28 June Reading Passages
π Reading Passage 1: Palm Trees and the Date Tradition of Elche
A
The city of Elche, located in southeastern Spain, is home to one of Europe’s most extensive palm groves, known as the Palmeral of Elche. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 200,000 date palm trees, some of which are thought to be over 300 years old. Originally introduced by the Moors during the Islamic occupation of Spain, these trees have shaped the region’s agricultural, cultural, and economic identity for centuries.
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B
Palm cultivation in Elche follows a highly structured system of irrigation channels and orchards. The trees are typically grown in rectangular plots called huertos, surrounded by low stone walls. The irrigation method — known as acequias — dates back to Arabic engineering, channeling water from nearby rivers and distributing it through a gravity-based system. This technique has proven remarkably effective in the region's arid climate.
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C
Beyond agriculture, palm trees are deeply embedded in Elche’s cultural life. Every August, the city hosts the Mystery Play of Elche, during which palm leaves are intricately woven into religious decorations. Additionally, white palm fronds, specially bleached by covering them to avoid sunlight exposure, are used in Palm Sunday processions throughout Spain. These practices have been passed down through generations and remain a source of local pride.
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D
The date palms of Elche are also economically significant. While the majority of the fruit produced is not considered premium quality compared to those from North Africa or the Middle East, Elche still exports substantial quantities, particularly to European markets. In recent decades, the industry has faced challenges from urban expansion and reduced profitability. Nevertheless, conservation efforts and sustainable tourism have helped maintain the viability of the palm groves.
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E
In response to global environmental concerns, Elche has adopted a range of preservation initiatives, including educational outreach and eco-tourism. Visitors can explore the palm forest on guided walks, visit museums dedicated to palm cultivation, or participate in traditional palm-weaving workshops. These efforts aim to preserve not only the physical trees but also the intangible heritage that surrounds them.
π Questions 1–13
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πΉQuestions 1–5: Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.
The Palm Groves of Elche
1. Contains more than __________ date palm trees
2. Some trees are believed to be over __________ years old
3. Palm orchards are called __________ in Spanish
4. __________ channels distribute water in orchards
5. Fronds used on Palm Sunday are made from __________ palm leaves
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πΉQuestions 6–10: Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
6. What is a distinctive feature of the irrigation system in Elche?
A. It uses mechanical pumps
B. It relies on rainfall
C. It is gravity-fed
D. It is operated with solar power
7. What makes the palm-related traditions of Elche unique?
A. They are supported by UNESCO funding
B. They involve special weaving techniques
C. They use palm oil in religious rituals
D. They are only observed in Elche
8. Why are Elche’s dates less competitive globally?
A. The trees are too old to bear good fruit
B. They are grown without pesticides
C. The fruit is considered lower in quality
D. There are export restrictions in Spain
9. What threat has the palm industry in Elche recently faced?
A. Drought
B. Desertification
C. Lack of skilled labour
D. Urban development
10. What is one way Elche promotes awareness of its palm culture?
A. By distributing free palm trees
B. By offering guided tourist experiences
C. By selling date-based products online
D. By hosting international conferences
πΉQuestions 11–13: Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
11. The Palmeral of Elche is the largest palm grove in the world.
12. Palm trees in Elche were introduced during the Islamic period.
13. Palm-weaving techniques are taught to tourists in Elche.
π Reading Passage 2: Printed Books vs E-Books – A Shift in Reading Habits
A
The digital age has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life, including how people read. In recent years, the rise of e-books has sparked ongoing debate over whether they will eventually replace printed books. While digital reading offers convenience, portability, and interactivity, many readers continue to express a strong preference for the tactile experience of turning paper pages.
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B
Advocates for e-books often cite their efficiency. A single device can store thousands of titles, making them ideal for students, commuters, and avid readers. Features like adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, and night mode further enhance user experience. Moreover, environmental benefits are frequently mentioned, as e-books eliminate the need for paper and ink, contributing to reduced deforestation and lower production emissions.
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C
Despite these advantages, printed books remain resilient. Psychological studies have shown that readers retain more information and experience less eye strain when reading from paper rather than screens. Many individuals also find that physical books reduce distractions, as digital devices often tempt users with notifications or the internet. Book lovers argue that the sensory pleasures — the smell of a book, the feel of its pages — are irreplaceable.
