Free IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test with Answers | Full Mock Test for Band 7+

IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test

Time: 60 minutes

Instructions:

• You are allowed to read the three passages and answer the 40 questions in one hour.
• Write your answers down as you go.
• You can check your answers at the end.
  

Reading Passage 1:

The History of the Electric Car

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13.

The History of the Electric Car

1. Electric vehicles (EVs) might seem like a recent invention, but they’ve been around since the 19th century. In the 1830s, innovators in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the United States began to experiment with battery-powered vehicles. By the 1880s, inventors in Britain and France were developing some of the first practical electric cars.
2. By the early 1900s, EVs accounted for a significant share of the vehicle market, especially in urban areas. They were easier to start, quieter, and didn’t emit unpleasant smells like gasoline-powered cars. However, by the 1920s, gasoline vehicles had become cheaper and more efficient, thanks to innovations like Ford’s assembly line and the discovery of vast oil reserves. Electric cars began to disappear.
3. The 1970s oil crisis sparked a renewed interest in electric vehicles. Suddenly, fuel efficiency and alternative energy sources became priorities. However, EV technology still lagged behind in performance and battery range. As the crisis passed, so too did widespread interest in EVs.
4. A breakthrough came in the early 2000s with the rise of hybrid vehicles and improvements in lithium-ion battery technology. Companies like Tesla reimagined the electric car as a high-performance, desirable product. Governments worldwide began to offer subsidies, helping manufacturers and consumers alike.
5. Today, EVs are at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With more infrastructure for charging stations and increased battery efficiency, electric vehicles are expected to dominate the future automobile market.

Questions 1–6

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

1. Early electric vehicles were developed in __________, the Netherlands, and the United States.
2. In the 1900s, electric vehicles were popular in __________ areas.
3. Gasoline vehicles became more affordable due to __________ production.
4. The __________ of oil contributed to the decline of electric cars.
5. In the 1970s, people began to focus on __________ and alternative energy.
6. Tesla changed the public’s perception by marketing electric vehicles as __________ cars.

Questions 7–13

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

• TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage
• FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
• NOT GIVEN if there is no information

1. The first electric car was built in the United States.
2. Electric vehicles in the 1900s were quieter than gasoline-powered cars.
3. Ford created the first gasoline-powered car.
4. The oil crisis lasted for over a decade.
5. Hybrid vehicles combine electric and gasoline power.
6. Tesla was the first company to manufacture electric cars.
7. Government incentives helped to promote electric vehicles.

Reading Passage 2:

The Psychology of Color

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26.

The Psychology of Color

1. Color is more than just a visual experience. It can have a profound psychological impact. Studies show that certain colors can affect moods, feelings, and even behavior. This has led advertisers, designers, and artists to consider color psychology when creating products or environments.
2. For example, red is often associated with excitement, energy, and passion, but it can also signify danger. Blue, on the other hand, is perceived as calming and trustworthy, which is why it is often used by banks and tech companies. Green is linked to nature, balance, and health, and is commonly used in wellness brands.
3. Cultural differences can influence how colors are perceived. While white represents purity and peace in Western cultures, it symbolizes mourning in some Eastern cultures. Similarly, yellow is associated with happiness in the West, but may signify jealousy or betrayal in other societies.
4. The use of color in spaces such as hospitals, schools, and prisons has been studied extensively. Soft blues and greens are often used in hospital rooms to calm patients. In contrast, red is rarely used in learning environments as it can raise anxiety levels and reduce concentration.
5. Despite its importance, color psychology is not an exact science. Individual responses to color can vary widely based on personal experiences and preferences. More research is needed to fully understand how and why color influences us.

Questions 14–18

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

1. What is the main focus of the passage?
   A. The history of color in design
   B. How different colors are created
   C. The emotional and psychological effects of color
   D. The scientific theory of light and color
2. Why do banks often use blue in their branding?
   A. It stands out the most in ads
   B. It’s calming and evokes trust
   C. It’s a popular color worldwide
   D. It symbolizes money and finance
3. How is yellow viewed in some cultures?
   A. As a peaceful color
   B. As a sacred color
   C. As a negative color
   D. As a symbol of prosperity
4. What is a limitation of color psychology according to the passage?
   A. It cannot be proven scientifically
   B. It changes depending on the weather
   C. People react to colors differently
   D. Most people don’t care about color
5. What color is least likely to be used in classrooms?
   A. Green
   B. Blue
   C. Yellow
   D. Red

Questions 19–23

Match the color with the description.

Questions 24–26

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

1. What colors are used in hospital rooms to make patients feel relaxed?
2. Where is color psychology applied to discourage anxiety in learners?
3. What factor besides culture affects how individuals perceive colors?

Reading Passage 3:

Antarctic Exploration

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40.

Antarctic Exploration

1. Antarctica, the coldest and most remote continent, has attracted explorers for centuries. In the early 20th century, expeditions were driven by national pride, scientific curiosity, and the challenge of reaching the South Pole. Pioneers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott are legendary for their efforts.
2. Modern exploration is more focused on science and climate research. With global warming becoming a critical issue, Antarctica has become a vital location for studying ice cores, sea level changes, and atmospheric patterns.
3. Scientists live in research stations for months at a time. Life in Antarctica is harsh. The temperature can drop below −60°C. Supplies must be delivered by ship or air, and communication with the outside world is limited. Yet, researchers continue to work under these extreme conditions to understand Earth’s future.
4. Strict international agreements such as the Antarctic Treaty have helped preserve the continent for peaceful and scientific use. The treaty prohibits military activity and mineral mining, ensuring that Antarctica remains a place for cooperation and discovery.
5. One major concern is tourism. Although tightly regulated, increasing numbers of visitors raise questions about environmental impact. While the continent inspires awe, it is fragile and susceptible to human disturbance.

Questions 27–31

Choose FIVE letters, A–H.
Which FIVE of the following are mentioned as features or facts about Antarctica in the passage?

1. It has active volcanoes.
   B. It is the coldest continent.
   C. It’s been the site of national rivalry.
   D. Research stations exist year-round.
   E. It has no government.
   F. It is protected by international law.
   G. Tourism is banned.
   H. It is used for scientific research.

Questions 32–36

Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

1. In the early 20th century, explorers were motivated by __________.
2. Antarctica helps scientists learn more about __________.
3. Weather conditions are described as __________.
4. The Antarctic Treaty bans both military use and __________.
5. Human activity could pose a threat to Antarctica’s __________.

Questions 37–40

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

1. Ernest Shackleton reached the South Pole first.
2. Some scientists spend months working in Antarctica.
3. All visitors must obtain government permission to enter Antarctica.
4. The Antarctic Treaty was signed by several countries.

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. Hungary
2. urban
3. assembly line
4. discovery
5. fuel efficiency
6. high-performance
7. NOT GIVEN
8. TRUE
9. FALSE
10. NOT GIVEN
11. TRUE
12. FALSE
13. TRUE

Passage 2

1. C
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. A
8. D
9. C
10. E
11. Soft blues and greens
12. Learning environments
13. Personal experiences

Passage 3

1. B
2. C
3. D
4. F
5. H
6. national pride
7. climate change
8. extremely harsh
9. mineral mining
10. environment
11. FALSE
12. TRUE
13. NOT GIVEN
14. TRUE