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 IELTS READING MODULE (GT TEST 4)

READING PASSAGE 1 (Biology): The Secret World of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs have long been called the “rainforests of the sea” due to their rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, these remarkable ecosystems support roughly 25% of all marine species. The complex relationships within a reef form a delicate balance that has evolved over millions of years, making coral habitats vital to ocean health.

Corals themselves are tiny organisms called polyps. Each polyp forms a calcium carbonate skeleton, and together these skeletons build sprawling underwater landscapes. Yet corals do not live in isolation; they have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These tiny plants live within the coral’s tissue and provide it with energy through photosynthesis. In return, the corals offer the algae a safe habitat and access to light, making this partnership one of the best examples of mutualism in the natural world.

Coral reefs also serve as protective barriers for coastal areas, shielding communities from the impact of strong waves and storms. Economically, they support fisheries and attract millions of visitors for tourism. However, despite their ecological and economic importance, coral reefs face unprecedented threats from rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and human activity. Coral bleaching, caused when water temperatures rise and the zooxanthellae are expelled from the coral, has become increasingly common, threatening the survival of entire reefs.

Conservation efforts focus on reducing pollution, managing fisheries sustainably, and restoring damaged reefs by planting resilient species. Yet many researchers warn that global action is required if these ecosystems are to survive. Without a significant reduction in carbon emissions and global temperatures, some of the planet’s richest habitats could disappear within decades.

Questions for Passage 1:

True / False / Not Given

1. Coral reefs cover 25% of the ocean floor.
2. Zooxanthellae live within the tissue of corals.
3. Coral reefs can protect coastal communities from storm damage.
4. The rise of ocean temperatures has had no significant impact on corals.
5. Without global climate action, some reefs may disappear soon.

Sentence Completion
6. Coral reefs are called the “rainforests of the sea” because of their ________ and ecological significance.
7. The symbiosis between corals and ________ allows corals to obtain energy through photosynthesis.
8. Coral bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise, causing the ________ to be expelled from the coral.
9. Coral reefs support ________ and attract millions of visitors every year.
10. Without significant action, researchers warn that these ________ habitats may disappear within decades.

Multiple Choice
11. What percentage of marine species is supported by coral reefs?
A) 1%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%

12. What is NOT a threat to coral reefs?
    A) Rising sea temperatures
    B) Ocean acidification
    C) Reduced carbon emissions
    D) Human activity

READING PASSAGE 2 (Art): The Evolution of Impressionist Painting

The 19th century witnessed one of the greatest transformations in the world of art — the emergence of Impressionism. At a time when academic painting dominated European salons, a group of young artists sought to break free from traditional constraints. Figures like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro embraced a revolutionary approach that aimed to capture moments of everyday life, focusing on light, color, and movement.

Prior to Impressionism, academic art adhered to a highly formal style, prioritizing historical or mythological subjects rendered with meticulous precision. In contrast, the Impressionists chose to depict ordinary moments — bustling Parisian cafés, serene gardens, misty landscapes — often painting “en plein air” (outdoors) to capture the effects of natural light. The quick, visible brushstrokes and bright color palettes of their canvases represented a radical departure from traditional methods.

Initially met with skepticism and ridicule, Impressionist works were rejected by the official Salon. Critics derided the loose technique, referring to the movement as “impressionist” after Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise” — a term meant to belittle the artists. Yet this term came to define the movement itself, as Impressionist artists gained popularity and inspired generations of painters.

Today, Impressionist masterpieces can be found in the world’s greatest museums, celebrated for their vibrancy and emotional resonance. The legacy of the movement is felt across disciplines — from modern art to music and literature — reminding us that revolutionary ideas often arise when boundaries are challenged, and convention is reshaped.

Questions for Passage 2:

True / False / Not Given
13. Impressionist artists sought to adhere to traditional academic standards.
14. The term “impressionist” was originally used as a criticism.
15. Impressionist painters experimented with light and color to depict everyday moments.
16. All Impressionist works were created exclusively indoors.
17. The legacy of Impressionism has influenced music and literature.

