10 IELTS Reading-Style Fill in the Blanks Practice Sets
Each passage has 2–3 blanks that
require words or numbers from the text.
Instructions: Read each passage carefully and fill
in the blanks with the correct word(s) or number(s) from the passage. Answers
are NOT provided so you can practice actively.
Set 1: The History of Chocolate
Chocolate has a long and fascinating history
that dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The Olmecs, who lived in
what is now Mexico, were among the first to cultivate cacao plants around 1500
BCE. Later, the Maya and Aztec cultures used cacao beans as currency and also
prepared a bitter, frothy beverage from them. When Spanish explorers arrived in
the Americas in the sixteenth century, they brought cacao back to Europe.
However, it was not until the Industrial Revolution that chocolate became
widely available as a solid confection. Today, the global chocolate industry is
worth over $100 billion annually, with Europe consuming nearly half of the
world's production.
Blanks:
1.
The
Olmecs began cultivating cacao plants around __________ BCE.
2.
Spanish
explorers brought cacao to Europe in the __________ century.
3.
Europe
consumes approximately __________ of the world's chocolate production.
Set 2: Renewable Energy Growth
The global transition toward renewable energy
has accelerated significantly in recent years. In 2020, renewable sources
accounted for nearly 29% of global electricity generation, with hydropower and
wind energy leading the way. China is currently the world's largest producer of
renewable energy, having invested over $500 billion in clean energy projects
between 2010 and 2020. Solar power has experienced the most dramatic growth,
with costs dropping by more than 80% over the past decade. Experts predict that
renewables could supply up to 50% of the world's electricity by 2030 if current
investment trends continue. However, challenges remain, including energy
storage limitations and the intermittency of wind and solar power.
Blanks:
1.
In
2020, renewable sources generated nearly __________ of global electricity.
2.
China
invested over __________ in clean energy projects between 2010 and 2020.
3.
Solar
power costs have dropped by more than __________ over the past decade.
Set 3: The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the
northeastern coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world.
Stretching over 2,300 kilometers, it comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs
and 900 islands. The reef is home to an astonishing diversity of marine life,
including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and 4,000 species
of mollusks. However, climate change poses a serious threat to this natural
wonder. Rising sea temperatures have caused mass coral bleaching events, with the
most severe occurrences recorded in 2016 and 2017. Scientists warn that if
global temperatures rise by more than 2°C, up to 99% of the reef's corals could
be lost. Conservation efforts are underway, but the future of the reef remains
uncertain.
Blanks:
1.
The
Great Barrier Reef comprises over __________ individual reefs.
2.
The
reef is home to approximately __________ species of fish.
3.
Scientists
warn that up to __________ of the reef's corals could be lost if temperatures
rise by more than 2°C.
Set 4: The Rise of Remote Work
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated
the adoption of remote work worldwide. Before 2020, only about 5% of employees
in the United States worked from home regularly. By April 2020, that number had
surged to nearly 40%, as lockdowns forced businesses to adapt. Surveys
conducted in 2022 revealed that approximately 60% of workers preferred hybrid
working arrangements, which combine remote and in-office work. Companies have
also benefited, with many reporting increased productivity and reduced overhead
costs. However, remote work has also raised concerns about employee isolation,
work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities. Some major
corporations have now mandated a return to the office, while others have
embraced permanent remote policies.
Blanks:
1.
Before
2020, only about __________ of US employees worked from home regularly.
2.
By
April 2020, the percentage of remote workers had reached nearly __________.
3.
Approximately
__________ of workers in 2022 surveys preferred hybrid working arrangements.
Set 5: The Psychology of Happiness
Psychologists have long studied the factors
that contribute to human happiness and well-being. Research suggests that
approximately 50% of happiness is determined by genetics, while only about 10%
is influenced by life circumstances such as wealth and health. The remaining
40% is believed to be under our conscious control, shaped by our daily habits
and attitudes. Studies have shown that regular exercise, adequate sleep, and
strong social connections are among the most significant predictors of
happiness. Interestingly, people who practice gratitude and mindfulness tend to
report higher levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, spending money on
experiences rather than material possessions has been linked to longer-lasting
happiness. These findings have important implications for public policy and
mental health interventions.
Blanks:
1.
Approximately
__________ of happiness is determined by genetics.
2.
