IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 6
Passage 1: The Remarkable World of Bamboos
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the reading passage below.
Bamboo, often described as the “grass of steel,” is one of the most versatile and sustainable plants on the planet. Though it resembles a tree, bamboo is technically a member of the grass family, comprising more than 1,500 species worldwide. It grows naturally across diverse climates, from cold mountainous regions to tropical forests. Bamboo’s fast growth, strength, and renewability make it a unique natural resource that has served humanity for thousands of years.
Some species of bamboo can grow more than one metre in a single day, making it one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. This remarkable growth is due to a unique rhizome-dependent system. Unlike trees, which grow outward from a single trunk, bamboo’s underground rhizomes send up new shoots that expand quickly, creating dense groves in a short time.
For centuries, bamboo has been integral to the daily lives of people in Asia, Africa, and South America. In Asia, bamboo is woven into the fabric of cultural identity, used in construction, handicrafts, musical instruments, and even in food. Tender bamboo shoots are a delicacy in many cuisines. Its long, straight stems have historically been used to build scaffolding for skyscrapers, particularly in Hong Kong, where bamboo scaffolding remains common today due to its flexibility, strength, and biodegradability.
Beyond its cultural uses, bamboo’s environmental benefits are drawing renewed attention in the modern era. One of bamboo’s most remarkable traits is its carbon sequestration potential. Bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Its dense root system also helps prevent soil erosion and restores degraded lands.
In recent years, bamboo has gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and wood. Bamboo fibres are now used to produce a variety of consumer products — from toothbrushes and cutlery to textiles and flooring. Its lightweight yet durable nature has also inspired architects and designers to incorporate bamboo into modern sustainable buildings. For example, in Bali, some award-winning schools and hotels have been constructed almost entirely from bamboo, demonstrating its aesthetic and functional appeal.
However, bamboo’s rise in popularity has not been without challenges. The surge in demand for bamboo products has raised concerns about monoculture plantations, which can reduce biodiversity and disrupt local ecosystems if not managed responsibly. Moreover, not all bamboo products are as “green” as they appear; some undergo chemical treatments that diminish their environmental benefits. Responsible sourcing and certification schemes are crucial to ensure that bamboo products are genuinely sustainable.
Another issue lies in the global trade dynamics of bamboo. Although bamboo grows abundantly in tropical and subtropical regions, processing facilities are often concentrated in certain countries, leading to complex supply chains. In some cases, local communities see limited benefits from the international bamboo trade. Sustainable development experts emphasise the importance of fair trade practices and local value addition to ensure that bamboo cultivation truly supports rural livelihoods.
Scientists are also exploring bamboo’s potential role in climate adaptation. As climate change threatens traditional crops, bamboo’s resilience to droughts and poor soils offers an alternative for farmers in vulnerable regions. Bamboo’s rapid growth allows it to be harvested within three to five years, compared to decades for hardwood trees, providing a faster source of income.
Interestingly, bamboo is not just significant for humans. In the wild, bamboo forests provide critical habitats for various species, most famously the giant panda. The panda’s diet consists almost entirely of bamboo shoots and leaves, and conservation efforts to protect pandas often include measures to preserve and restore bamboo forests.
Despite its remarkable properties, bamboo remains underutilised in many parts of the world, especially in developed countries where perceptions of bamboo are still evolving. Traditionally seen as a material for inexpensive or rural applications, bamboo is now being rebranded as a premium, stylish, and sustainable alternative. Designers and engineers continue to experiment with bamboo composites, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology to unlock its full potential.
In conclusion, bamboo exemplifies the intersection of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Its fast growth, strength, and wide range of uses make it a promising material for addressing some of the environmental challenges of our time. However, ensuring that bamboo’s benefits are realised without harming local ecosystems or communities requires careful management, responsible trade, and global cooperation.
Questions 1–5
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
- Bamboo is classified as a type of tree.
- Bamboo can grow over a metre in one day.
- Bamboo scaffolding is used mostly in Europe today.
- Bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide than some tree species.
- All bamboo products are completely free from harmful chemicals.
Questions 6–9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Bamboo uses a ________ system to grow new shoots quickly.
- In Hong Kong, bamboo is used to build ________.
