18 September 2025 Real exam Reading Passages with similar questions and Answers( not exact)
π IELTS Reading Passage 1
How Printed Books Began
The invention of printing in Europe marked one of the most transformative periods in human history. Before the fifteenth century, books were painstakingly copied by hand, usually by monks in monasteries, a process that could take months or even years for a single manuscript. This meant that books were rare, expensive, and largely inaccessible to the general public. Knowledge was confined to a privileged elite, and literacy rates remained low across most of the continent.
The breakthrough came with Johannes Gutenberg’s press, developed in Mainz, Germany, around 1450. Although movable type had existed in East Asia centuries earlier, Gutenberg’s crucial innovation was the combination of metal type, oil-based ink, and a mechanical press. This synthesis allowed for the mass production of uniform, durable texts. His most famous product, the Gutenberg Bible, demonstrated not only the technical viability of the press but also its cultural significance.
The spread of printing presses across Europe was remarkably swift. By the year 1500, more than a thousand presses were operating in over 200 cities, producing an estimated 20 million books. This proliferation drastically reduced the cost of books, thereby democratizing access to knowledge. Students, merchants, and even artisans could now own texts that were previously beyond their reach. The book trade flourished, and new professions emerged, including printers, publishers, and booksellers.
The impact of printing extended far beyond accessibility. It fostered the standardization of languages and spelling, as consistent printed versions replaced regionally varied manuscripts. It also encouraged scientific progress: scholars could now widely share experimental results and debate findings through published works. The Protestant Reformation, too, owed much of its momentum to the printed word, as Martin Luther’s ideas circulated rapidly in pamphlet form.
Nevertheless, the early printing industry faced challenges. Authorities often feared the uncontrolled spread of radical or heretical ideas. As a result, censorship and licensing laws were introduced in many states, giving governments and the church significant power over what could be printed. Yet, even strict regulation could not halt the tide of ideas unleashed by the press.
By the seventeenth century, printing had become firmly entrenched in European culture, transforming education, religion, and science. The book had shifted from a luxury commodity into an indispensable tool for intellectual and social life. Without this revolution in communication, the modern age as we know it would scarcely have been possible.
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❓ Questions (13)
Questions 1–5: True / False / Not Given
Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage
Write FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
Write NOT GIVEN if there is no information
1. Monks could copy entire books within a few weeks.
2. Gutenberg invented movable type for the first time.
3. The Gutenberg Bible was significant both technically and culturally.
4. By 1500, more than 20 million books had been printed.
5. Printing immediately eliminated all regional differences in spelling.
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Questions 6–9: Multiple Choice (Choose ONE option A, B, C, or D)
6. What was Gutenberg’s main contribution to printing?
A. Creating handwritten copies of texts
B. Developing movable wooden type
C. Combining existing methods into an effective printing system
D. Inventing oil-based ink only
7. The reduction in book costs led to:
A. The decline of universities
B. Wider ownership of books across different social groups
C. The replacement of publishers with monks
D. A decrease in literacy rates
8. Which historical movement gained strength through printing?
A. The Industrial Revolution
B. The Protestant Reformation
C. The French Revolution
D. The Roman Empire
9. What obstacle did the early printing industry face?
A. Shortages of paper
B. Lack of interest in reading
C. Strict censorship and regulation
D. Poor quality ink
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Questions 10–13: Matching Information
Match the statements (10–13) with the correct paragraph (A–F).
NB: You may use any letter more than once.
A. Para 1
B. Para 2
C. Para 3
D. Para 4
E. Para 5
F. Para 6
10. Printing presses were quickly established across Europe.
11. The church and governments attempted to restrict printing.
12. Literacy was limited before the invention of printing.
13. Printing promoted the sharing of scientific findings.
Passage 2 – Why Do Singers Lose Their Voices?
Losing one’s voice can be a nightmare for professional singers, who rely heavily on their vocal cords for their livelihood. While ordinary people may experience temporary hoarseness after shouting at a sports event or suffering from a cold, singers are far more vulnerable, as their vocal cords endure intense and regular strain. Scientists and voice experts have long studied this phenomenon to better understand why singers, despite years of training, sometimes struggle with vocal fatigue or even long-term damage.
The human voice is produced when air from the lungs passes through the vocal folds, located in the larynx. These folds vibrate rapidly—sometimes hundreds of times per second—creating sound waves that are then shaped into speech or song by the mouth, tongue, and lips. Professional singers often push their vocal folds to extreme limits, sustaining notes, varying pitch, and projecting loudly over musical instruments. Unsurprisingly, this repeated demand can result in tiny tears, inflammation, or nodules, which are small callus-like growths that disrupt normal vibration.
