IELTS Reading Mock Test 1

IELTS Reading Mock Test

Passage 1: The Rise of the Electric Car

Read the text and answer Questions 1–13.

Electric cars, once considered a futuristic idea, have now become a major part of the global automobile industry. Although the first electric vehicles were invented in the 19th century, they lost popularity to petrol-powered cars, which could travel further and were cheaper to produce. However, in recent decades, rising concerns about climate change, air pollution, and the limited supply of fossil fuels have led to renewed interest in electric vehicles (EVs).

Modern EVs rely on advanced lithium-ion batteries, which store more energy and charge faster than earlier models. Governments in Europe and Asia have introduced incentives such as tax reductions and subsidies for EV buyers. In Norway, for example, over 80% of new cars sold in 2023 were electric. Meanwhile, large companies like Tesla, Nissan, and Volkswagen are investing heavily in research and development.

Despite their advantages, EVs still face challenges. One is the limited number of charging stations in many countries, which makes long journeys difficult. Another issue is the environmental cost of producing batteries, as mining lithium and cobalt can damage ecosystems and exploit workers. Scientists are exploring alternatives, including solid-state batteries, which could reduce these problems.

Experts predict that by 2040, more than half of all vehicles worldwide will be electric. Whether this shift will be enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly depends on how electricity itself is produced. If coal remains a major source, the environmental benefits of EVs may be limited.

Questions 1–6: True/False/Not Given

Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if it contradicts, NOT GIVEN if there is no information.

1.      Electric cars were first developed in the twentieth century.

2.      Petrol-powered cars became popular because they were cheaper and could travel farther.

3.      Lithium-ion batteries are slower to charge than earlier batteries.

4.      Norway has one of the highest percentages of electric car sales.

5.      All scientists agree that EVs will completely solve climate change.

6.      Solid-state batteries may solve some environmental issues related to EVs.

Questions 7–10: Matching Information

Match the statements (A–D) with the paragraphs (i–iv).

i. Paragraph 2
ii. Paragraph 3
iii. Paragraph 4
iv. Paragraph 1

A. Predictions about the future of EVs.
B. Financial support from governments.
C. Problems with raw material extraction.
D. A historical overview of electric cars.

Questions 11–13: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.

11. In recent years, concerns about __________ have renewed interest in electric vehicles.

12. A major challenge for EV drivers is the limited number of __________.

13. If coal remains a major source of energy, EVs may not reduce __________ significantly.

Passage 2: The Future of Work and Automation

Read the text and answer Questions 14–26.

For centuries, technological advances have changed the way people work. The Industrial Revolution moved millions from farms to factories, while the late 20th century saw the rise of computers and the internet. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are reshaping the workplace again.

Supporters argue that automation increases efficiency and reduces human error. Machines can perform repetitive tasks faster and at a lower cost than humans. For example, robots are widely used in manufacturing, while AI algorithms handle large amounts of data in banking and healthcare.

However, critics warn of potential job losses. A report by the World Economic Forum estimated that while automation may eliminate 85 million jobs by 2025, it could also create 97 million new ones, mostly in technology and service sectors. This suggests that workers will need to adapt by learning new skills.

Governments and businesses face challenges in preparing for these changes. Education systems may need to focus more on critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy. Without proper training opportunities, inequality may grow, as low-skilled workers struggle to find employment.

Ultimately, the impact of automation will depend on how societies manage the transition. Some experts believe it could lead to a shorter workweek and greater leisure time, while others fear rising unemployment and social unrest.

Questions 14–18: Matching Headings

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph (i–v).

i. Paragraph 1
ii. Paragraph 2
iii. Paragraph 3
iv. Paragraph 4
v. Paragraph 5

Headings:
A. Preparing workers for a new future
B. Optimistic and pessimistic outcomes
C. Historical changes in employment
D. Machines taking over routine jobs
E. Predictions about future jobs

Questions 19–22: Multiple Choice (Choose ONE letter A–D)

19. What is one advantage of automation?
A. It guarantees full employment.
B. It reduces mistakes in repetitive tasks.
C. It lowers the cost of education.
D. It prevents inequality.