- Some bamboo plantations can reduce ________ if not managed properly.
- The giant panda depends on bamboo for its main ________.
Questions 10–13
Choose the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
- What is one reason bamboo is considered sustainable?
A) It takes many decades to grow fully.
B) It needs chemical treatments to grow fast.
C) It grows rapidly and absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide.
D) It can only grow in tropical rainforests. - What problem is linked to increased bamboo demand?
A) It supports local biodiversity.
B) It encourages diverse crops on farms.
C) It can lead to monoculture plantations.
D) It reduces the need for trade regulations. - How can bamboo help with climate adaptation?
A) It survives well in poor soil and dry conditions.
B) It needs large amounts of water and fertiliser.
C) It cannot grow in degraded lands.
D) It requires decades to be harvested. - What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Bamboo is only useful for pandas and wildlife.
B) Bamboo is a versatile, sustainable resource with challenges to manage.
C) Bamboo will replace all wood and plastic products.
D) Bamboo should not be used outside of Asia.
Passage 2: The Invention of Stone Tools
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on the reading passage below.
Long before the emergence of modern civilisation, early humans discovered a way to shape the natural world to their advantage: by crafting stone tools. This breakthrough, often overlooked today, laid the foundation for technological and social development. The evolution of stone tools spans millions of years and reflects not only advances in craftsmanship but also changes in human cognition, migration, and culture.
The oldest known stone tools, discovered in Gona, Ethiopia, date back about 2.6 million years. These rudimentary tools, part of what archaeologists call the Oldowan industry, were simple flakes chipped off larger stones, creating sharp edges that could cut meat or break open bones to access marrow. Such tools were revolutionary for early hominins like Homo habilis, providing a reliable means to process food that otherwise would have been inaccessible.
Over time, stone tool technology became more sophisticated. The Acheulean industry, emerging around 1.7 million years ago, is characterised by large, symmetrical hand-axes and cleavers. These tools required greater planning and skill, demonstrating an evolution in the cognitive abilities of Homo erectus. Acheulean hand-axes have been found across Africa, Europe, and Asia, evidence of early humans’ expanding range.
One of the reasons stone tools were so crucial is that they enabled early humans to adapt to different environments. As hominins moved out of Africa and into colder climates, they used stone tools to process animal hides for clothing and build simple shelters. This ability to manipulate raw materials helped early humans survive and thrive in diverse conditions.
The development of stone tools also played a significant role in social evolution. Archaeologists believe that teaching and learning how to make tools required communication, encouraging the development of language and social bonds. Groups may have gathered around campfires to share food and knowledge, fostering a sense of community.
By around 300,000 years ago, Neanderthals and modern humans were producing more refined tools, known as the Mousterian industry. These included scrapers, points, and blades adapted for hunting large game and working with animal skins and wood. Unlike earlier tools, Mousterian technology often involved the prepared-core technique, where a stone core was shaped so that a single strike would produce a flake of desired size and shape. This approach reflects an advanced understanding of geometry and planning.
With the emergence of Homo sapiens, stone tools became even more diverse and specialised. The Upper Paleolithic period, roughly 50,000 to 10,000 years ago, witnessed a burst of creativity. Tools such as fine blades, burins for carving wood or bone, and microliths — small, sharp flakes used in composite tools — allowed for more efficient hunting and crafting. This period also saw the rise of symbolic art, ornaments, and more complex social structures, further highlighting the deep connection between technology and culture.
Despite the later development of metal tools, stone tools did not disappear overnight. Many societies continued to rely on them for thousands of years, often alongside bronze or iron implements. In some regions, stone tools persisted into the modern era, used for specific tasks such as grinding grains or shaping other materials.
The study of stone tools, known as lithic analysis, remains vital for archaeologists seeking to understand early human behaviour. By examining the materials, shapes, and wear patterns of tools, researchers can infer what tasks were performed, which resources were exploited, and how far raw materials were transported. This evidence provides insights into trade networks, mobility, and the daily lives of our ancestors.
Interestingly, stone tool making is not unique to humans. Other primates, such as chimpanzees, have been observed using stones to crack nuts, and capuchin monkeys use stones to dig or break open hard-shelled fruits. However, no other species has demonstrated the same complexity or intentional shaping that characterises human stone tools.
