Academic Reading Test: The Evolution of Automobile

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Welcome to this IELTS Practice Academic Reading Test focusing on the history of cars.

This test consists of a passage followed by 7 True/False/Not Given questions.

You have 12-15 minutes to complete the test.

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions based on the information provided.

The Journey of the Automobile

The automobile, a marvel of human ingenuity, has transformed society and shaped the modern world in ways its early inventors could scarcely have imagined. The story of the car begins not with a single inventor, but with a series of innovations spanning centuries.

The concept of self-propelled vehicles dates back to the 15th century, with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs for a hypothetical self-propelled cart. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that practical steam-powered vehicles began to appear. In 1769, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built what is considered the first full-scale, self-propelled mechanical vehicle: a steam-powered tricycle.

The 19th century saw significant advancements in automotive technology. In 1807, François Isaac de Rivaz designed the first internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen. Later, in 1886, Karl Benz patented the first gasoline-powered automobile, often regarded as the birth of the modern car. Concurrently, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were developing their own gasoline-powered engine, which they fitted to a carriage in 1889.

The early 20th century marked the beginning of mass production techniques. Henry Ford’s introduction of the assembly line in 1913 revolutionized manufacturing, making cars more affordable and accessible to the middle class. The Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, became a symbol of this new era of mobility.

As automobiles became more commonplace, they began to significantly impact urban planning and infrastructure. The development of highways and suburban areas in the mid-20th century was largely driven by the proliferation of personal vehicles. This period also saw advancements in safety features, with the introduction of seat belts in the 1950s and airbags in the 1970s.

The latter part of the 20th century brought increased awareness of environmental concerns related to automobiles. This led to the development of more fuel-efficient engines and, eventually, the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles. The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car.

Today, the automotive industry stands on the brink of another revolution. Self-driving technology, once the stuff of science fiction, is becoming a reality. Companies like Tesla, Google, and traditional automakers are investing heavily in autonomous vehicle technology, promising to reshape our relationship with cars once again.

Questions 1-7

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

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 in the passage

1. Leonardo da Vinci created the first functional self-propelled vehicle.

2. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot’s steam-powered tricycle is considered the first full-scale, self-propelled mechanical vehicle.

3. Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler collaborated to create the first gasoline-powered automobile.

4. Henry Ford’s assembly line made cars more expensive to produce.

5. The development of highways in the mid-20th century was influenced by the increasing number of personal vehicles.

6. Airbags were introduced in cars before seat belts.

7. The Toyota Prius was the world’s first electric car.

Please write your answers in the comments section below.

Answers will be provided in a reply to this post.

You might want to try other reading practice tests: The Rise Of E-Commerce and Climate Change Topic.

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