IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 7
Passage 1: Urban Gardening – Greening the Concrete Jungle
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the reading passage below.
In an age of growing urbanisation, cities are under immense pressure to provide healthy environments for their residents. One increasingly popular solution is urban gardening, which refers to cultivating plants and food crops within city limits. From small balcony pots to expansive community allotments, urban gardening brings nature back into urban life, offering numerous environmental, social, and health benefits.
The concept of urban gardening is not new. Historical evidence suggests that ancient civilisations, including those in Mesopotamia and the Aztec Empire, integrated agricultural spaces within their cities. However, the modern urban gardening movement gained significant momentum during the two World Wars when victory gardens helped communities supplement food supplies.
Today, urban gardening has evolved far beyond simple backyard vegetable patches. Rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and hydroponic systems are reshaping urban landscapes worldwide. In cities like Singapore, vertical gardens cover the walls of skyscrapers, purifying the air while providing visual beauty. In Detroit, abandoned lots have been transformed into thriving community farms that supply fresh produce to neighbourhoods once labelled food deserts.
Urban gardening has clear environmental benefits. Plants reduce air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Green spaces help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. Rooftop gardens can also insulate buildings, lowering energy costs by keeping structures cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Beyond the environment, urban gardening strengthens communities. Community gardens provide a shared space for neighbours to gather, collaborate, and learn from one another. Studies have shown that such spaces reduce crime rates, promote mental health, and encourage physical activity. In low-income neighbourhoods, urban gardens can play a vital role in improving food security and nutrition, offering residents access to fresh fruits and vegetables that may otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable.
However, urban gardening is not without challenges. Access to land is often limited in densely populated cities, and contamination of soil with heavy metals or pollutants can pose health risks. Urban gardeners must sometimes rely on raised beds or imported soil to ensure safe cultivation. Water availability is another concern; while urban gardens help conserve water compared to industrial agriculture, they still require sustainable irrigation systems.
Technological advancements have helped urban gardening flourish in recent years. Hydroponics and aquaponics allow plants to grow without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. This method uses less space and can be implemented indoors, making it ideal for cities with limited land. Vertical farming takes this idea further by stacking layers of crops in controlled environments, maximising yield per square metre.
Many cities have embraced policies to support urban gardening, recognising its role in urban resilience. Municipalities often provide grants, land leases, or training to encourage community gardens. Educational initiatives teach urban residents how to grow food, compost, and care for green spaces.
In the long term, urban gardening could play an important part in addressing climate change and food insecurity. As cities expand and populations grow, local food production will reduce the carbon footprint of transporting food from rural farms to urban centres. Furthermore, reconnecting people with the process of growing food fosters a greater appreciation for sustainability.
While urban gardening alone cannot replace industrial agriculture, it represents an important step towards more resilient, green, and liveable cities. As the movement continues to evolve, it reminds us that even the most concrete jungles can blossom with a bit of care, collaboration, and innovation.
Questions 1–5
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
- Urban gardening was first developed during the World Wars.
- Urban gardening only includes vegetable patches in backyards.
- Vertical farms help cities produce food in small spaces.
- Urban gardens never face issues with soil quality.
- Urban gardening can help reduce food transportation emissions.
Questions 6–9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Singapore uses ________ gardens to decorate skyscrapers and purify air.
- Community gardens can help lower ________ rates in urban areas.
- In some cities, abandoned lots are turned into ________.
- Hydroponics allows crops to grow in ________ environments.
Questions 10–13
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- What is one key benefit of rooftop gardens?
A) They increase the amount of rainwater.
B) They make buildings more energy-efficient.
C) They remove green spaces from cities.
D) They reduce plant growth. - Why do some urban gardeners use raised beds?
A) To save money on soil.
B) To avoid soil contamination.
C) To flood the plants intentionally.
D) To grow trees instead of vegetables. - How does urban gardening contribute to climate action?
A) It replaces industrial farming entirely.
B) It requires transporting more food over long distances.
C) It reconnects people with sustainable food production.
D) It discourages healthy eating habits. - What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Urban gardening creates new pollution problems.
B) Urban gardening can make cities greener and more resilient.
C) Urban gardening should only be done in rural areas.
D) Urban gardening is only suitable for rich cities.
📙 Passage 2: The History and Impact of Bridges
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on the reading passage below.
Bridges have long been more than just physical structures connecting one place to another; they represent humanity’s desire to overcome obstacles, expand horizons, and connect communities. From simple logs laid across streams to today’s record-breaking cable-stayed marvels, bridges reveal much about our technological progress, cultural priorities, and economic ambitions.
The earliest bridges were likely natural — fallen trees or stones forming rough crossings. As early as 4000 BCE, humans began building primitive footbridges from wooden planks or woven vines. These rudimentary designs allowed hunters, traders, and villagers to cross rivers and ravines, paving the way for the movement of goods and ideas.
One of the earliest known large-scale bridges was the Arkadiko Bridge in Greece, built around 1300 BCE. Constructed from stone in a corbel arch design, it still stands today — a testament to ancient engineering. The Romans, however, truly revolutionised bridge construction. They mastered the use of arches and concrete, creating strong and durable bridges like the famous Pons Fabricius in Rome, which has withstood the passage of over two millennia.
