19 July Academic real IELTS exam Reading Passages for practice:
👁️🗨️ Passage 1: Vision – The Human Super-Sense
A
Vision is often described as the dominant human sense—about 80 % of our sensory input is visual. The human eye can discern roughly 10 million different colours, thanks to the ~100 million photoreceptor cells in each retina. These complex structures enable not only detailed perception but also contribute to balance, memory formation, and emotional response.
B
Research shows that the brain processes images faster than text, explaining why visual content often leaves a deeper and more immediate impression. This rapid processing is crucial in learning, especially in emphasising spatial relationships and patterns that words alone struggle to convey.
C
Interestingly, some animals outperform humans in specialised visual capacities. The mantis shrimp, for instance, possesses up to 16 types of photoreceptors, compared to the three found in humans. This allows them to perceive polarised light and spectral nuances invisible to us.
D
Vision interacts significantly with cognition. In neuropsychological studies, participants recalling stories with strong visual imagery showed better memory retention and emotional engagement than those presented with factual prose. This suggests that visualisation enhances both depth and durability of learning.
E
However, despite its strengths, vision is not infallible. Optical illusions reveal how easily our perception can be misled—shapes, colours, and contexts can distort what we 'see.' Eye conditions such as myopia are becoming more widespread, especially in urban areas, raising concerns about modern lifestyle impacts, including prolonged screen exposure.
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📝 Questions 1–4
Choose the correct heading (A–E) matching each statement (1–4).
1. A dominant sense linked to balance, memory, and emotions
2. B faster image processing compared to text
3. C creatures detecting polarised light beyond human vision
4. E downsides of vision including illusions and myopia
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🔍 Questions 5–8: True/False/Not Given
5. Most of our learning is derived through vision.
6. The article says that vision operates faster than hearing.
7. Neuropsychological studies show better recall with visual imagery.
8. The passage states that screen use is the main reason for rising myopia.
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✍️ Questions 9–11: Sentence Completion
Complete using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
9. Vision contributes to forming __________ and emotional response.
10. Mantis shrimp can detect __________ light due to unique receptors.
11. Optical illusions demonstrate that perception can be __________.
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🎯 Questions 12–13: Multiple Choice
12. Why might visuals be more memorable than text?
A. Because they are colourful
B. Because the brain processes images faster
C. Because images use more senses
D. Because images are brighter
13. What concern is raised in the last paragraph?
A. Decreasing colour perception
B. Screen time leading to eye conditions
C. Emotional detachment from visuals
D. Vision loss in rural areas
📘 Passage 2: A Second Attempt at Domesticating the Tomato
A
It took at least 3,000 years for humans to learn how to domesticate the wild tomato and cultivate it for food. Now, two independent teams in Brazil and China have done it again in under three years — using advanced genome editing. In many respects, these re‑domesticated tomatoes are more nutritious than current commercial varieties.
This accelerated process relies on the revolutionary CRISPR genome editing technique, which introduces targeted changes to DNA. This approach not only benefits current crops but also has the potential to transform numerous wild plants into productive food sources. A third group in the USA is already applying the same technique to a relative of the tomato known as the groundcherry.
Such efforts could improve global food supplies and strengthen disease resistance, especially given threats like the rust fungus that devastates wheat crops.
‘This could transform what we eat,’ says Jorg Kudla from Germany’s University of Münster — part of the Brazilian team. ‘There are 50,000 edible plants, yet 90% of our calorific intake comes from just 15 crops.’
‘We can now mimic the domestication processes of crops like rice, maize or sorghum,’ adds Caixia Gao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. ‘In time, we may domesticate plants that have never been cultivated before.’
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B
Wild tomatoes native to the Andes region bear small, pea-sized fruits. The Aztecs and Incas improved these by selecting and breeding mutations — changes in gene structure — that led to larger and more desirable tomatoes. Over time, traditional breeding methods unintentionally reduced genetic diversity, concentrating only a few beneficial mutations while sacrificing flavour and resilience.
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C
By comparing the genomes of wild and domesticated tomatoes, scientists identified the genes responsible for size, taste, pest resistance, and shelf life. The teams then used CRISPR to reintroduce or modify specific genes in new varieties. For example, the Brazilian group tripled the fruit size, and the Chinese researchers restored lycopene levels and nutritional content without compromising durability during shipping.
