IELTS Reading Mock Test 2

IELTS Reading Mock Test 2

Passage 1: The History of Chocolate

Chocolate, now a beloved treat worldwide, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of cacao use comes from ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec, who prepared a bitter drink made from roasted cacao beans mixed with spices. Unlike today’s sweet chocolate, this drink was often consumed during religious ceremonies and was considered sacred.

When Spanish explorers arrived in the Americas in the 16th century, they brought cacao back to Europe. Initially, Europeans found the drink unpleasant, but the addition of sugar and milk transformed it into a fashionable luxury among the wealthy. By the 18th century, chocolate houses in London became popular meeting spots, much like coffee houses.

The Industrial Revolution further changed chocolate. New machinery allowed mass production, making it cheaper and more widely available. In 1847, the first solid chocolate bar was created in Britain, followed later by milk chocolate in Switzerland. Companies such as Cadbury, Nestlé, and Lindt grew into global brands.

Today, chocolate remains a billion-dollar industry, but it faces challenges. Much of the world’s cacao is grown in West Africa, where child labor and environmental concerns remain serious issues. Efforts are being made to promote fair trade and sustainable farming, ensuring that chocolate’s future is as rich as its past.

Questions 1–6: True/False/Not Given

1.      The Maya and Aztec civilizations used cacao mainly as food in daily meals.

2.      Europeans immediately enjoyed the bitter cacao drink when it was introduced.

3.      Sugar and milk made chocolate more appealing in Europe.

4.      Chocolate houses in London were similar in purpose to coffee houses.

5.      The first solid chocolate bar was made in Switzerland.

6.      West Africa is currently a major producer of cacao.

Questions 7–10: Matching Information

Match the statements with the correct paragraphs (i–iv).

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

A. Chocolate linked with social gatherings.
B. Problems in the chocolate industry today.
C. Chocolate as part of sacred traditions.
D. Factories making chocolate affordable.

Questions 11–13: Sentence Completion

11. Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations drank cacao mixed with __________.

12. The Industrial Revolution made chocolate __________ to ordinary people.

13. To ensure sustainability, many organisations now support __________ farming.

Passage 2: The Psychology of Procrastination

Almost everyone procrastinates at some point, but psychologists have long debated why. One explanation is “time inconsistency”: people value immediate rewards more than future benefits. For example, watching television provides instant pleasure, while studying for an exam offers delayed rewards.

Another reason is perfectionism. Some individuals delay tasks because they fear making mistakes. Ironically, this avoidance can increase stress and reduce performance. Procrastination is also linked to poor emotional regulation; people put off unpleasant tasks to avoid negative feelings, even if the delay makes the situation worse.

Research suggests that breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can reduce procrastination. Setting clear deadlines and rewarding progress can also help. Digital tools such as productivity apps and online reminders are increasingly popular.

However, experts caution against expecting procrastination to disappear entirely. Some people even argue that “active procrastination,” in which individuals delay one task while accomplishing another, can be productive. Ultimately, managing procrastination may require a mix of self-discipline, emotional awareness, and practical strategies.

Questions 14–18: Matching Headings

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

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

Headings:
A. Using modern technology to fight procrastination
B. Why people delay important tasks
C. The paradox of perfectionism
D. Finding balance in procrastination

Questions 19–22: Multiple Choice

19. According to the text, why do people prefer immediate rewards?
A. They are easier to achieve.
B. They provide quick satisfaction.
C. They require more effort.
D. They reduce perfectionism.

20. What effect can perfectionism have?
A. It eliminates procrastination.
B. It reduces fear of failure.
C. It increases stress.
D. It makes people work faster.

21. What strategy can reduce procrastination?
A. Avoiding deadlines.
B. Dividing tasks into smaller parts.
C. Working only when motivated.
D. Ignoring emotional awareness.

22. What is meant by “active procrastination”?
A. Doing nothing until the last moment.
B. Postponing one task while completing another.
C. Avoiding both easy and hard tasks.
D. Relying on perfectionism to succeed.

Questions 23–26: Summary Completion

Procrastination is often explained by the theory of __________, meaning people prefer instant rewards. Perfectionists may delay tasks due to fear of __________, which often leads to stress. Breaking tasks into smaller parts and using __________ can help reduce procrastination. Some researchers believe that __________ procrastination can even have benefits.

Passage 3: Exploring the Deep Ocean

The deep ocean, covering more than half of Earth’s surface, remains one of the least explored environments. Unlike land or shallow seas, it is difficult to study because of immense pressure, darkness, and cold temperatures. Yet, scientists believe it holds vast biodiversity and resources.

Technological advances have made exploration more possible. Submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and sonar mapping allow researchers to study underwater volcanoes, hydrothermal vents, and unique ecosystems. Some discoveries, such as deep-sea corals and “extremophiles” that survive without sunlight, challenge traditional ideas of life.

The deep ocean also contains valuable minerals, such as manganese nodules and rare earth metals used in electronics. However, mining these resources raises environmental concerns. Disturbing fragile ecosystems may cause long-lasting damage, as species in the deep sea often grow slowly and reproduce infrequently.

International cooperation is essential. The International Seabed Authority regulates mining in international waters, but debates continue over how to balance economic benefits with environmental protection. Scientists argue that more research is needed before large-scale exploitation begins.

Questions 27–31: True/False/Not Given

27. More than half of Earth’s surface is covered by the deep ocean.

28. Deep-sea exploration is easy due to modern technology.

29. Some organisms survive in the deep ocean without sunlight.

30. Mining the deep sea poses risks to delicate ecosystems.

31. The International Seabed Authority has banned all forms of deep-sea mining.

Questions 32–35: Matching Information

Match the statements with the correct paragraphs (i–iv).

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

A. Discoveries that challenge ideas about life.
B. Minerals important for modern industries.
C. Difficulties in studying the deep ocean.
D. The need for global rules and cooperation.

Questions 36–38: Multiple Choice

36. Why is the deep ocean difficult to explore?
A. It is too far from land.
B. It lacks biodiversity.
C. Conditions are extreme.
D. It has too many volcanoes.

37. What is a major concern about deep-sea mining?
A. It is not profitable.
B. It may damage fragile habitats.
C. It produces rare earth metals.
D. It is controlled by a single country.

38. What do scientists recommend before large-scale deep-sea mining?
A. Better technology.
B. More international conflict.
C. More research.
D. Faster exploitation.

Questions 39–40: Sentence Completion

39. Submersibles and ROVs have enabled the study of __________ and hydrothermal vents.

40. The International Seabed Authority is responsible for regulating __________ in international waters.

Answer Key

Passage 1

1.      FALSE

2.      FALSE

3.      TRUE

4.      TRUE

5.      FALSE

6.      TRUE

7.      ii – A

8.      iv – B

9.      i – C

10. iii – D

11. spices

12. affordable / accessible

13. fair trade / sustainable

Passage 2
14. B
15. C
16. A
17. D
19. B
20. C
21. B
22. B
23. time inconsistency
24. mistakes / failure
25. digital tools
26. active

Passage 3
27. TRUE
28. FALSE
29. TRUE
30. TRUE
31. FALSE
32. i – C
33. ii – A
34. iii – B
35. iv – D
36. C
37. B
38. C
39. underwater volcanoes
40. mining