Sentence Completion
18. The Impressionist movement emerged in the ________ century.
19. The traditional academic style focused on ________ or mythological themes.
20. The technique of painting quickly, with visible ________ strokes, was a hallmark of Impressionism.
21. The term “impressionist” originated from Monet’s painting ________.

Multiple Choice
22. What was the primary focus of Impressionist painters?
A) Historical subjects
B) Mythology and precision
C) Capturing moments of everyday life
D) Strict formal technique

23. What was the initial critical reaction to the Impressionist movement?
    A) Universal acclaim
    B) Criticism and skepticism
    C) Indifference
    D) Complete rejection by the public

READING PASSAGE 3 (Economics): The Dynamics of Global Trade

The rise of global trade has been a defining feature of the modern economic era. The flow of goods, services, and ideas across borders has connected nations and reshaped economic landscapes. From the ancient Silk Road to contemporary digital marketplaces, trade has acted as both an engine of growth and a catalyst for change.

Modern global trade operates within complex networks that span continents. Thanks to advances in transportation and communication technologies, products can move from factories in Southeast Asia to retail shelves in Europe or North America in a matter of days. This interconnectivity has fostered economic growth, increased access to goods and services, and created countless jobs across the globe.

However, global trade also presents significant challenges. The unequal distribution of benefits has widened the gap between wealthy and poorer nations, while environmental concerns have surfaced due to long supply chains and increased emissions. Trade policies, tariffs, and economic alliances further complicate the dynamics, making global commerce a subject of ongoing debate.

As nations grapple with the benefits and drawbacks of global trade, new approaches such as fair trade and sustainability-focused commerce have gained momentum. These approaches emphasize ethical supply chains, environmental stewardship, and the well‑being of workers. In this era of globalization, the future of global commerce rests upon a delicate balance between economic interests, environmental priorities, and social justice.

Questions for Passage 3:

True / False / Not Given
24. The Silk Road was one of the first examples of global trade.
25. Technological advances have reduced the role of global commerce.
26. Global trade has created economic connections across continents.
27. Environmental concerns have increased due to longer supply chains.
28. New approaches like fair trade have been universally embraced.

Sentence Completion
29. The rise of global trade has reshaped ________ landscapes.
30. Trade policies and ________ complicate global commerce.
31. Fair trade focuses on ________ supply chains and environmental stewardship.
32. The future of global commerce depends on finding a balance between economic interests, environmental priorities, and ________.

Multiple Choice
33. What is NOT mentioned as an effect of global trade?
A) The creation of jobs
B) Increased access to goods and services
C) Reduced environmental concerns
D) Fostering economic growth across nations

34. What is one challenge posed by global trade?
    A) Reduced economic connections across nations
    B) Environmental impacts due to long supply chains
    C) Lack of access to goods and services
    D) Decline in transportation and communication technologies
35. What is a new approach gaining popularity in global commerce?
    A) Strictly focusing on profit
    B) Fair trade and sustainability-focused commerce
    C) Limiting international connections
    D) Reducing global connectivity

ANSWER KEY – TEST 4

🌊 Reading Passage 1: The Secret World of Coral Reefs

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. biodiversity
7. zooxanthellae
8. zooxanthellae
9. fisheries
10. vital
11. B (25%)
12. C (Reduced carbon emissions)

🎨 Reading Passage 2: The Evolution of Impressionist Painting

13. False
14. True
15. True
16. False
17. True
18. 19th
19. historical
20. brush
21. Impression, Sunrise
22. C (Capturing moments of everyday life)
23. B (Criticism and skepticism)

💵 Reading Passage 3: The Dynamics of Global Trade

24. True
25. False
26. True
27. True
28. Not Given
29. economic
30. tariffs
31. ethical
32. social justice
33. C (Reduced environmental concerns)
34. B (Environmental impacts due to long supply chains)
35. B (Fair trade and sustainability-focused commerce)