21 March 2026 IELTS reading passages for practice similar
IELTS Academic Reading Passage 1
The Disappearance of the Thylacine
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was a carnivorous marsupial that once lived across mainland Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. It looked similar to a medium-sized dog but had dark stripes across its back and a stiff tail. Despite being called a tiger, it was not related to tigers but belonged to the marsupial family, like kangaroos and wombats.
Thousands of years ago, thylacines disappeared from mainland Australia, likely due to competition with dingoes and human hunting. However, they survived in Tasmania, where there were no dingoes, and the population continued for many centuries.
When European settlers arrived in Tasmania in the nineteenth century, they began farming sheep. The settlers believed thylacines were killing their livestock, and the government introduced a reward system for killing them. As a result, thousands of thylacines were hunted. This government policy is considered one of the main reasons for their extinction.
Another factor that contributed to their decline was habitat loss. Large areas of forest were cleared for agriculture and settlement, reducing the natural habitat of the thylacine. Diseases introduced by domestic dogs may have also affected the population.
The last known wild thylacine was killed in 1930, and the last captive thylacine died in Hobart Zoo in 1936. Since then, there have been many reported sightings, but no scientific evidence has confirmed that the species still exists.
Today, the thylacine is often used as an example of how human activity can cause the extinction of a species. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
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Questions 1–5
TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
Write:
TRUE – if the statement agrees with the passage
FALSE – if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN – if the information is not given
1. The thylacine was a type of tiger.
2. Thylacines once lived in several regions including New Guinea.
3. Dingoes were responsible for the extinction of thylacines in Tasmania.
4. The government paid people to kill thylacines.
5. Scientists have confirmed that thylacines still exist today.
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Questions 6–9
Matching Headings
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph (A–D).
Headings
i. Government hunting policy
ii. Description of the animal
iii. Reasons for extinction
iv. Early distribution of the species
v. Modern significance of the thylacine
Paragraphs
6. Paragraph 1
7. Paragraph 2
8. Paragraph 3
9. Paragraph 6
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Questions 10–13
Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
10. The thylacine had dark ______ on its back.
11. European settlers started raising ______ in Tasmania.
12. Forests were cleared for agriculture and ______.
13. The last captive thylacine died in ______ Zoo.
IELTS Academic Reading Passage 2
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and urban planning that seeks to connect people with nature within built environments. The term “biophilia” was popularised by biologist Edward O. Wilson, who suggested that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. Modern buildings, however, often separate people from natural environments, which can negatively affect health, productivity, and well-being.
Biophilic design attempts to solve this problem by incorporating natural elements into buildings and urban spaces. These elements may include natural light, indoor plants, green walls, water features, natural materials such as wood and stone, and views of natural landscapes. The goal is not simply decoration but creating environments that improve human psychological and physical health.
Research has shown that exposure to natural elements can reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase productivity. For example, office workers who have windows with views of trees often report higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels than those working in windowless offices. Similarly, students studying in classrooms with natural light tend to perform better academically.
Biophilic design is now widely used in hospitals, schools, offices, and residential buildings. In hospitals, access to natural light and gardens has been linked to faster patient recovery times. In offices, plants and natural materials can improve employee well-being and reduce absenteeism. In cities, green roofs and urban parks help reduce air pollution and urban heat.
However, some critics argue that biophilic design can be expensive and difficult to implement, especially in densely populated cities where space is limited. Others argue that poorly designed green features may require high maintenance and water usage, which could create environmental problems instead of solving them.
Despite these challenges, many architects and urban planners believe biophilic design will become more important in the future as cities become more crowded and environmental concerns increase.
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Questions 14–18
Matching Information
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A–F.
14. An example of biophilic design improving academic performance
15. A definition of biophilic design
16. A criticism related to environmental impact
17. The origin of the term biophilia
18. Examples of biophilic design in different buildings
(Paragraphs A–F)
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Questions 19–22
Multiple Choice Questions
19. The main purpose of biophilic design is to
A. make buildings more beautiful
B. reduce construction costs
C. reconnect people with nature
D. increase building size
20. Workers in offices with natural views tend to
A. work longer hours
B. feel less stressed
C. change jobs more often
D. prefer artificial lighting
21. In hospitals, biophilic design has been linked to
A. lower construction costs
B. faster recovery
C. fewer doctors
D. shorter working hours
22. Some critics believe biophilic design
A. is only useful in hospitals
B. is too simple to implement
C. may be expensive and difficult
D. is harmful to human health
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Questions 23–26
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Biophilic design aims to reconnect people with 23 ______ inside buildings.
