MINI-IELTS READING TEST 1

 

READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 10 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom. This stone circle, which stands on the Salisbury Plain, has been studied for centuries, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. Archaeologists believe it was constructed in stages, starting around 3000 BCE. Over the course of several centuries, new elements were added, transforming it into the unique structure we see today.

The site consists of large standing stones, known as sarsens, and smaller stones called bluestones. The sarsen stones, which were erected around 2500 BCE, each weigh about 25 tons and are believed to have been transported from Marlborough Downs, located approximately 32 kilometers away. The origins of the bluestone stones are even more remarkable; they were likely brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, nearly 240 kilometers away. Transporting these massive stones over such long distances would have been an immense challenge for the people of that time, leading researchers to speculate about the methods they might have used.

Stonehenge has been linked to astronomical alignments, especially with the summer and winter solstices. At sunrise on the summer solstice, the sun aligns perfectly with the Heel Stone, a large outlying stone placed at the edge of the circular layout. This alignment has led many to suggest that Stonehenge may have served as an ancient calendar, helping people to track the changing seasons and agricultural cycles.

There are various theories about Stonehenge's purpose. Some suggest it was used as a burial ground, as numerous cremated remains have been found in the surrounding area. Others propose that it was a ceremonial or religious site, used by ancient people to celebrate seasonal festivals or connect with deities. Some even believe it was a center for healing, as several skeletons with signs of illness or injury have been unearthed nearby.

In recent years, advanced technology has shed new light on Stonehenge and its surroundings. Ground-penetrating radar and other non-invasive techniques have revealed hidden structures beneath the surface, suggesting that Stonehenge was part of a larger ceremonial complex. One such site, known as the Durrington Walls, is located about 3 kilometers away and is thought to have been a settlement that supported the construction of Stonehenge.

Despite extensive research, many aspects of Stonehenge remain unknown. While scholars have made significant discoveries, they still debate its true purpose and the methods used to construct it. As new technology continues to evolve, perhaps one day we will uncover all the secrets of this ancient wonder.

Questions 1-5
Complete the notes below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.

Stonehenge

Construction and Structure

• The flat land known as 1. _______, where Stonehenge stands, is located in a county in England.
• The more sizable stones, referred to as 2. ______ ones, were conveyed from an estimated distance of under 40 kilometers.
• The lesser stones, identified as 3. _______, are believed to have been brought from another region.
• Stonehenge is positioned in a straight line with the sun during the summer and winter 4. _______.
• Some speculate that Stonehenge could have served as a 5. _______ for monitoring the seasons in the past.

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Questions 6-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 6-13 on your answer sheet, write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

6. One of the sarsen stones is the most substantial compared to the other stones at Stonehenge.
7. Stonehenge’s bluestones were brought from Scotland.
8. People who constructed Stonehenge were well aware of the agricultural calendar.
9. Scientists conformed that Stonehenge had been used exclusively as a graveyard.
10. Some bones found near Stonehenge show signs of damage or ailments.
11. The use of modern advancement has provided insight into Stonehenge's hidden structures.
12. Durrington Walls is believed to have been a site for ancient celebrations.
13. We may have a clear insight into Stonehenge  in the future.

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 10 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

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Climate Change and Its Impact on Society

A

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the globe. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and unprecedented temperatures are impacting communities, ecosystems, and economies. For instance, low-lying island nations like the Maldives are at risk of disappearing altogether as the ocean encroaches upon land that is only a few meters above sea level. The changes in climate are not limited to just geography but also have significant social implications, such as displacement and loss of livelihoods, especially in vulnerable regions.

B

At the core of climate change are greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which trap heat within the earth’s atmosphere. When human activities, such as burning fossil fuels or deforestation, increase the concentration of these gases, the global temperature rises. This process, commonly known as global warming, has far-reaching effects. Scientists emphasize that if global temperatures continue to increase at the current rate, extreme weather conditions may become even more frequent, intensifying hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.