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D
In terms of education, the two formats are often combined. Some institutions use blended reading, providing students with both e-texts and physical books. This hybrid model allows learners to benefit from each format’s unique advantages. However, research suggests that younger children, especially early readers, may perform better with printed books due to their tactile learning style and developing attention span.
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E
Economic factors also play a role in the ongoing debate. While e-books are typically cheaper than printed versions, initial costs for e-readers or tablets may discourage some users. In contrast, printed books can be borrowed, resold, or donated, providing long-term value. Additionally, the e-book market is dominated by a few large corporations, raising concerns about pricing control and digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.
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F
In the end, the question is not whether e-books will replace physical books, but how they will coexist. Global trends show that both formats have stable markets. Some readers switch between them based on convenience, cost, or mood. Ultimately, the future of reading seems less about competition and more about choice — empowering readers to decide how, where, and what they read.
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π Questions 14–27
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πΉQuestions 14–19: Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.
14. E-books are especially useful for people who do a lot of __________.
15. One benefit of digital devices is they allow adjustment of __________.
16. Printed books help reduce __________ from screens.
17. Young children are more suited to paper books due to their __________.
18. Physical books can be reused, for example by being __________.
19. The e-book industry is mostly controlled by a few __________.
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πΉQuestions 20–24: Match the statements with the correct paragraph (A–F).
Write the correct letter A–F.
20. Explains how both digital and paper books are used in schools
21. Suggests that some people prefer printed books for emotional reasons
22. Mentions concerns about monopolies in the digital book industry
23. Describes how readers can tailor their experience with e-books
24. States that both formats are likely to survive in the future
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πΉQuestions 25–27: Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
25. E-books have completely replaced printed books in most countries.
26. Some studies suggest people remember more when reading from paper.
27. Night mode in e-readers can help reduce eye fatigue.
π Reading Passage 3: Understanding Consumer Behaviour in New Zealand
A
In recent decades, economists and marketers in New Zealand have increasingly focused on consumer behaviour as a critical field of study. By examining why individuals make purchasing decisions, researchers aim to predict economic trends, improve product design, and shape public policy. In New Zealand, this research has been especially useful in areas like retail development, sustainability campaigns, and pricing strategies.
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B
One significant discovery is that cultural values strongly influence buying choices. New Zealand’s multicultural population, including MΔori, Pacific Islanders, and immigrants from Asia and Europe, results in diverse preferences and attitudes. For instance, family-oriented cultures tend to favour bulk purchases and long-term value, while younger consumers often prioritise convenience and brand image. As a result, businesses must tailor their marketing efforts to different cultural segments.
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C
Environmental awareness also plays a vital role. Surveys show that a growing number of New Zealanders prefer eco-friendly products, even if they are slightly more expensive. Companies have responded by adopting green labels, reducing plastic use, and offering ethical sourcing options. However, critics point out that “greenwashing” — making misleading claims about sustainability — can deceive well-meaning consumers and damage trust.
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D
Technology has reshaped the way New Zealanders shop. With widespread access to smartphones and high internet penetration, online shopping has become the norm, especially post-pandemic. Consumers compare prices across platforms, read product reviews, and seek out digital discounts before making purchases. At the same time, traditional retail still plays a key role, especially for products requiring physical inspection, such as clothing or electronics.
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E
The concept of “loyalty” has evolved. In the past, New Zealanders often stuck with local brands out of habit or national pride. Nowadays, loyalty is more transactional, driven by rewards programmes, convenience, and price. Research shows that younger shoppers in particular are more likely to switch brands quickly if better deals appear. This has led to an increase in short-term promotional tactics.
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F
Interestingly, emotions still exert strong influence over purchasing decisions. Feelings of nostalgia, social status, and fear of missing out (FOMO) often override rational considerations. For example, limited-edition items or holiday sales can trigger impulse buying, especially among urban consumers. Understanding emotional triggers is now a top priority for marketing experts.
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G
To conclude, consumer behaviour in New Zealand is shaped by a complex blend of culture, values, technology, and emotion. As the market becomes more data-driven and competitive, businesses that succeed will be those that respond to these shifting patterns with authenticity, transparency, and adaptability.
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π Questions 28–40
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πΉQuestions 28–33: Matching information
Match each statement with the correct paragraph (A–G).
Write the correct letter A–G.