Roman bridges were not just practical; they were also symbols of power and connectivity within the empire. Many were built to expand the road network, enabling armies to move quickly and merchants to trade efficiently. The standardised design of Roman bridges influenced European bridge building for centuries.
During the Middle Ages, bridge building often fell under the responsibility of the church or local guilds. Bridges were seen as acts of charity because they allowed pilgrims and travellers to cross rivers safely. Many medieval bridges had chapels built on them; the Pont Saint-Bénézet in Avignon, France, is a well-known example. These structures also facilitated trade, helping towns grow into cities.
The Industrial Revolution transformed bridge construction yet again. With the development of iron and later steel, engineers could design longer, stronger, and more daring structures. The Iron Bridge in England, built in 1779, was the world’s first cast-iron bridge. Its success paved the way for the steel suspension bridges that would dominate the 19th and 20th centuries. Iconic examples like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge became symbols not only of cities but of human ingenuity.
Modern bridge design continues to push boundaries. Cable-stayed bridges, such as the Millau Viaduct in France, combine strength and elegance. Advances in materials science, computer modelling, and construction techniques allow engineers to build bridges that span greater distances with minimal environmental impact.
However, the story of bridges is not only about physical infrastructure. Bridges also hold cultural and symbolic meaning. In literature and art, they are metaphors for connection, transition, and overcoming divides. The phrase “building bridges” has become a universal expression for fostering understanding and cooperation between people.
Despite their benefits, bridges can have negative impacts too. Large bridge projects may disrupt ecosystems, displace communities, or create inequalities if they serve only certain populations. Poorly maintained bridges can become hazards; the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure upkeep.
Climate change presents new challenges. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can damage bridge foundations and supports. Engineers now design with resilience in mind, using flexible materials and adaptive construction to withstand natural disasters.
Bridges are also at the forefront of innovative urban planning. Some cities have repurposed old railway bridges into pedestrian walkways and green spaces. The High Line in New York City, once an elevated rail track, is now a beloved urban park that demonstrates how infrastructure can be reimagined for modern needs.
Technology is shaping the future of bridges, too. Sensors embedded in bridge structures now monitor stress, temperature, and vibrations in real time. This data helps engineers detect wear and damage early, preventing catastrophic failures. Smart bridges could also adapt to traffic patterns, opening or closing lanes to manage congestion efficiently.
From ancient stone arches to intelligent structures that “talk” to engineers, bridges remain symbols of human progress. They remind us that great achievements often involve connecting people, places, and ideas — and that maintaining these connections requires both technical skill and social responsibility.
Questions 14–17
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- The first bridges were likely formed from ________ crossings.
- Roman bridges used ________ and concrete to improve strength.
- Medieval bridges often included ________ built on them.
- The Iron Bridge was the first to use ________ as its main material.
Questions 18–22
Match each historical period with its contribution to bridge building.
Write the correct letter A–F.
A. Ancient Greece
B. Romans
C. Middle Ages
D. Industrial Revolution
E. Modern era
F. Climate change
- Improved arch designs with concrete
- Early corbel arch bridges
- First use of iron for bridges
- New designs like cable-stayed structures
- A factor that now threatens bridge safety
Questions 23–26
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- Why were Roman bridges important for the empire?
A) They made rivers impossible to cross.
B) They helped expand road networks for trade and military.
C) They only connected rural farms.
D) They replaced the need for roads. - What does the High Line in New York show?
A) That railways cannot be repurposed.
B) That old bridges can become green spaces.
C) That bridges must be demolished after use.
D) That steel bridges are no longer needed. - How do modern smart bridges help engineers?
A) By cleaning themselves automatically.
B) By monitoring structural health in real time.
C) By closing permanently during storms.
D) By increasing traffic congestion. - What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Bridges only cause environmental damage.
B) Bridges are outdated infrastructure.
C) Bridges connect people and evolve with technology and society.
D) Bridges are no longer needed in modern cities.
📗 Passage 3: The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Education
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on the reading passage below.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly become a driving force in modern education, reshaping how students learn, teachers teach, and schools operate. Once considered a futuristic concept, AI is now embedded in everyday learning experiences, from personalised tutoring apps to automated grading systems.
The roots of AI in education can be traced back to the 1960s with early computer-assisted instruction. However, today’s AI-powered tools go far beyond multiple-choice quizzes on clunky machines. Modern AI systems analyse vast amounts of data to adapt lessons to individual students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This means that two students using the same app might see completely different exercises, designed to address their unique gaps in understanding.
One area where AI has had a major impact is language learning. Apps like Duolingo use AI algorithms to adjust the level of difficulty, identify words students struggle with, and even provide instant feedback on pronunciation. AI chatbots simulate real-life conversations, giving learners the chance to practise language skills anytime, anywhere.
Teachers, too, benefit from AI tools that handle repetitive administrative tasks. Automated grading systems can assess multiple-choice and even short-answer questions, freeing up teachers to focus on higher-order tasks like mentoring and curriculum development. AI can also help teachers track student progress through data dashboards that flag struggling learners early.