C

The impact of climate change is felt disproportionately across different regions and populations. While wealthier nations may have the infrastructure to manage some effects, poorer regions often suffer the consequences more acutely. For example, farmers in drought-prone areas of Africa struggle to produce crops, leading to food insecurity. In contrast, countries in northern latitudes may benefit temporarily from a warmer climate due to longer growing seasons. Nonetheless, the overall impact of climate change remains detrimental for the majority, putting increased strain on resources and leading to potential conflicts over water and land.

D

The physical and economic costs of climate change have prompted action from both governments and non-governmental organizations. Strategies like transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce CO₂ emissions. At the same time, reforestation initiatives, where trees are planted to absorb CO₂, are another way to mitigate the effects of climate change. Some countries have also pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by certain deadlines, although the feasibility of these commitments remains a topic of debate among experts.

E

Awareness of climate change and its potential consequences has also increased among the general public, partly due to influential voices like climate activists and scientists. People are beginning to see how their own actions contribute to climate change, prompting many to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles. Simple changes, like reducing energy consumption, recycling, and supporting sustainable products, contribute to reducing one’s carbon footprint. Some schools and educational programs are also integrating climate science into their curricula to equip future generations with the knowledge they need to address the issue.

F

However, skepticism and misinformation about climate change still exist. Some argue that the effects of climate change are exaggerated or that it’s a natural cycle independent of human influence. This skepticism can create barriers to meaningful change, as policies that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions may not receive the necessary support. To combat misinformation, scientists and environmental advocates strive to provide clear and accurate information, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based understanding in making informed decisions on this critical issue.

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Questions 14–18

Reading Passage 2 has six paragraphs, A–F.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A–F, in boxes 14–18 on your answer sheet. You can use a letter more than once.

14. mention of how countries’ financial status affects their ability to respond to climate change
15. actions individuals can take to reduce their environmental impact
16. examples of how climate change affects natural landscapes
17. a description of how certain subtances  detrimentally affect the environment.
18. mention of prominent figures who have raised public awareness of environmental issues.

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Questions 19–22

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 19–22 on your answer sheet.

19. Low-lying islands are at risk of ……………………… as a consequence of escalating sea levels.
20. Deforestation is one activity that leads to an increase in ………………………that cause rising temperature in the atmosphere.
21. One solution to alleviate environmental issues is to switch to ……………………… sources of power.
22. Schools have started integrating subjects related to ……………………… to their curricula to inform future generations.

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Questions 23 and 24

Choose TWO letters, A–E.

Write the correct letters in boxes 23 and 24 on your answer sheet.

Which TWO responses to climate change are mentioned in Paragraph D?

A. expanding agricultural land
B. setting emission targets
C. supporting natural carbon capture methods
D. creating new methods of storing fossil fuels
E. encouraging a return to traditional farming

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Questions 25 and 26

Choose TWO letters, A–E.

Write the correct letters in boxes 25 and 26 on your answer sheet.

Which TWO facts about climate change skepticism are mentioned in the text?

A. It hinders support for environmental policies.
B. It is mainly present in specific countries.
C. It is rooted in misinformation.
D. It decreases as scientific evidence grows.
E. It encourages alternative environmental practices.

READING PASSAGE 3

You should spend about 10 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.

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The Science Behind Athletic Performance

What is it that sets elite athletes apart from the rest of us? Sports scientists have long studied the factors that contribute to athletic excellence. Some researchers focus on the physiological aspects, while others look at psychological factors or the athlete’s environment. The complex interplay between genetics, training, mental resilience, and support systems makes understanding athletic performance an intriguing challenge.

Research indicates that a significant aspect of athletic ability is genetic. Athletes who excel often have physical attributes that give them a natural advantage. For instance, sprinters typically have a higher percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which help generate explosive power, while endurance runners may have a higher proportion of slow-twitch fibers, which provide stamina. However, genetics alone is not enough to produce an elite athlete. For those naturally inclined towards sports, focused and consistent training is essential. According to Dr. Lauren Bates, a leading sports physiologist, even those with a genetic advantage must undergo rigorous training to reach top levels in their sport.