Life
circumstances influence only about __________ of happiness.
3.
Spending
money on __________ rather than material possessions leads to longer-lasting
happiness.
Set 6: Urbanization Trends
Urbanization has been one of the most
significant global trends of the twenty-first century. In 1950, only 30% of the
world's population lived in urban areas. By 2020, that proportion had increased
to 56%, with projections suggesting that nearly 70% of people will reside in
cities by 2050. The fastest urban growth is occurring in developing nations,
particularly in Asia and Africa. Megacities—urban areas with more than 10
million inhabitants—have also proliferated. In 1990, there were only 10
megacities worldwide. Today, there are more than 30, and the number is expected
to reach 43 by 2030. This rapid urbanization presents both opportunities, such
as economic growth and innovation, and challenges, including housing shortages,
traffic congestion, and environmental degradation.
Blanks:
1.
In
1950, only __________ of the world's population lived in urban areas.
2.
By
2050, nearly __________ of people are projected to reside in cities.
3.
There
were only __________ megacities worldwide in 1990.
Set 7: The Science of Sleep
Sleep is essential for physical and mental
health, yet millions of people suffer from sleep deprivation. The National
Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 should get between 7 and
9 hours of sleep per night. However, recent surveys indicate that the average
American adult sleeps only 6.8 hours per night, well below the recommended minimum.
Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to numerous health problems,
including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Interestingly, sleep patterns vary across different age groups and cultures.
Adolescents require approximately 8 to 10 hours of sleep, while older adults
often need slightly less. In many countries, the widespread use of electronic
devices before bedtime has been identified as a major contributor to poor sleep
quality.
Blanks:
1.
The
average American adult sleeps only __________ hours per night.
2.
Adolescents
require approximately __________ hours of sleep.
3.
The
use of __________ before bedtime is a major contributor to poor sleep quality.
Set 8: The Evolution of Language
Human language is a remarkably complex system
that has evolved over millennia. Linguists estimate that there are currently
approximately 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, although this number is
declining rapidly. It is predicted that by the end of this century, nearly half
of these languages could become extinct. The vast majority of the world's
population speaks only a small fraction of these languages, with Mandarin
Chinese, Spanish, and English being the most widely spoken. Interestingly,
language diversity is highest in tropical regions, particularly in Papua New
Guinea, where over 800 languages are spoken. The loss of linguistic diversity
represents a significant cultural tragedy, as each language embodies unique
knowledge, traditions, and ways of understanding the world.
Blanks:
1.
There
are approximately __________ languages spoken worldwide.
2.
Nearly
__________ of current languages could become extinct by the end of this
century.
3.
More
than __________ languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea.
Set 9: Plastic Pollution Crisis
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the
most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Since the 1950s, humans
have produced over 8 billion tons of plastic, with the vast majority ending up
in landfills or the environment. It is estimated that between 4.8 and 12.7
million tons of plastic enter the oceans every year. At current rates, there
could be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050. Microplastics, tiny
particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in every corner of
the globe, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks. These
particles are ingested by marine life and have entered the human food chain.
Several countries have implemented bans on single-use plastics, but experts
agree that a global, coordinated response is essential to address this crisis.
Blanks:
1.
Since
the 1950s, humans have produced over __________ tons of plastic.
2.
Between
__________ million tons of plastic enter the oceans every year.
3.
Microplastics
are particles less than __________ millimeters in size.
Set 10: The History of Space
Exploration
Space exploration began in earnest during the
mid-twentieth century, driven by Cold War rivalry between the United States and
the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial
satellite, in 1957. This achievement was followed by Yuri Gagarin becoming the
first human to orbit Earth in 1961. The United States responded by landing
astronauts on the Moon with the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Since then, space
exploration has become increasingly international, with the establishment of
the International Space Station (ISS) in 1998. The ISS orbits Earth at an
altitude of approximately 408 kilometers and has been continuously occupied
since 2000. Today, private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin are
revolutionizing space travel, with plans to send tourists to space and
eventually establish colonies on Mars.
Blanks:
1.
Sputnik
1, the first artificial satellite, was launched in __________.
2.
The
International Space Station orbits at an altitude of approximately __________
kilometers.
3.
The
ISS has been continuously occupied since __________.
📝 How to Approach These
Questions
|
Step |
Strategy |
|
1.
