex | 40. identity