It includes features such as plants, natural light, and 24 ______ materials.
Studies show that exposure to nature can reduce 25 ______ and improve productivity.
However, some people believe these designs may require high 26 ______ and maintenance.
IELTS Academic Reading Passage 3
What is Personality?
Personality is generally defined as the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character. Psychologists have long attempted to understand personality, how it develops, and how it influences behaviour. Over time, several theories have been developed to explain personality, including trait theory, psychoanalytic theory, and humanistic theory.
One of the earliest approaches to personality was proposed by Sigmund Freud, who believed that personality was shaped by unconscious desires and childhood experiences. Freud divided personality into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. According to Freud, human behaviour is largely influenced by unconscious conflicts between these three elements.
In contrast, trait theorists believe that personality consists of stable characteristics that can be measured and identified. One of the most widely accepted models today is the “Big Five” personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Psychologists believe these traits exist on a spectrum and can be used to describe most human personalities.
Humanistic psychologists, such as Carl Rogers, took a different approach by focusing on personal growth and self-development. Rogers believed that people are naturally motivated to improve themselves and achieve their full potential, a concept known as self-actualisation.
Modern personality research often combines these theories rather than relying on only one approach. Researchers now study both biological factors, such as genetics and brain structure, and environmental influences, such as upbringing and culture, to understand personality development.
Despite decades of research, psychologists still debate whether personality is more influenced by genetics or environment. Most researchers now agree that personality is shaped by a combination of both factors rather than one alone.
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Questions 27–31
YES / NO / NOT GIVEN
Write:
YES – if the statement agrees with the writer
NO – if the statement contradicts the writer
NOT GIVEN – if it is not possible to say
27. Freud believed personality was influenced by childhood experiences.
28. Trait theory states that personality changes frequently over time.
29. The Big Five model includes five personality categories.
30. Carl Rogers believed people want to improve themselves.
31. Scientists fully agree on whether personality is genetic or environmental.
Questions 32–36
Matching Theories with Researchers
Match each theory with the correct researcher.
Researchers
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Trait theorists
C. Carl Rogers
D. Modern researchers
Theories
32. Personality formed by unconscious mind
33. Personality measured using characteristics
34. Personality influenced by both biology and environment
35. Personality connected to personal growth
36. Personality divided into three parts
Questions 37–40
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Psychologists have developed different theories to explain personality. Freud focused on the 37 ______ mind and childhood experiences. Trait theory focuses on 38 ______ characteristics. Humanistic psychology emphasises 39 ______ growth and self-development. Modern research studies both genetics and 40 ______ influences.
IELTS General Training Reading from your list:
IELTS GT Reading – Section 1
Setting Up Direct Debits
A Direct Debit is a convenient way to pay regular bills automatically from your bank account. It is commonly used for utility bills, subscriptions, insurance payments, and loan repayments. Once you set up a Direct Debit, the company will automatically collect the agreed amount from your account on the specified date.
How to Set Up a Direct Debit
To set up a Direct Debit, you must complete a Direct Debit authorisation form. This form requires your bank account details, including account number and bank branch code. You must also specify the company you are paying and the payment frequency, such as monthly or yearly.
Important Information
You must ensure that sufficient funds are available in your account on the payment date. If there is not enough money, the bank may charge a penalty fee. You also have the right to cancel a Direct Debit at any time by contacting your bank.
Advantages of Direct Debit
Direct Debits help avoid late payment fees and ensure bills are paid on time. Some companies also offer discounts for customers who pay by Direct Debit.
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Questions 1–7
TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
1. Direct Debit is mainly used for one-time payments.
2. A form must be completed to start a Direct Debit.
3. You must visit the bank in person to cancel a Direct Debit.
4. Banks may charge a fee if there is not enough money.
5. Direct Debit helps people avoid late fees.
6. All companies give discounts for Direct Debit payments.
7. Direct Debit payments can be monthly or yearly.
Questions 8–13
Matching Information
Match the information with the correct section.