Training itself has evolved over the years as sports science has developed. Coaches now have access to data on athletes’ performance, allowing them to adjust training programs based on real-time feedback. With advances in wearable technology, data on heart rate, oxygen levels, and muscle activity can be continuously monitored, offering insights that were previously inaccessible. Training is often tailored to target an athlete’s specific weaknesses, helping them to make incremental improvements that could be the difference between winning and losing.

Another critical component of high performance is the athlete’s mental state. Sports psychologists have found that mental resilience – the ability to bounce back from failure or injury – is as crucial as physical ability. A study on Olympic athletes showed that those with higher levels of self-belief and determination tend to perform better under pressure. Dr. Emma Greene, a sports psychologist, argues that elite athletes must practice mindfulness and visualization techniques to strengthen mental resilience. She emphasizes that confidence and focus can make or break an athlete’s performance in high-stakes competitions.

The environment in which an athlete grows up and trains also impacts performance. Many high-achieving athletes come from communities with strong support systems, whether from family, coaches, or peers. Sociological research by Dr. Jonathan Reed found that athletes who receive emotional and financial support from their families are more likely to succeed. Reed’s findings also suggest that the opportunity to train with other skilled athletes provides a competitive edge.

In recent years, sports science has turned its focus to recovery. The concept of ‘overtraining’ has emerged, where excessive training without adequate recovery can lead to injury and burnout. Innovations in recovery science now guide athletes on how best to manage their rest periods. Techniques such as cryotherapy, massage, and even guided sleep schedules are part of the regimen of many elite athletes. By balancing hard work with recovery, athletes can avoid burnout and ensure sustained peak performance.

Ultimately, while there is no single factor that determines athletic success, the combination of genetics, training, mental toughness, support systems, and effective recovery strategies creates a solid foundation for success. As sports science advances, researchers continue to unlock the secrets of elite performance.

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Questions 27–32

Complete the summary below using the list of phrases, A–K, below.

Write the correct letter, A–K, in boxes 27–32 on your answer sheet.

Athletic Success

Athletic success involves a complex 27………………… of factors, and scientists are constantly researching how these factors work together. For example, top athletes often have certain 28………………… traits that contribute to their success, yet these are not enough on their own. Dr. Lauren Bates asserts that athletes need 29………………… training to reach their full potential, despite any natural advantages. Advances in technology now allow trainers to 30………………… weaknesses in an athlete’s performance and adjust training accordingly.

Another essential aspect of high performance is mental resilience, which has been shown to help athletes cope with 31…………………. Elite athletes also benefit from being part of an 32………………… that provides emotional and financial backing.

A innate          B track            C environment            D reliable                     E perform        F comfortable
G assess           H setbacks       I intense                      J combination             K break

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Questions 33–37

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?

In boxes 33–37 on your answer sheet, write:

YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

33.    Innate qualities are not very much for an athlete to reach the highest level of performance.

34.    Employing mental techniques proves ineffectual in enhancing athletes' capacity to maintain composure amidst high-pressure situations.

35.    Elite athletes frequently emerge from communities endowed with robust support systems.

36.    Recovery methods have only recently been considered important in sports science.

37.    More insightful facts of top performance are expected to be discovered.

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Questions 38–40

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

Write the correct letter in boxes 38–40 on your answer sheet.

38. What do the coaches do in training?

A Evaluate the potential of young athletes.

B Improve athletes’ response to mental challenges.

C Monitor someone’s reactions in real time.

D Extend training sessions.

39. What did Dr. Reed’s research conclude about family support?

A Athletes perform better when financially independent.

B Family support is the only factor in achieving success.

C Financial and emotional support are key to an athlete’s success.

D Athletes without family support have greater mental resilience.

40. What does the writer do in the final paragraph?

A concurs that success is exclusively a byproduct of rigorous training.

B elucidates the methodology for attaining profound success.

C ensures that genetics serve as the principal determinant.

D draws a parallel between mental resilience and physical strength.

Check the answers