Welcome to this IELTS Academic Reading practice test focusing on air pollution. This practice test is designed to help you prepare for the actual IELTS Academic Reading exam by familiarizing yourself with the question types and difficulty level you’ll encounter.
Test Structure:
- 1 Academic passage (university-level scientific text)
- 9 questions using various IELTS question formats
- Suggested time limit: 20 minutes
This practice test mirrors the Academic Reading module, which is intended for test-takers applying to universities or professional organizations. The passage explores scientific research, academic analysis, and complex ideas suitable for higher education contexts.
Remember to read the instructions carefully for each question type and manage your time effectively. Good luck!
ACADEMIC READING
Passage: The Hidden Toll of Atmospheric Contamination on Urban Populations
A Air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing modern civilization, with the World Health Organization estimating that nine out of ten people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. While the visible smog blanketing major cities captures public attention, the invisible particles penetrating deep into human respiratory systems pose an equally grave threat. Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, commonly referred to as PM2.5, represents the most dangerous category of airborne contaminants. These microscopic particles, originating primarily from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the combustion of fossil fuels, can bypass the body’s natural defense mechanisms and enter the bloodstream, triggering a cascade of health complications.
B Recent epidemiological studies have established unequivocal links between prolonged exposure to polluted air and a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. Research conducted across 652 cities in 24 countries revealed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 concentration, the risk of heart attacks rises by approximately 2.5 percent. The mechanism behind this correlation involves inflammatory responses: when fine particles infiltrate lung tissue, they stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory molecules that damage blood vessel walls, accelerate atherosclerosis, and increase blood clotting tendencies. Particularly vulnerable are elderly individuals and those with pre-existing cardiac conditions, for whom even short-term spikes in pollution levels during temperature inversions or wildfire events can precipitate life-threatening medical emergencies.
C Beyond cardiovascular implications, mounting evidence suggests that air quality deterioration significantly impairs cognitive function and neurological development. A longitudinal study tracking 25,000 women over a decade found that those residing in areas with elevated pollution levels experienced cognitive decline equivalent to aging two additional years. For children, the consequences prove even more alarming. Exposure during critical developmental periods has been associated with reduced intelligence quotient scores, attention deficit disorders, and structural changes in brain white matter observable through magnetic resonance imaging. Scientists theorize that ultrafine particles may directly access the brain via the olfactory nerve or indirectly through systemic inflammation, disrupting neural pathways essential for learning and memory formation.
D The economic ramifications of atmospheric pollution extend far beyond healthcare expenditures, permeating labor productivity, agricultural output, and urban development patterns. The World Bank estimates that premature deaths and illness attributable to air pollution cost the global economy approximately $5.7 trillion annually, equivalent to 4.8 percent of worldwide gross domestic product. Absenteeism rates climb as respiratory infections proliferate, while presenteeism—the phenomenon of employees working at diminished capacity due to health issues—erodes workplace efficiency. Agricultural yields suffer as ground-level ozone damages plant tissues and reduces photosynthetic capacity, with some estimates suggesting crop losses of 10-15 percent in heavily polluted regions. Furthermore, cities with notorious air quality problems face difficulties attracting skilled workers and international investment, creating a vicious cycle of economic stagnation.
E Addressing this multifaceted crisis requires coordinated action across governmental, industrial, and individual spheres. Policy interventions demonstrating measurable success include the implementation of low-emission zones in urban centers, subsidies promoting electric vehicle adoption, and stringent regulations governing industrial emissions. Beijing’s comprehensive air quality management plan, which included relocating polluting factories, restricting construction activities during peak pollution seasons, and upgrading public transportation infrastructure, achieved a 35 percent reduction in PM2.5 levels between 2013 and 2020. However, technological solutions alone prove insufficient without fundamental shifts in consumption patterns and urban planning philosophies. Transitioning toward renewable energy sources, redesigning cities to minimize automobile dependency, and fostering public awareness about pollution’s health impacts represent equally crucial components of any effective mitigation strategy.
Questions 1-9
The following questions are based on the passage you have just read. Answer according to the instructions for each question type.
Questions 1-3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
1. According to paragraph A, PM2.5 particles are particularly hazardous because they:
- A) are more visible than other forms of pollution
- B) can evade the body’s protective systems and reach the blood
- C) originate exclusively from vehicle emissions
- D) only affect people in major cities
2. The research mentioned in paragraph B involving 652 cities demonstrated that:
- A) heart attacks only occur during wildfire events
- B) elderly people are immune to pollution effects
- C) there is a quantifiable relationship between PM2.5 levels and cardiac risk
- D) pollution affects blood vessels but not blood clotting
3. What does the term “presenteeism” refer to in paragraph D?
- A) Workers being absent from their jobs due to illness
- B) Employees attending work but performing below their usual capacity
- C) Agricultural workers suffering from respiratory infections
- D) The phenomenon of cities losing international investment
Questions 4-6: True/False/Not Given
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN for the following statements.
4. Children exposed to air pollution during development may experience observable changes in brain structure.
5. Beijing’s air quality management plan was less effective than similar programs in European cities.
6. The majority of PM2.5 particles are produced by household cooking activities.
Questions 7-9: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.
7. Scientists believe ultrafine particles might reach the brain directly through the __________ or indirectly via inflammation.
8. Air pollution causes global economic losses amounting to approximately __________ of worldwide GDP annually.
9. Ground-level ozone reduces agricultural productivity by damaging plant tissues and limiting __________.
Share Your Answers!
How did you do? Please write your answers (1-9) in the comments section below! This will help you track your progress and engage with other test-takers preparing for IELTS.
For more IELTS Reading practice tests, you can also visit Housing Topic.
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