One major reason singers lose their voices is overuse without sufficient rest. Just like athletes, vocal performers require periods of recovery. However, due to hectic schedules, tours, and recording demands, singers often sing for hours daily with minimal downtime. This constant exertion can lead to swelling, which in turn reduces vocal range and causes discomfort. Once inflamed, the vocal cords do not close properly, resulting in a breathy or raspy sound.
Another significant factor is incorrect singing technique. Although many singers undergo rigorous training, some may still adopt habits that put undue pressure on the larynx. Straining to reach high notes, singing from the throat instead of using proper breath support, or forcing volume without resonance can all accelerate damage. Voice coaches stress diaphragmatic breathing and correct posture as essential in preserving vocal health.
Environmental conditions also play a crucial role. Dry air, pollution, smoking, and even caffeine or alcohol intake can dehydrate the vocal folds. Dehydration makes the tissues less flexible and more prone to microscopic injury. That is why singers are often seen sipping warm water or herbal teas before and during performances. Hydration helps keep the vocal folds lubricated, reducing friction during vibration.
Medical conditions cannot be ignored either. Viral infections, such as laryngitis, can cause temporary voice loss by inflaming the vocal cords. Acid reflux is another hidden culprit; stomach acid that travels up the esophagus can irritate the larynx, leading to chronic hoarseness. Allergies and asthma medications, which often dry out the throat, may also worsen the situation.
In some cases, psychological pressure exacerbates the problem. Stage fright, anxiety, and stress can tighten throat muscles, causing vocal strain. Singers who push through these moments without relaxation techniques risk overcompensating with force, further stressing their vocal cords. Modern therapy increasingly combines vocal training with mental health support to combat these issues holistically.
Fortunately, prevention and treatment methods exist. Regular vocal warm-ups, proper technique, and disciplined rest are critical. Some professionals undergo speech therapy or work closely with laryngologists, doctors specializing in vocal health. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove nodules or polyps, though this carries risks and requires extensive rehabilitation. The most successful singers are often those who treat their voices as athletes treat their bodies—with consistent care, training, and recovery.
Ultimately, the fragility of the voice underscores the extraordinary demands placed on singers. While audiences may marvel at flawless performances, behind the scenes lies a delicate balance between artistic expression and physical limitation. Losing one’s voice is not merely an inconvenience for singers—it is a reminder of the fine line between talent and overexertion.
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Questions
Questions 1–6: True / False / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
1. Singers are more likely to lose their voices than ordinary people.
2. Vocal folds vibrate more slowly when producing low-pitched sounds.
3. Vocal nodules are temporary inflammations that disappear within hours.
4. Proper breath support can help prevent vocal damage.
5. Acid reflux can contribute to long-term vocal problems.
6. Stress has no effect on the quality of a singer’s performance.
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Questions 7–10: Matching
Match the cause with its description.
A. Overuse
B. Environmental conditions
C. Incorrect technique
D. Psychological pressure
7. Dehydration from alcohol or caffeine
8. Straining to reach high notes
9. Anxiety tightening throat muscles
10. Singing for long hours without breaks
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Questions 11–13: Short Answer Questions
Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
11. What kind of doctor specializes in vocal health?
12. What liquid do singers often drink to stay hydrated?
13. What treatment might be required in severe cases?
Passage 3 – The Tuatara: Past and Future
The tuatara, a reptile native to New Zealand, is often described as a “living fossil.” Though it resembles a lizard at first glance, it belongs to a distinct order known as Rhynchocephalia, which flourished around 200 million years ago during the age of dinosaurs. Today, the tuatara is the sole surviving member of this group, making it of immense scientific importance. Its survival story, against the odds of extinction, provides remarkable insights into evolution, adaptation, and conservation.
One of the most striking features of the tuatara is its “third eye,” technically called the parietal eye. Located on top of its head, this eye is visible in juveniles but becomes covered with scales as the reptile matures. While not capable of detailed vision, it is believed to play a role in regulating circadian rhythms and detecting light, helping the tuatara adapt to seasonal changes. This ancient feature links the species to its prehistoric ancestors.