28. Mentions how digital tools affect purchasing habits
29. Talks about people choosing sustainable products despite higher prices
30. Describes how feelings influence what people buy
31. Explains how companies mislead customers about being eco-friendly
32. States that companies need to adapt to shifting buyer expectations
33. Refers to rewards schemes affecting modern brand loyalty
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πΉQuestions 34–37: Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
34. What role does cultural background play in buying behaviour?
A. It makes consumers less loyal to brands
B. It influences what people value in products
C. It causes conflicts between local and global trends
D. It has little effect on modern shopping habits
35. What do younger consumers in New Zealand tend to prioritise?
A. Locally made products
B. Long-lasting quality
C. Emotional connections to brands
D. Price and convenience
36. Why do some people criticise green marketing tactics?
A. They make eco-products too expensive
B. They promote non-local goods
C. They can mislead customers
D. They are difficult to understand
37. What does the passage suggest about traditional stores?
A. They are being replaced by digital platforms
B. They still serve a purpose for certain items
C. They mainly cater to senior citizens
D. They offer better deals than online shops
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πΉQuestions 38–40: Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
38. The majority of New Zealanders prefer to buy online rather than in-store.
39. Nostalgia can lead people to make impulsive purchases.
40. Brands that are honest and flexible are more likely to succeed.
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✅ That completes all 3 passages from 28 June 2025 — each with full IELTS-style Q&A and explanations.
Would you like a PDF file with all 3 combined (40 questions), ready to share with students or post with a link?
✅ Answers + Explanations
Q Answer Explanation
1 200,000 Paragraph A: “over 200,000 date palm trees…”
2 300 Paragraph A: “…some… over 300 years old.”
3 huertos Paragraph B: “grown in rectangular plots called huertos…”
4 acequias Paragraph B: “The irrigation method — known as acequias…”
5 white Paragraph C: “white palm fronds… bleached by covering…”
6 C Paragraph B: “distributing it through a gravity-based system.”
7 B Paragraph C: “woven into religious decorations…”
8 C Paragraph D: “not considered premium quality…”
9 D Paragraph D: “challenges from urban expansion…”
10 B Paragraph E: “Visitors can explore… on guided walks…”
11 NOT GIVEN Passage says it's one of the largest, but not “largest”
12 TRUE Paragraph A: “Originally introduced by the Moors…”
13 TRUE Paragraph E: “participate in traditional palm-weaving workshops…”
14 commuting Paragraph B: “ideal for students, commuters, and avid readers…”
15 font sizes Paragraph B: “Features like adjustable font sizes…”
16 distractions Paragraph C: “reduce distractions as digital devices…”
17 tactile learning Paragraph D: “…due to their tactile learning style…”
18 donated Paragraph E: “…borrowed, resold, or donated…”
19 corporations Paragraph E: “…dominated by a few large corporations…”
20 D “blended reading… early readers may perform better…”
21 C “smell… feel of pages… are irreplaceable…”
22 E “dominated by a few large corporations… DRM…”
23 B “adjustable font sizes… night mode… built-in dictionaries…”
24 F “question is not replacement… but how they will coexist…”
25 FALSE Paragraph A: “Many readers continue to express a strong preference…”
26 TRUE Paragraph C: “studies show readers retain more from paper…”
27 TRUE Paragraph B: “night mode further enhances user experience…”
28 D “Online shopping… price comparison… product reviews…” – Paragraph D
29 C “Prefer eco-friendly products even if more expensive…” – Paragraph C
30 F “Emotions… nostalgia… status… FOMO…” – Paragraph F
31 C “Greenwashing… misleading claims about sustainability…” – Paragraph C
32 G “Businesses… must respond with authenticity and adaptability…” – Paragraph G
33 E “Loyalty now driven by rewards, price, convenience…” – Paragraph E
34 B “Family-oriented cultures… value long-term benefits…” – Paragraph B
35 D “Younger shoppers… prioritise convenience and brand image…” – Paragraph B
36 C “Critics… misleading claims… damage trust…” – Paragraph C
37 B “Traditional retail… still plays a key role…” – Paragraph D
38 NOT GIVEN Passage mentions online shopping growing, but not majority preference
39 TRUE “Nostalgia… can trigger impulse buying…” – Paragraph F
40 TRUE “Businesses that respond… with authenticity… succeed” – Paragraph G
