IELTS Academic Reading Test 

PASSAGE 1

The Hidden Life of Urban Trees

Trees in modern cities face far harsher environments than their forest counterparts. Yet many continue to survive—and even thrive—despite pollution, limited soil space, and rising temperatures. Urban ecologists now study how trees adapt to the challenges created by human development.

One of the most significant challenges is soil compaction. In cities, soil is often pressed tightly by construction machinery and constant foot traffic. This restricts root growth and reduces the ability of the ground to hold water. Surprisingly, some tree species adapt by growing roots closer to the surface where oxygen is more available. However, this makes them more vulnerable to storms and strong winds.

Another difficulty is the heat island effect, which raises city temperatures several degrees above surrounding rural areas. Trees not originally suited to warm climates may struggle in such environments. Researchers have discovered that some species compensate by increasing transpiration rates, which helps cool leaves internally. But this strategy requires more water, which is often scarce in urban settings.

Despite these challenges, urban trees provide enormous benefits: improved air quality, reduced noise levels, and psychological well-being for city residents. Recent studies show that even a small amount of greenery—like roadside trees—can reduce stress hormones in pedestrians.

To ensure the survival of urban trees, arborists recommend planting diverse species rather than relying on a few popular choices. Diversity reduces the risk of mass die-off caused by pests or disease. Researchers also emphasize the importance of “engineered soil” that allows deeper root penetration.

Questions 1–13

Choose the correct letter, A–D.

1. What is a major factor limiting tree growth in cities?
   A. Excessive rainfall
   B. Compact soil
   C. Lack of sunlight
   D. Over-fertilisation

2. According to the passage, some trees adapt by growing roots:
   A. deeper underground
   B. towards nearby buildings
   C. closer to the surface
   D. into drainage systems

3. What disadvantage comes from surface-level roots?
   A. They absorb too much oxygen
   B. They make trees unstable in storms
   C. They block pedestrian pathways
   D. They reduce transpiration

4. The heat island effect causes:
   A. cooler nights
   B. higher temperatures in cities
   C. increased soil moisture
   D. reduced pollution

5. Trees cool themselves by:
   A. reflecting sunlight
   B. closing their stomata
   C. increasing transpiration
   D. shedding leaves early

6. Why is transpiration difficult for urban trees?
   A. Water supply is limited
   B. Leaves are smaller
   C. Air is too cold
   D. Soil contains more minerals

7. What benefit of urban trees is mentioned?
   A. Reduced building costs
   B. Lower CO₂ emissions from cars
   C. Improved human mental health
   D. Fewer pests

8. Tree diversity is encouraged to avoid:
   A. competition between species
   B. dependency on artificial irrigation
   C. uniform leaf fall seasons
   D. large-scale species loss

9. “Engineered soil” is recommended because it:
   A. enhances colour of leaves
   B. supports deeper root growth
   C. keeps insects away
   D. reduces need for pruning

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.

10. Soil compaction increases the water-holding ability of soil.

11. Urban trees usually grow faster than rural trees.

12. Surface-rooted trees are more vulnerable to strong winds.

13. Researchers believe planting a variety of trees helps long-term survival.

PASSAGE 2

The Science of Forgetting

Forgetting is often considered a failure of the brain, but neuroscientists argue that it is actually an essential process. Without the ability to forget, humans would be overwhelmed by information, unable to prioritise useful memories.

One influential theory is the “interference theory.” It proposes that old and new memories compete with each other. For example, if someone learns a new phone number, the previous one may become more difficult to recall. This is not a sign of memory loss but a natural organisational process.

Another line of research focuses on synaptic pruning, in which the brain reduces weak or unused neural connections. This biological mechanism enables the brain to conserve energy and strengthen more relevant pathways. Studies on mice demonstrate that pruning increases during sleep, implying that forgetting is partly an overnight housekeeping process.

However, forgetting is not always helpful. In conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss results from neural degeneration rather than natural pruning. Scientists hope that understanding normal forgetting will help distinguish healthy aging from disease-related decline.

Interestingly, emotional memories are harder to forget because they activate the amygdala, which strengthens the encoding of those events. This is why people vividly recall moments of shock or fear even decades later.

New technology has enabled researchers to stimulate specific brain circuits using light (optogenetics). Experiments suggest that forgotten memories are not erased but temporarily inaccessible. This raises the possibility that future therapies may help recover seemingly lost information.

Questions 14–26

Choose the correct letter, A–D.