A. Definition of Direct Debit
B. Steps to set it up
C. Important warnings
D. Benefits
8. Information about possible bank charges
9. Information about payment frequency
10. Information about automatic bill payment
11. Information about cancelling payments
12. Information about discounts
13. Information about bank account details
IELTS GT Reading – Section 2
Healthy Pet Club Membership
The Healthy Pet Club is a membership programme designed to help pet owners manage the healthcare costs of their pets. Members pay a monthly fee and receive various benefits and discounts.
Membership Benefits
Members receive free annual health checks for their pets, vaccinations, and regular dental check-ups. Members also receive discounts on pet food, grooming services, and veterinary treatments.
Payment and Cancellation
Membership fees are paid monthly by Direct Debit. Members must give one month’s notice if they wish to cancel their membership. No refunds are provided for unused months.
Pet Insurance
The membership is not a replacement for pet insurance. Owners are still advised to purchase insurance to cover accidents or serious illnesses.
Additional Services
Members can also attend free pet care workshops and training sessions organised by the club throughout the year.
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Questions 14–20
Multiple Choice Questions
14. The main purpose of the Healthy Pet Club is to
A. sell pet food
B. reduce pet healthcare costs
C. provide pet insurance
D. train pets
15. Members receive free
A. pet food
B. grooming
C. health checks
D. insurance
16. Membership fees are paid
A. yearly
B. weekly
C. monthly
D. daily
17. To cancel membership, members must
A. pay a fee
B. give one month notice
C. visit the office
D. cancel online only
18. Membership replaces pet insurance
A. True
B. False
C. Not given
19. Members can attend
A. free workshops
B. free travel
C. free hotels
D. free medicine
20. Refunds are given for unused months
A. Yes
B. No
C. Not given
IELTS GT Reading – Section 3
Advice for Efficient Packing
Packing efficiently for travel is an important skill that can save time, space, and money. Many travellers either pack too much or forget essential items, which can cause inconvenience during a trip.
One useful strategy is to make a packing list before starting. This helps travellers organise items and avoid forgetting important documents such as passports, tickets, and travel insurance. Packing clothes that can be mixed and matched is another effective method to reduce the number of items needed.
Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles. Using packing cubes can also help organise luggage and make it easier to find items. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom of the suitcase near the wheels for better balance.
Travellers are also advised to carry essential items such as medication, documents, and valuables in their hand luggage. This is important in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.
Finally, travellers should check airline baggage weight limits before travelling to avoid extra fees at the airport.
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Questions 21–26
Matching Headings
i. Carrying important items separately
ii. Organising luggage effectively
iii. Checking airline rules
iv. Making a packing plan
v. Packing clothes efficiently
vi. Problems caused by overpacking
21. Paragraph 1
22. Paragraph 2
23. Paragraph 3
24. Paragraph 4
25. Paragraph 5
26. Paragraph 6
Questions 27–34
Sentence Completion
Complete with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
27. Making a ______ helps travellers organise items.
28. Clothes that can be ______ and matched save space.
29. Rolling clothes reduces ______.
30. Packing cubes help organise ______.
31. Heavy items should be placed near the ______.
32. Important documents should be kept in ______ luggage.
33. Travellers should check airline ______ limits.
34. Extra fees may be charged at the ______.
Questions 35–40
Multiple Choice
35. The main purpose of the passage is to
A. describe airports
B. explain packing tips
C. compare airlines
D. sell luggage
36. Rolling clothes helps to
A. increase weight
B. reduce wrinkles
C. lose clothes
D. damage luggage
37. Packing cubes help travellers
A. reduce weight
B. organise luggage
C. buy clothes
D. carry liquids
38. Heavy items should be placed
A. at the top
B. in hand luggage
C. near wheels
D. outside bag
39. Essential items should be carried in hand luggage because
A. luggage may be heavy
B. luggage may be delayed
C. luggage is expensive
D. luggage is small
40. Checking baggage limits helps avoid
A. delays
B. long flights
C. extra fees
D. lost luggage
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