IELTS GT Reading Practice Test Day 4

IELTS GT Reading Practice Test

Passage 1 – The History and Future of Public Libraries

Questions 1–14

Public libraries have played a crucial role in society for centuries, providing access to knowledge, culture, and community resources. The earliest libraries, dating back to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, stored collections of clay tablets or papyrus scrolls for administrative, religious, and scholarly purposes. Over time, libraries evolved to include books, manuscripts, and printed materials, becoming centers for education and literacy.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, public libraries expanded rapidly, especially in Europe and North America. Free lending libraries allowed broader segments of society to access books, regardless of socioeconomic background. Libraries became not just repositories of books but also hubs for social interaction, public lectures, and educational programs. Funding came from local governments, philanthropists, or endowments and librarians played a key role in organizing collections and assisting readers.

In recent decades, libraries have faced both challenges and opportunities from digital technology. E-books, online databases, and internet access have transformed how people obtain information. Some libraries have integrated computers, Wi-Fi, and multimedia resources. Others have introduced community spaces, cafés, and maker labs to encourage creativity and collaboration. Despite fears that digital technology might render physical libraries obsolete, many institutions have adapted successfully, combining traditional book lending with digital services.

Looking to the future, public libraries may act as centers for lifelong learning, digital literacy, and community engagement. They are recognized as essential public spaces that promote equality, provide safe environments for study, and support diverse community programs. Libraries must balance traditional collections with innovative digital services to remain relevant.

Questions 1–5: True / False / Not Given

1.      The earliest libraries stored clay tablets and papyrus scrolls.

2.      Public libraries in the 19th century were only for wealthy people.

3.      Librarians helped organize collections and assisted readers.

4.      Digital technology has made all physical libraries obsolete.

5.      Some modern libraries have cafés and maker labs.

Questions 6–9: Sentence Completion
6. The earliest libraries stored collections of ________ and ________.
7. Libraries in the 19th and 20th centuries became hubs for ________ and educational programs.
8. Modern libraries often integrate ________, Wi-Fi, and multimedia resources.
9. Public libraries provide safe environments and support ________ programs.

Questions 10–12: Short Answer Questions
10. Which ancient civilizations had the earliest libraries?
11. What type of libraries allowed broader society access to books?
12. Name one fear libraries faced with digital technology.

Questions 13–14: Summary Completion
13–14. Modern libraries combine traditional book ________ with digital services and internet access. They act as centers for ________ and encourage community engagement.

Passage 2 – Renewable Energy and Urban Development

Questions 15–27

Passage
Renewable energy has become a central focus in modern urban development, as cities seek to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability. Sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy are increasingly integrated into city planning to power homes, businesses, and transport systems. Urban planners recognize that adopting renewable energy mitigates climate change and promotes economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.

Solar panels and wind turbines are the most visible components of renewable infrastructure. Incentive programs encourage residents and businesses to install solar panels or participate in community solar schemes. Wind energy, often utilized on city outskirts or offshore, contributes to the electricity grid. Hydroelectric projects provide a steady energy supply but require careful environmental management.

Challenges include high initial costs, technological limitations, intermittent energy supply, and the need for public awareness. Citizens must reduce energy waste and participate in energy-saving programs. Policymakers coordinate regulations, subsidies, and infrastructure upgrades to facilitate a smooth transition.

Cities are adopting smart energy solutions using sensors, smart meters, and energy management systems to optimize electricity usage. Integrating renewable energy with urban planning lowers emissions and strengthens resilience against energy shortages, outages, and climate-related risks. Combining renewable energy, technological innovation, and community engagement is likely to redefine urban living and promote long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Questions 15–19: True / False / Not Given
15. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal.
16. Hydroelectric projects need careful management to protect ecosystems.
17. High initial costs hinder the adoption of renewable energy.
18. Citizens do not need to participate in energy-saving programs.
19. Smart meters and energy management systems optimize electricity usage.

Questions 20–23: Sentence Completion
20. Renewable energy helps cities reduce ________ and enhance ________.
21. Hydroelectric projects require careful ________ to avoid environmental harm.
22. Wind energy is often utilized on city ________ or offshore.
23. Incentive programs encourage residents to install solar panels or participate in community ________.

Questions 24–25: Short Answer Questions
24. Name one economic benefit of adopting renewable energy.
25. What role do policymakers play in energy transition?