However, the rise of AI in education comes with challenges. Data privacy is a major concern. AI systems collect huge amounts of information on students’ learning habits, which must be stored securely and used responsibly. Bias in AI algorithms can also create unfair learning experiences, reinforcing inequalities instead of bridging them.
Another concern is the fear that AI might replace human teachers altogether. While AI excels at delivering personalised content and feedback, it cannot replicate the empathy, inspiration, and social interaction that human educators provide. Experts argue that the best educational outcomes come from blending AI tools with traditional teaching methods.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI-powered platforms became essential for remote learning. Virtual classrooms, intelligent tutoring systems, and AI teaching assistants enabled millions of students to continue their studies from home. This rapid digital transformation highlighted the potential — and the limitations — of AI in bridging educational gaps.
AI is also being used to create more inclusive classrooms. Speech recognition and natural language processing help students with disabilities. For example, AI tools can transcribe lectures for deaf students or translate content for multilingual learners, making education more accessible.
The future of AI in education looks promising but requires thoughtful policies. Schools must invest in teacher training to ensure educators can integrate AI effectively. Governments and developers must work together to set ethical standards for data security and fairness. Students should also be taught digital literacy skills so they understand how AI influences their learning.
As technology evolves, AI’s role will likely expand beyond basic tutoring to more advanced functions. Predictive analytics could help schools identify which students are at risk of dropping out. Virtual reality combined with AI could create immersive learning experiences tailored to individual needs. AI-powered simulations may allow students to experiment in safe, virtual environments.
Despite all the benefits, experts emphasise that AI should not be viewed as a substitute for the human aspects of education. Rather, it is a tool to enhance, not replace, the connection between teachers and students. If used responsibly, AI can personalise learning, reduce inequalities, and help education systems adapt to the changing world.
Questions 27–31
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
- AI in education started in the early 21st century.
- AI chatbots help language learners practise conversations.
- AI can replace teachers completely.
- AI tools can help students with disabilities access learning.
- AI was used in education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Questions 32–36
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Modern AI systems adapt lessons to students’ individual ________ and ________. Language learning apps adjust difficulty and provide ________ feedback. Teachers benefit because AI handles ________ tasks like grading, while they focus on mentoring. One risk is ________ in AI systems, which can create unfair learning experiences.
Questions 37–40
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- What is one way AI helps teachers?
A) By increasing administrative workload
B) By replacing teachers in classrooms
C) By automating routine tasks
D) By removing student data - What happened during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A) AI tools became less popular.
B) AI supported remote learning for students.
C) AI made classrooms less inclusive.
D) AI stopped teachers from teaching online. - How does AI make education more inclusive?
A) By ignoring students with special needs.
B) By replacing teachers with robots.
C) By using speech recognition and translation tools.
D) By limiting content to one language only. - What is the main idea of this passage?
A) AI will eliminate the need for schools.
B) AI is a helpful tool that should complement human teachers.
C) AI in education always increases inequalities.
D) AI only benefits language learning.
Full Answer Key
📘 Passage 1: Urban Gardening
Questions 1–5 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)
- FALSE — It existed before the World Wars.
- FALSE — It includes rooftops, vertical farms, hydroponics, etc.
- TRUE — Vertical farms use space efficiently.
- FALSE — Soil contamination is mentioned as a challenge.
- TRUE — Growing food locally reduces transportation emissions.
Questions 6–9 (Sentence completion)
6. vertical
7. crime
8. community farms
9. controlled
Questions 10–13 (Multiple choice)
10. B — They make buildings more energy-efficient.
11. B — Raised beds help avoid soil contamination.
12. C — They reconnect people with sustainable food.
13. B — Urban gardening can make cities greener and more resilient.
📙 Passage 2: The History and Impact of Bridges
Questions 14–17 (Sentence completion)
14. natural
15. arches
16. chapels
17. iron
Questions 18–22 (Matching)
18. B — Romans: arches and concrete
19. A — Ancient Greece: corbel arch
20. D — Industrial Revolution: first use of iron
21. E — Modern era: cable-stayed structures
22. F — Climate change: threat to safety
Questions 23–26 (Multiple choice)
23. B — Helped expand roads for trade and military.
24. B — Shows old bridges can be green spaces.
25. B — Smart bridges monitor structural health.
26. C — Bridges connect people and evolve with society.
📗 Passage 3: The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Education
Questions 27–31 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)
27. FALSE — It started as early as the 1960s.
28. TRUE — Chatbots simulate conversations.
29. FALSE — AI cannot fully replace teachers.
30. TRUE — AI tools help students with disabilities.
31. TRUE — It was widely used during COVID-19.
Questions 32–36 (Summary completion)
32. strengths
33. weaknesses
34. instant
35. repetitive
36. bias
Questions 37–40 (Multiple choice)
37. C — AI automates routine tasks.
38. B — AI supported remote learning.
39. C — Uses speech recognition and translation.
40. B — AI should complement teachers, not replace them.