Another remarkable trait is the tuatara’s slow pace of life. Unlike most reptiles, it grows extremely slowly and can live well over 100 years, with some individuals surviving close to 120. Reproduction is equally unusual: females lay eggs only once every 2 to 5 years, and the incubation period is among the longest of any reptile—up to 15 months. This sluggish reproduction rate partly explains why the species remains vulnerable, as population recovery is painfully slow when numbers decline.
Historically, tuataras were widespread across New Zealand. However, with the arrival of Polynesian settlers and later European colonists, their numbers diminished drastically. The introduction of mammalian predators such as rats, dogs, and cats devastated tuatara populations, since the reptiles are ground-dwelling and their eggs are easily consumed. Habitat loss further compounded the problem, confining the tuatara to offshore islands that were free of predators.
From a scientific perspective, the tuatara provides crucial evolutionary clues. Its skeletal structure retains primitive characteristics lost in modern reptiles, offering a living model for studying vertebrate development. Its unique jaw mechanism, which allows a shearing motion rather than simple up-and-down chewing, further distinguishes it from lizards and snakes. Genetic studies also reveal that the tuatara’s DNA evolves more slowly compared to many animals, reinforcing its status as a biological time capsule.
Conservation efforts over the past century have focused on protecting the tuatara’s remaining habitats and reintroducing them to predator-free reserves. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has implemented breeding programs and translocation projects, moving tuataras to restored mainland sanctuaries surrounded by pest-proof fencing. These initiatives have been largely successful, with populations showing gradual recovery.
However, new challenges loom on the horizon. Climate change poses a serious threat, particularly because tuatara sex determination depends on temperature. Warmer incubation conditions produce more males, while cooler conditions yield more females. As global temperatures rise, the risk of highly skewed sex ratios increases, potentially jeopardizing the survival of future generations. Researchers are experimenting with controlled incubation and habitat management to address this imbalance.
Despite these obstacles, the tuatara remains a symbol of resilience. Revered by the indigenous MΔori people as a guardian of knowledge, it holds cultural as well as biological significance. Its continued existence serves as a reminder of both the fragility and endurance of life. If carefully managed, the tuatara may yet persist for centuries to come, maintaining its place as one of Earth’s most extraordinary survivors.
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Questions
Questions 1–5: True / False / Not Given
1. The tuatara is closely related to modern lizards.
2. The parietal eye disappears completely in adult tuataras.
3. Tuataras can live for more than a century.
4. The tuatara reproduces more frequently than most reptiles.
5. Polynesian settlers played no role in the decline of tuatara populations.
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Questions 6–9: Matching Information
Match each feature of the tuatara with the correct description.
A. Jaw mechanism
B. Third eye
C. Reproduction cycle
D. Genetic structure
6. Helps regulate biological rhythms.
7. DNA evolves at a slower rate.
8. Shearing motion for chewing food.
9. Eggs laid only once every few years.
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Questions 10–12: Short Answer Questions
Answer using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
10. Where are tuataras mainly found today?
11. Which animals introduced by humans destroyed tuatara eggs?
12. What method is being tested to counter skewed sex ratios?
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Questions 13–14: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter: A, B, C, or D.
13. Why is the tuatara considered a “living fossil”?
A. It has no predators
B. It is the last member of its order
C. It lives on islands
D. It reproduces very slowly
14. What do the MΔori regard the tuatara as?
A. A food source
B. A symbol of wealth
C. A guardian of knowledge
D. A pest to be avoided
✅ Answers + Explanations
1. FALSE – It says monks took months/years, not weeks.
2. FALSE – Movable type existed earlier in Asia.
3. TRUE – The Bible proved technical + cultural value.
4. TRUE – Around 20 million by 1500.
5. FALSE – Printing encouraged standardization but did not immediately eliminate all variations.
6. C – His genius was combining innovations into one system.
7. B – Cheaper books = ownership by students, merchants, artisans.
8. B – Protestant Reformation spread via pamphlets.
9. C – Passage mentions censorship/licensing.
10. C – Para 3: rapid spread, 200 cities.
11. E – Para 5: censorship and laws.
12. A – Para 1: books rare, literacy low.
13. D – Para 4: scientists shared results.
Passage 2:
1. TRUE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. TRUE
6. FALSE
7. B
8. C
9. D
10. A
11. Laryngologist
12. Warm water / Herbal tea
13. Surgery
Passage 3
Answer Key
1. FALSE
2. FALSE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE
6. B
7. D
8. A
9. C
10. Offshore islands
11. Rats / Dogs / Cats
12. Controlled incubation
13. B
14. C