20. According to the World Economic Forum, automation will:
A. Only destroy jobs.
B. Only create jobs.
C. Both destroy and create jobs.
D. Neither create nor destroy jobs.

21. What may increase inequality in the future?
A. Too many robots in factories.
B. Lack of skills training.
C. Shorter workweeks.
D. Greater use of AI in banking.

22. Some experts believe automation could result in:
A. Longer working hours.
B. More free time.
C. End of creativity.
D. No changes at all.

Questions 23–26: Summary Completion

Complete the summary with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.

Automation has the potential to improve efficiency by performing __________ tasks more quickly. Reports predict that although some jobs may disappear, many new ones will emerge, especially in __________ and services. To prepare, governments may need to change the __________ system. Without this, some workers may experience growing __________.

Passage 3: Human Memory – A Fragile System

Read the text and answer Questions 27–40.

Memory allows humans to recall the past and imagine the future, but it is not always reliable. Psychologists have long shown that memories can be altered or even fabricated. For example, eyewitnesses to crimes often give conflicting accounts, influenced by stress or leading questions from investigators.

Neuroscientists explain that memory is not like a video recording. Instead, it is a process of reconstruction, where the brain fills in gaps using prior knowledge. This explains why people can feel confident about events that never happened.

Research into false memories gained attention in the 1990s, when several people accused family members of crimes based on “recovered” memories, later shown to be false. These cases raised ethical concerns about therapy techniques that unintentionally implanted memories.

On the other hand, memory is highly adaptable. It allows humans to learn from experience, imagine possibilities, and plan ahead. Studies suggest that forgetting is not always negative; it may help us focus on relevant information and avoid overload.

In recent years, scientists have explored ways to enhance memory using drugs or electrical stimulation of the brain. While this could benefit patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it also raises questions about fairness, identity, and whether artificially improving memory could change what it means to be human.

Questions 27–31: True/False/Not Given

27. Eyewitnesses often provide the same version of events.

28. Memory works in the same way as a video camera.

29. Some therapies in the 1990s unintentionally created false memories.

30. Forgetting can sometimes have positive effects.

31. Scientists have completely solved the problem of memory loss.

Questions 32–35: Matching Information

Match the statements with the correct paragraph (i–v).

i. Paragraph 1
ii. Paragraph 2
iii. Paragraph 3
iv. Paragraph 4
v. Paragraph 5

A. Therapies that accidentally implanted memories.
B. Positive role of forgetting.
C. Eyewitness accounts of crimes.
D. New methods of improving memory.

Questions 36–38: Multiple Choice (Choose ONE letter A–D)

36. Why are memories unreliable?
A. The brain stores them permanently.
B. They are reconstructed and influenced by knowledge.
C. They are exactly like photographs.
D. They are unaffected by stress.

37. What was one result of the false memory cases in the 1990s?
A. More accurate eyewitness reports.
B. A decline in therapy as a profession.
C. Concerns about certain psychological practices.
D. Proof that all memories are false.

38. What ethical concern is linked to memory enhancement?
A. It may reduce intelligence.
B. It could change human identity.
C. It always damages the brain.
D. It prevents people from forgetting.

Questions 39–40: Sentence Completion

39. Scientists hope memory enhancement may help patients with __________.

40. Memory allows humans not only to recall the past but also to __________ the future.

 

 Answer Key

Passage 1

1.      FALSE

2.      TRUE

3.      FALSE

4.      TRUE

5.      NOT GIVEN

6.      TRUE

7.      iv – D

8.      ii – B

9.      ii – C

10. iii – A

11. climate change / air pollution / fossil fuels

12. charging stations

13. greenhouse gas emissions

Passage 2
14. C
15. D
16. E
17. A
18. B
19. B
20. C
21. B
22. B
23. repetitive
24. technology
25. education
26. inequality

Passage 3
27. FALSE
28. FALSE
29. TRUE
30. TRUE
31. FALSE
32. iii – A
33. iv – B
34. i – C
35. v – D
36. B
37. C
38. B
39. Alzheimer’s disease
40. imagine / plan