IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 2
Advanced Level – Detailed Passages with Images
60 minutes – 3 detailed passages. Expanded content for realistic IELTS challenge. Use the timer and check answers when ready.
Download PDF VersionPassage 1: Green Roofs and Urban Sustainability
Rooftops covered with grass, vegetable gardens, and lush foliage are now a common sight in many cities around the world. More and more private companies and city authorities are investing in green roofs, drawn to their wide-ranging benefits. Among these are saving on energy costs by providing natural insulation (reducing heating in winter and cooling in summer), mitigating the risk of floods by absorbing and retaining rainwater, creating habitats for urban wildlife such as birds and insects, tackling air pollution through plants that filter toxins and produce oxygen, and even enabling urban agriculture for local food production. These increasingly radical urban designs help cities adapt to monumental problems like resource scarcity, rising temperatures from urban heat islands, and a lack of green space due to dense development. However, challenges remain: high initial installation costs, ongoing maintenance needs (such as irrigation and structural checks), and the need for research into different systems to suit various rooftop types. In the UK, for example, London has seen significant growth thanks to policies like the London Plan, which has more than doubled green roof coverage. Intensive green roofs (with deeper soil and diverse plants) offer greater benefits but require more upkeep than extensive ones (lighter, low-maintenance sedum varieties). Experts emphasize that involvement from governments, businesses, and institutions is essential for widespread success.
Questions 1–6: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
1. Green roofs can lower energy bills by acting as insulation.
2. Flood risks are completely eliminated in cities with green roofs.
3. London has more green roofs than any other European city due to strict laws.
4. Extensive green roofs need more maintenance than intensive ones.
5. Green roofs help improve urban air quality by filtering pollutants.
6. All cities face the same barriers to adopting green roofs.
2. FALSE (mitigate, not eliminate)
3. NOT GIVEN
4. FALSE (extensive need less)
5. TRUE
6. NOT GIVEN
Passage 2: Alternatives to Concrete in Construction
Concrete is the second most consumed material on Earth after water, yet its production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions due to the energy-intensive process of making cement. With the world population expected to reach 9.8 billion by mid-century, demand for construction materials will rise dramatically, making sustainable alternatives urgent. One promising substitute is wood, particularly engineered forms like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam). These materials are created by layering and bonding timber planks, resulting in products that are light yet offer strength comparable to concrete and steel. Treated timber sequesters carbon absorbed during tree growth, locking it away in buildings for decades. Construction with CLT is often faster, quieter, and produces less waste on site. However, challenges persist: concerns over fire resistance (though modern treatments improve performance), scalability for very tall structures, and the need for proven long-term durability in diverse climates. Climate change pressures are accelerating innovation, with architects and engineers testing hybrid designs that combine timber with minimal concrete. Experts note that while no material perfectly replicates concrete's properties, wider adoption of mass timber could significantly reduce the construction sector's carbon footprint if supported by policy and research.
Questions 7–11: Multiple Choice (A–D)
7. Concrete production contributes significantly to global emissions because of:
A) Excessive water use B) Cement manufacturing process C) Transportation costs D) Waste generation
8. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is appealing as it:
A) Completely replaces concrete in all projects B) Stores carbon and matches concrete's strength C) Requires no treatment D) Lowers building height limits
9. A key limitation of timber alternatives mentioned is:
A) Higher material cost only B) Fire safety and large-scale application C) Poor aesthetic quality D) Inability to use in cold climates
10. The passage implies that climate change is:
A) Hindering material innovation B) Speeding up development of low-carbon options C) Not relevant to tall buildings D) Only impacting developing countries
11. Mass timber buildings may produce less on-site:
A) Noise and waste B) Carbon emissions during use C) Worker injuries D) Design flexibility
8. B
9. B
10. B
11. A
Passage 3: The Myth of Creative Genius
It is a widespread belief that creativity is an innate gift reserved for a rare few 'geniuses' who are born with exceptional talent. However, psychological research increasingly shows that creative ability is latent in most people and can be cultivated through deliberate practice, environmental factors, and mindset shifts. The notion of the lone genius — someone producing masterpieces in isolation — is largely a myth rooted in Romantic-era ideals. In reality, creativity often emerges from collaboration, persistence, and breaking routines that trap the mind in habitual patterns. Studies indicate that high intelligence is necessary but not sufficient for outstanding creative output; deliberate practice (focused, goal-oriented effort over years) plays a far greater role. Family environment and education influence creativity more than genetics alone, which accounts for only about a quarter of variance in creativity test scores. Advancing technology does not stifle creativity but enhances it by offering new tools for experimentation and idea combination. True innovation frequently arises from challenging norms, noticing overlooked connections, and refining ideas over time rather than sudden flashes of brilliance. Experts argue that viewing creativity as a skill rather than a fixed trait empowers more people to develop it, debunking the myth that only the 'gifted' can achieve greatness.
Questions 12–16: Summary Completion (NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)
Creativity is often seen as an 12. __________ gift for a select few, but research shows it is 13. __________ in most individuals and can be developed. The idea of the 14. __________ genius is overstated, as creativity benefits from 15. __________ and breaking 16. __________. Technology helps rather than hinders by providing new tools.
13. latent
14. lone
15. collaboration / persistence
16. routines / habits
Advanced Strategy Tips
Skim the full passage first (2–3 min), underline keywords, then scan for specifics. For T/F/NG, check for exact meaning (paraphrasing is common). Summary questions require precise words from the text. Time management: Aim for 20 min per passage.
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