Questions 26–27: Summary Completion
26–27. Urban renewable energy combined with technological ________ and community ________ provides long-term environmental and social benefits.

Passage 3 – The Evolution of Public Transportation in Cities

Questions 28–40

Passage
Public transportation has long been a backbone of urban life, facilitating mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting economic growth. Early forms included horse-drawn carriages, trams, and omnibuses. With industrialization, systems evolved to include buses, subways, and light rail networks, providing faster and higher-capacity travel.

Technological advancements in the 20th century, such as electric-powered trains and buses, improved efficiency and reduced pollution. Integrated ticketing systems, real-time schedules, and dedicated transit lanes enhanced convenience for passengers. Cities prioritized accessibility, reaching underserved neighborhoods and providing affordable travel for all.

Challenges remain: urban congestion, maintenance costs, environmental concerns, funding shortages, and political debates. Innovations like electric buses, bike-sharing programs, autonomous vehicles, and mobile ticketing apps have reshaped urban transport. Cities integrate multiple modes to reduce dependence on private vehicles, lower emissions, and promote sustainable urban living. Future urban transport will focus on sustainability, efficiency, and inclusivity.

Questions 28–32: True / False / Not Given
28. Early public transit included horse-drawn carriages, trams, and omnibuses.
29. 20th-century improvements included electric trains and integrated ticketing.
30. Urban congestion and maintenance costs affect service reliability.
31. Bike-sharing programs are a traditional mode of transport.
32. Planning of transit networks is influenced by political debates and funding.

Questions 33–36: Sentence Completion
33. Cities integrate multiple modes of transport to reduce dependence on ________.
34. Early public transit systems included horse-drawn carriages, trams, and ________.
35. Modern innovations include electric buses, bike-sharing, autonomous vehicles, and mobile ________ apps.
36. Environmental concerns driving cleaner transit include air pollution and ________ consumption.

Questions 37–38: Short Answer Questions
37. Name one factor that improved convenience in 20th-century public transport.
38. What type of vehicles is being introduced recently to improve urban transit?

Questions 39–40: Summary Completion
39–40. Urban public transport aims to improve ________, accessibility, and efficiency. Modern solutions use ________ to create seamless travel for commuters while focusing on sustainability.

 

Passage 1 – The History and Future of Public Libraries

Questions 1–5: True / False / Not Given

1.      True – The passage mentions clay tablets and papyrus scrolls.

2.      False – Free lending libraries allowed broader society access, not just wealthy people.

3.      True – Librarians organized collections and assisted readers.

4.      False – Digital technology has not made all libraries obsolete; many adapted.

5.      True – Some modern libraries have cafés and maker labs.

Questions 6–9: Sentence Completion
6. clay tablets, papyrus scrolls
7. social interaction
8. computers
9. diverse community

Questions 10–12: Short Answer Questions
10. Mesopotamia and Egypt
11. free lending libraries
12. digital technology making libraries obsolete

Questions 13–14: Summary Completion
13. collections
14. lifelong learning

Passage 2 – Renewable Energy and Urban Development

Questions 15–19: True / False / Not Given
15. True – Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal are mentioned.
16. True – Hydroelectric projects need careful environmental management.
17. True – High initial costs hinder adoption.
18. False – Citizens must participate in energy-saving programs.
19. True – Smart meters and energy management systems optimize usage.

Questions 20–23: Sentence Completion
20. carbon emissions, sustainability
21. environmental management
22. outskirts
23. solar schemes

Questions 24–25: Short Answer Questions
24. job creation
25. coordinate regulations, subsidies, and infrastructure upgrades

Questions 26–27: Summary Completion
26. innovation
27. engagement

Passage 3 – The Evolution of Public Transportation in Cities

Questions 28–32: True / False / Not Given
28. True – Early forms included horse-drawn carriages, trams, omnibuses.
29. True – 20th-century improvements included electric-powered trains and integrated ticketing.
30. True – Congestion and maintenance costs affect reliability.
31. False – Bike-sharing programs are a modern innovation, not traditional.
32. True – Political debates and funding influence planning.

Questions 33–36: Sentence Completion
33. private vehicles
34. omnibuses
35. ticketing
36. energy

Questions 37–38: Short Answer Questions
37. integrated ticketing systems
38. electric buses / autonomous vehicles

Questions 39–40: Summary Completion
39. sustainability
40. technology