Modern experimental archaeologists often try to replicate ancient techniques, using only the materials and methods that would have been available to early humans. This process, called flintknapping, reveals the remarkable skill and patience required. It also shows that even “primitive” stone tools involved considerable ingenuity.
In today’s world of advanced technology, the significance of stone tools might seem remote. Yet, they remind us that technological progress is rooted in simple innovations that gradually transformed how humans lived, communicated, and cooperated. The humble stone tool marks the dawn of human technology — a small, sharp edge that cut open the possibilities for everything that came after.
Questions 14–17
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The oldest known stone tools were discovered in (14) ________, Ethiopia, and date back over 2.6 million years. These tools, called the (15) ________ industry, were used by early hominins to cut meat and crack bones. More advanced tools, like the symmetrical hand-axes of the (16) ________ industry, show that early humans developed better (17) ________ skills.
Questions 18–22
Match each period with its description.
Write the correct letter, A–F.
A. Oldowan
B. Acheulean
C. Mousterian
D. Upper Paleolithic
E. Flintknapping
F. Capuchins
- Simple flakes chipped from stones
- Hand-axes requiring planning and skill
- Tools made using the prepared-core technique
- Tools like microliths and symbolic art
- Modern technique to recreate ancient tools
Questions 23–26
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- Why were stone tools essential for survival?
A) They replaced language development.
B) They helped early humans adapt to different climates.
C) They made early humans weaker.
D) They limited human migration. - How did tool making affect early human society?
A) It made communication unnecessary.
B) It required teaching and sharing skills.
C) It stopped group cooperation.
D) It discouraged new inventions. - What is unique about human stone tools compared to other primates?
A) Humans used metal tools first.
B) Humans shaped tools intentionally and with complexity.
C) Other primates make more complex tools.
D) Other primates use fire to shape tools. - What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Stone tools are outdated and irrelevant.
B) Stone tools were the first and most important human technology.
C) Only modern tools matter for human survival.
D) Stone tools did not influence culture.
Passage 3: New Trends in Technology
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on the reading passage below.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technological advancements shape nearly every aspect of our lives. From artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to renewable energy and biotechnology, emerging trends are transforming how we work, communicate, and interact with the environment. While these innovations bring undeniable benefits, they also pose ethical, economic, and environmental challenges.
One of the most significant trends is the rise of AI. Machines capable of learning and making decisions have moved beyond science fiction to practical applications. AI now powers everything from virtual assistants and chatbots to sophisticated systems that diagnose diseases, predict natural disasters, or optimise supply chains. As AI grows more capable, there are concerns about job displacement, bias in algorithms, and the need for clear ethical guidelines.
Alongside AI, the IoT is expanding rapidly. Everyday devices — from refrigerators to cars — are now connected to the internet, collecting and exchanging data. This connectivity promises increased convenience and efficiency but raises questions about privacy and data security. A smart home that learns your habits can save energy and automate tasks, but it also collects vast amounts of personal information that could be misused if not properly protected.
Another trend is the shift towards clean and renewable energy technologies. Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems are becoming more affordable and efficient, driven by both technological innovation and environmental urgency. Countries worldwide are investing in smart grids and sustainable infrastructure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
Biotechnology is also advancing at a rapid pace. Gene editing tools like CRISPR have revolutionised medicine and agriculture. Scientists can now develop crops resistant to pests and diseases, or even attempt to eliminate genetic disorders in humans. These possibilities, however, spark debates about ethics, safety, and long-term ecological impacts.
The concept of a circular economy is gaining momentum as well. This approach encourages designing products that last longer, can be reused, repaired, or recycled, minimising waste. Advances in materials science are helping to develop biodegradable plastics and alternative materials that reduce environmental harm.
Digital connectivity and remote work have accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced millions to work and study from home. This trend is likely to persist, supported by improved broadband networks and collaboration tools. However, the digital divide remains a concern, as not everyone has equal access to high-speed internet or digital skills.
One emerging area attracting attention is quantum computing. Unlike traditional computers, which process information in binary, quantum computers exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems far beyond the reach of conventional systems. While still in its early stages, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise fields such as cryptography, materials science, and pharmaceutical research.
