IELTS Yes, No, or Not Given PRACTICE

Passage: The Rise of Urban Gardening

In recent years, urban gardening has become increasingly popular in cities around the world. The trend is not only about beautifying neighborhoods but also about providing access to fresh produce in areas that may lack grocery stores with affordable fruits and vegetables. Researchers suggest that urban gardens can improve the mental health of participants, offering a sense of community and stress relief.

Some critics, however, argue that urban gardening is more of a hobby for wealthier individuals than a solution to food insecurity. They claim that the land used for gardens could be more efficiently allocated for housing or commercial development, especially in densely populated urban areas. Despite these concerns, city councils in several countries have started initiatives to encourage urban gardening, providing resources, training, and small grants to community groups.

Studies indicate that urban gardens can also benefit the environment by reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and increasing biodiversity. The planting of trees and shrubs in these gardens can absorb carbon dioxide, though the total environmental impact is limited by the small scale of most urban gardens. Nevertheless, proponents argue that even small contributions are valuable, especially when combined with other sustainable urban practices.

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Questions: Yes, No, or Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?

1.      Urban gardening is solely aimed at making neighborhoods look nicer.

2.      Participation in urban gardening can help reduce stress.

3.      Critics believe urban gardening is an effective solution to food insecurity.

4.      Urban gardens can reduce air pollution in cities.

5.      The passage states that urban gardens have a significant impact on the environment.

6.      Some city councils support urban gardening by providing training and grants.

7.      Urban gardens are only useful if they are large in scale.

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Answers with Explanations

1.      No – The passage says urban gardening is not only about beautifying neighborhoods but also about providing access to fresh produce.

2.      Yes – The passage mentions that urban gardens improve mental health and offer stress relief.

3.      No – Critics argue the opposite; they see urban gardening as a hobby rather than a solution.

4.      Yes – The passage says urban gardens improve air quality.

5.      No – The passage notes the environmental impact is limited due to the small scale of most gardens.

6.      Yes – City councils provide resources, training, and small grants according to the passage.

7.      Not Given – The passage does not claim that gardens must be large to be useful; it only mentions that even small gardens help.