14. Why do some neuroscientists believe forgetting is beneficial?
    A. It protects the brain from injury
    B. It prevents emotional memories
    C. It avoids information overload
    D. It increases intelligence

15. Interference theory suggests forgetting occurs because:
    A. people lose interest in old information
    B. new and old memories compete
    C. the brain uses too much energy
    D. emotional events block other memories

16. Synaptic pruning helps the brain by:
    A. removing strong neural pathways
    B. weakening emotional reactions
    C. conserving energy
    D. preventing sleep disturbances

17. What do mouse studies show about pruning?
    A. It happens mainly during childhood
    B. It increases while sleeping
    C. It reduces emotional memory
    D. It stops during adulthood

18. Alzheimer’s is different from normal forgetting because it:
    A. only affects emotional memories
    B. is caused by neural degeneration
    C. can be cured through sleep
    D. strengthens memory pathways

19. Emotional memories are long-lasting because the:
    A. hippocampus removes irrelevant details
    B. amygdala enhances their encoding
    C. brain prunes them faster
    D. person repeats them often

20. Optogenetics suggests forgotten memories are:
    A. permanently deleted
    B. stored outside the brain
    C. hidden but recoverable
    D. harmful to retrieve

Complete the sentences below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY.

21. Without forgetting, humans would be unable to ______ useful information.

22. Pruning increases at night during ______.

23. Emotional memories activate a brain region known as the ______.

24. Researchers believe forgotten memories are ______ rather than erased.

TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

25. According to the passage, children forget more quickly than adults.

26. Optogenetic research may lead to methods for restoring lost memories.

PASSAGE 3

The Future of Clean Aviation

Aviation is responsible for around 2–3% of global carbon emissions, but its impact is expected to rise as demand for travel increases. Although aircraft have become more fuel-efficient over the decades, their reliance on fossil fuels remains a major environmental obstacle.

One promising solution is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Made from biological or waste sources, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80%. Airlines have begun small-scale trials, but limited supply and high costs prevent widespread adoption. Experts believe that government incentives will be necessary to increase production.

Another developing technology is electric aircraft. Batteries, however, remain the limiting factor. Current designs allow only short-distance flights because batteries are heavy and store less energy than jet fuel. Nevertheless, advances in solid-state batteries may eventually allow regional flights to run entirely on electricity.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft represent a third potential pathway. Hydrogen produces no carbon emissions when used in fuel cells, but storing it is difficult because it must be kept at extremely low temperatures. Airports would require major infrastructure changes to handle hydrogen safely.

Despite these challenges, the aviation industry is optimistic. Manufacturers are investing heavily in research, and several companies expect hybrid aircraft—combining electric motors with traditional engines—to enter service by the mid-2030s. These hybrids could significantly reduce fuel consumption on takeoff and landing.

Ultimately, experts forecast that a combination of fuels and technologies, rather than a single solution, will drive aviation toward carbon neutrality. Collaboration between governments, airlines, and technology companies will be essential for progress.

Questions 27–40

Choose the correct letter, A–D.

27. What is the main concern about future aviation?
    A. Reduced passenger comfort
    B. Rising environmental impact
    C. Longer travel times
    D. Increased airport taxes

28. SAF can reduce emissions by up to:
    A. 20%
    B. 50%
    C. 80%
    D. 95%

29. A major barrier to SAF adoption is:
    A. lack of pilot training
    B. insufficient supply
    C. poor engine compatibility
    D. safety risks

30. Electric aircraft are limited mainly by:
    A. wind patterns
    B. battery capability
    C. runway length
    D. pilot shortages

31. Hydrogen must be stored at:
    A. high pressure
    B. normal room temperature
    C. extremely cold temperatures
    D. unstable pressure levels

32. Airports would need new infrastructure to:
    A. support hydrogen systems
    B. reduce passenger numbers
    C. eliminate delays
    D. replace electrical wiring

33. Hybrid aircraft might become available by:
    A. 2028
    B. early 2040s
    C. mid-2030s
    D. next year

34. Hybrids are particularly useful during:
    A. cruise phases
    B. boarding procedures
    C. bad weather
    D. takeoff and landing

TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

35. The aviation industry has not invested in future technologies.

36. Solid-state batteries may improve electric flight range.

37. Hydrogen fuel cells release a small amount of carbon.

38. Experts agree that no single technology will solve aviation emissions.

39. The passage states that airlines oppose working with governments.

40. Some companies are already testing hybrid aircraft designs

✅ ANSWER KEY

Passage 1

1 B
2 C
3 B
4 B
5 C
6 A
7 C
8 D
9 B
10 FALSE
11 NOT GIVEN
12 TRUE
13 TRUE

Passage 2

14 C
15 B
16 C
17 B
18 B
19 B
20 C
21 prioritise
22 sleep
23 amygdala
24 inaccessible
25 NOT GIVEN
26 TRUE

Passage 3

27 B
28 C
29 B
30 B
31 C
32 A
33 C
34 D
35 FALSE
36 TRUE
37 FALSE
38 TRUE
39 FALSE
40 TRUE