The pace of technological change raises important questions about regulation and governance. Who should control AI algorithms? How should societies protect individuals’ privacy while encouraging innovation? These questions have no easy answers, but many experts agree that governments, businesses, and communities must work together to develop frameworks that balance progress with public trust.
In the end, the new trends in technology present a double-edged sword. They hold immense promise to improve health, efficiency, and sustainability but require thoughtful oversight and responsible use. As the next generation of innovators push the boundaries of what is possible, society must ensure that technological progress benefits all people and the planet.
Questions 27–31
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
- AI is used only in virtual assistants and chatbots.
- IoT devices can make life more convenient.
- All renewable energy sources are expensive and inefficient.
- The circular economy promotes reusing and recycling.
- Quantum computing can solve problems that traditional computers cannot.
Questions 32–36
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
AI is one of the biggest trends, but it raises concerns about jobs and ________ in algorithms. The IoT connects devices and collects data, which creates ________ issues. Clean energy technologies help reduce ________ fuel use and fight climate change. Tools like ________ are changing biotechnology, but they raise ethical debates. The COVID-19 pandemic made ________ work more common worldwide.
Questions 37–40
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- What is one benefit of IoT devices?
A) They never collect personal information.
B) They help automate everyday tasks.
C) They make energy use less efficient.
D) They increase fossil fuel use. - What is true about quantum computing?
A) It uses traditional binary code only.
B) It cannot solve complex problems.
C) It works on principles of quantum mechanics.
D) It replaces the need for the internet. - Why is the digital divide a concern?
A) It slows down renewable energy growth.
B) Not everyone has equal access to digital tools.
C) It stops the development of quantum computers.
D) It reduces the use of AI. - What is the main message of this passage?
A) New technology trends have risks and benefits.
B) AI and IoT will stop all jobs.
C) Renewable energy is useless.
D) Quantum computing replaces renewable energy.
Full Answer Key
📘 Passage 1: The Remarkable World of Bamboos
Questions 1–5 (TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN)
- FALSE — Bamboo is a grass, not a tree.
- TRUE — Some species grow more than one metre per day.
- FALSE — It is mainly used in Asia, especially Hong Kong, not Europe.
- TRUE — Bamboo absorbs more CO₂ than equivalent trees.
- FALSE — Some products are chemically treated, so not all are chemical-free.
Questions 6–9 (Sentence completion)
6. rhizome-dependent
7. scaffolding
8. biodiversity
9. diet
Questions 10–13 (Multiple choice)
10. C — It grows rapidly and absorbs large amounts of carbon.
11. C — Monoculture plantations can reduce biodiversity.
12. A — It grows in poor soil and dry conditions.
13. B — Main idea: bamboo is versatile and sustainable but needs good management.
📙 Passage 2: The Invention of Stone Tools
Questions 14–17 (Summary completion)
14. Gona
15. Oldowan
16. Acheulean
17. cognitive
Questions 18–22 (Matching)
18. A — Oldowan: simple flakes
19. B — Acheulean: hand-axes needing skill
20. C — Mousterian: prepared-core technique
21. D — Upper Paleolithic: microliths, symbolic art
22. E — Flintknapping: modern replication method
Questions 23–26 (Multiple choice)
23. B — Tools helped humans adapt to new climates.
24. B — Making tools required sharing skills and communication.
25. B — Humans shape tools intentionally and complexly.
26. B — Main idea: stone tools were our first and crucial technology.
📗 Passage 3: New Trends in Technology
Questions 27–31 (TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN)
27. FALSE — AI is used in many areas beyond chatbots.
28. TRUE — IoT devices can increase convenience.
29. FALSE — Clean energy is becoming affordable and efficient.
30. TRUE — Circular economy promotes reuse and recycling.
31. TRUE — Quantum computing can solve problems beyond traditional computers.
Questions 32–36 (Summary completion)
32. bias
33. privacy
34. fossil
35. CRISPR
36. remote
Questions 37–40 (Multiple choice)
37. B — IoT devices automate tasks and save energy.
38. C — Quantum computing works on quantum mechanics.
39. B — Not everyone has equal digital access.
40. A — Main idea: new tech has both opportunities and risks.