Skim the passage |
Read
quickly to understand the overall meaning. |
|
2.
Read the blank |
Understand
what kind of word is missing (number, noun, verb, etc.). |
|
3.
Scan for keywords |
Look
for the exact words or synonyms in the passage. |
|
4.
Check grammar |
Make
sure the word fits grammatically. |
|
5.
Count words |
The
blanks only ask for 2–3 words or a number, not full sentences. |
💡 Pro Tips for IELTS
Reading Fill in the Blanks
|
Tip |
Explanation |
|
Use
the exact words |
Unlike
other tasks, Fill in the Blanks usually requires the exact words from
the passage. |
|
Numbers
are tricky |
For
numbers, look for digits or words like "nearly,"
"approximately," or "over." |
|
Check
spelling |
A
misspelled word is counted wrong, even if the meaning is correct. |
|
Pay
attention to word limits |
The
instruction will say "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER."
Follow it strictly. |
|
Practice
skimming |
You
don't need to read every detail; scan for the specific information. |
IELTS Reading
Fill in the Blanks — Answers & Reasons
Set 1: The History of Chocolate
Answers:
1.
1500
2.
sixteenth
3.
nearly
half
Reasons:
1.
The
passage explicitly states “around 1500 BCE.”
2.
The
passage mentions “in the sixteenth century.”
3.
The
passage says “Europe consuming nearly half of the world's production.”
Set 2: Renewable Energy Growth
Answers:
1.
29%
2.
$500
billion
3.
80%
Reasons:
1.
The
passage states “nearly 29% of global electricity generation.”
2.
It
mentions that China “invested over $500 billion” in clean energy
projects.
3.
It
states that solar power costs dropped by “more than 80%.”
Set 3: The Great Barrier Reef
Answers:
1.
more
than 2,900
/ 2,900
2.
over
1,500 / 1,500
3.
99%
Reasons:
1.
The
passage says the reef “comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs.”
2.
It
mentions “over 1,500 species of fish.”
3.
Scientists
warn that “up to 99%” of the corals could be lost.
Set 4: The Rise of Remote Work
Answers:
1.
5%
2.
40%
3.
60%
Reasons:
1.
Before
2020, “only about 5%” of US employees worked from home regularly.
2.
By
April 2020, the figure had “surged to nearly 40%.”
3.
Approximately
“60% of workers” preferred hybrid arrangements.
Set 5: The Psychology of Happiness
Answers:
1.
50%
2.
10%
3.
experiences
Reasons:
1.
The
passage states that “approximately 50%” of happiness is determined by
genetics.
2.
Life
circumstances influence “only about 10%.”
3.
The
passage refers to spending money on “experiences” rather than material possessions.
Set 6: Urbanization Trends
Answers:
1.
30%
2.
70%
3.
10
Reasons:
1.
In
1950, “only 30%” of the world's population lived in urban areas.
2.
By
2050, “nearly 70%” are projected to live in cities.
3.
In
1990, there were “only 10 megacities” worldwide.
Set 7: The Science of Sleep
Answers:
1.
6.8
2.
8
to 10
3.
electronic
devices
Reasons:
1.
The
passage states that the average American adult sleeps “only 6.8 hours per
night.”
2.
Adolescents
require approximately “8 to 10 hours” of sleep.
3.
The
passage identifies “electronic devices” before bedtime as a major
contributor to poor sleep quality.
Set 8: The Evolution of Language
Answers:
1.
7,000
2.
half
3.
800
Reasons:
1.
There
are currently approximately “7,000 languages” spoken worldwide.
2.
The
passage predicts that “nearly half” could become extinct.
3.
Papua
New Guinea has “over 800 languages.”
Set 9: Plastic Pollution Crisis
Answers:
1.
8
billion
2.
4.8
and 12.7
3.
5
Reasons:
1.
Humans
have produced “over 8 billion tons” of plastic since the 1950s.
2.
Between
“4.8 and 12.7 million tons” enter the oceans annually.
3.
Microplastics
are defined as particles less than “5 millimeters” in size.
Set 10: The History of Space
Exploration
Answers:
1.
1957
2.
408
3.
2000
Reasons:
1.
Sputnik
1 was launched in 1957.
2.
The
ISS orbits Earth at approximately 408 kilometers.
3.
The
ISS has been continuously occupied since 2000.
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