Academic Reading Practice Test- 28

Time Allowed: 60 minutes
Total Questions: 40

Instructions:

• Answer ALL questions

• Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER unless stated otherwise

• For multiple-choice questions, choose ONE correct answer

 Reading Passage 1

The Role of Curiosity in Scientific Discovery

Curiosity has long been recognized as a driving force behind scientific progress. It motivates individuals to ask questions, explore unknown phenomena, and challenge existing assumptions. While formal training and technical skills are essential, curiosity often initiates the process that leads to innovation.

Psychologists define curiosity as a desire for new information that arises when a person detects a gap between what they know and what they want to know. This cognitive gap creates a sense of discomfort, encouraging exploration and learning. Studies suggest that curiosity enhances memory retention, as individuals are more engaged when seeking answers to their own questions.

In scientific research, curiosity-driven inquiry has led to many unexpected breakthroughs. Discoveries such as penicillin and microwave radiation emerged not from targeted problem-solving but from open-ended investigation. However, curiosity alone is insufficient; it must be supported by systematic methods and critical thinking.

Educational systems play a crucial role in shaping curiosity. Environments that reward rote memorization may suppress inquisitive behavior, whereas inquiry-based learning encourages experimentation and independent thought. Teachers who allow students to pursue questions beyond the syllabus often foster deeper understanding.

Despite its importance, curiosity is difficult to measure and cultivate consistently. External pressures such as standardized testing and limited research funding can restrict exploratory work. Nevertheless, many scientists argue that maintaining curiosity is essential for long-term scientific advancement.

Questions 1–13

Questions 1–7

Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

1. Curiosity encourages people to ask _________.

2. It arises when there is a gap in _________.

3. Curiosity can improve _________ retention.

4. Some major discoveries resulted from _________ investigation.

5. Curiosity must be supported by systematic _________.

6. Inquiry-based learning promotes independent _________.

7. Standardized testing may limit _________ work.

Questions 8–13

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

Write:

• TRUE if the statement agrees

• FALSE if it contradicts

• NOT GIVEN if there is no information

8. Curiosity is more important than technical skill in science.

9. Feeling uncertain can motivate learning.

10. All scientific discoveries are curiosity-driven.

11. Memorization-focused education discourages curiosity.

12. Curiosity can be easily measured.

13. Research funding can affect exploratory studies.

 Reading Passage 2

Water Scarcity and Sustainable Management

Water scarcity is becoming one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change have increased demand for freshwater while reducing reliable supply. Many regions now face chronic water shortages that threaten food security and economic development.

Agriculture accounts for approximately 70 percent of global freshwater use, making it a key focus of conservation efforts. Inefficient irrigation systems result in significant water loss through evaporation and runoff. Improving irrigation efficiency can substantially reduce water consumption without lowering crop yields.

Urban water management also plays a critical role. Aging infrastructure in many cities leads to leakage and contamination, wasting valuable resources. In response, governments are investing in smart water technologies that monitor usage and detect leaks in real time.

Desalination offers another potential solution, particularly for coastal regions. While modern desalination plants can produce large quantities of freshwater, they require high energy input and generate environmental concerns related to brine disposal.

Experts emphasize that sustainable water management requires integrated policies that combine technological innovation, public awareness, and regulatory reform. Without coordinated action, water scarcity is likely to intensify in coming decades.

Questions 14–26

Questions 14–18

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

14. The main cause of increasing water scarcity is
    A. natural disasters
    B. industrial pollution
    C. rising demand and reduced supply
    D. poor governance

15. Agriculture uses the largest share of
    A. energy resources
    B. freshwater
    C. arable land
    D. labor

16. Water loss in agriculture is often due to
    A. soil erosion
    B. crop disease
    C. outdated irrigation
    D. chemical fertilizers

17. Smart water technologies are used to
    A. increase rainfall
    B. lower water prices
    C. detect system failures
    D. replace reservoirs

18. Desalination is limited mainly because of
    A. poor water quality
    B. high energy use
    C. lack of technology
    D. low output

Questions 19–26

Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

Water scarcity is driven by population growth, climate change, and increased _________ (19). Agriculture is targeted for conservation because it uses most global _________ (20). Cities lose water due to aging _________ (21), while desalination raises concerns about energy use and _________ (22). Experts argue that sustainable solutions require integrated _________ (23).

 Reading Passage 3

The Psychology of Decision Fatigue

Decision fatigue refers to the deteriorating quality of decisions made by individuals after a long period of decision-making. As people make repeated choices, their mental resources become depleted, leading to impulsive or avoidant behavior. This phenomenon has implications for consumer behavior, workplace productivity, and public policy.

Research indicates that decision fatigue reduces self-control. Individuals experiencing mental exhaustion are more likely to choose default options or postpone decisions entirely. Studies involving judges, for example, have shown that parole decisions are influenced by timing, with more favorable outcomes occurring earlier in the day.

The modern environment intensifies decision fatigue. Constant exposure to digital information, notifications, and choices places heavy cognitive demands on individuals. As a result, even minor decisions can contribute to mental overload.

Organizations attempt to mitigate decision fatigue by simplifying processes. Standardized procedures, automation, and limited choice architectures reduce unnecessary decision-making. Some companies also encourage structured breaks to restore cognitive capacity.

While decision fatigue is well documented, researchers caution against overstating its effects. Individual differences, motivation, and task importance can moderate the impact. Nonetheless, understanding decision fatigue can help individuals and institutions design better decision environments.

Questions 27–40

Questions 27–32

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

27. Decision fatigue occurs when
    A. choices are too complex
    B. mental resources are depleted
    C. decisions are avoided completely
    D. information is inaccurate

28. People experiencing decision fatigue tend to
    A. make careful choices
    B. seek more information
    C. select default options
    D. improve self-control

29. The judge study suggests decisions are influenced by
    A. legal experience
    B. case severity
    C. time of day
    D. media attention

30. Digital environments increase decision fatigue by
    A. improving efficiency
    B. limiting options
    C. reducing workload
    D. increasing cognitive demands

31. Companies reduce decision fatigue by
    A. adding more options
    B. increasing monitoring
    C. simplifying processes
    D. extending working hours

32. The author’s tone toward decision fatigue is
    A. exaggerated
    B. dismissive
    C. balanced
    D. alarmist

Questions 33–40

Complete the table below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. questions

2. knowledge

3. memory

4. open-ended

5. methods

6. thought

7. exploratory

8. FALSE

9. TRUE

10. FALSE

11. TRUE

12. FALSE

13. TRUE

Passage 2

14. C

15. B

16. C

17. C

18. B

19. demand

20. freshwater

21. infrastructure

22. disposal

23. policies

Passage 3

27. B

28. C

29. C

30. D

31. C

32. C

33. decisions

34. self-control

35. information

36. procedures