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D
Despite its promise, rapid re-domestication raises concerns. By focusing on specific desirable traits, scientists risk further narrowing genetic diversity — already limited by centuries of breeding. There is also ethical debate over ‘genetically edited’ foods and whether they qualify as GMOs, a designation that raises public suspicion and may face regulatory barriers in some countries.
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📝 Questions 14–26 (13 questions total)
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🟠 Questions 14–18: Matching Headings
Choose the correct heading (i–v) for each paragraph A–D.
Write the letter i–v.
i. Ethical concerns surrounding genome editing
ii. Rediscovering lost nutritive qualities
iii. Rapid innovation in crop development
iv. Historical tomato domestication methods
v. Advantages and risks of genetic narrowing
14. Paragraph A → ___
15. Paragraph B → ___
16. Paragraph C → ___
17. Paragraph D → ___
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🟢 Questions 19–22: True / False / Not Given
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN:
19. The genetic modifications made by CRISPR in Cambridge were completed in under three years.
20. The Brazilian and Chinese teams used traditional breeding methods.
21. Scientists deliberately increased tomato flavour during re-domestication.
22. GMO labeling regulations are universally consistent globally.
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🔵 Questions 23–26: Sentence Completion
Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
Re-domesticated tomatoes have been (23) _________ with larger fruits and improved health properties.
Original breeding by the Aztecs and Incas resulted in loss of (24) ________ due to narrowing gene pools.
Scientists successfully reintroduced (25) ________ levels without reducing the fruit’s durability.
Some members of the public are wary of (26) ____________ foods despite the distinction from GMOs.
🎨 Reading Passage 3: Creativity – The Brain’s Playground
A
Creativity is often seen as the domain of artists or originators, yet neuroscience reveals it is deeply rooted in brain connectivity. Two distinct neural systems support creative thinking: the default mode network, associated with imagination and mind-wandering, and the executive control network, linked to analytical focus and decision-making. Collaboration between these networks allows individuals to generate novel and effective ideas.
B
Psychologists advocate that creativity involves a phase called incubation, where stepping away from a problem enables subconscious processing. Rather than forcing solutions actively, taking breaks—even simply going for a walk—can lead to breakthrough insights. Research shows that people often solve problems when they least expect it, due to this hidden cognitive rehearsal.
C
The environment also influences creativity. Workplaces that encourage diverse experiences, freedom, and occasional boredom tend to produce more inventive outcomes. Routine tasks and rigid schedules, in contrast, may suppress curiosity. Companies like Google and IDEO build 'creative slack' into schedules, allowing employees unstructured time to explore and experiment.
D
However, creativity is not universally accessible. Individual differences such as stress, lack of autonomy, or cultural norms can inhibit creative expression. Educational critics point out that conventional schooling—focusing on rote learning and standardized testing—often fails to cultivate creative capacities, particularly in students with unconventional thinking styles.
E
Some theorists warn that creativity must be balanced with structured evaluation. While brainstorming sessions can generate numerous ideas, only a few may be viable. Experts emphasise the importance of feedback loops and critical analysis to sift through ideas and select those that are feasible and relevant.
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📝 Questions 27–40
🔹 Questions 27–30: Matching Views
Match each opinion with the correct expert or group:
A. Neuroscience researchers
B. Psychologists
C. Progressive company leaders
D. Educational critics
E. Evaluative thinkers
27. Emphasise unconscious thought's role in problem-solving.
28. Highlight the impact of structured schooling on creativity.
29. Note that creative thinking requires collaboration between brain networks.
30. Stress that ideation must be followed by critical evaluation.
🔹 Questions 31–33: Yes / No / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the writer’s claims?
31. Creative ideas arise most effectively during active work sessions.
32. Some companies intentionally schedule unstructured time for staff.
33. Cultural background is a stronger determinant of creativity than cognitive processes.
🔹 Questions 34–38: Sentence Endings
Complete each sentence by choosing the correct ending A–G:
34. Continuing to test ideas carefully can help...
35. Incubation refers to...
36. Creative environments are enhanced by offering...
37. Structured evaluation is needed to...
38. Routine schedules may lead to...
Endings:
A. freedom and diversity in experience.
B. identify useful ideas among many.
C. subconscious development of solutions.
D. stifle innovation and curiosity.
E. connect imagination with analytical thought.
F. adopt creative methods across different cultures.
G. promote equality through standardized testing.
✅ Answers & Band‑9 Explanations
1–4: Matching Headings
1 A – Vision is linked to balance, memory, emotions (Para A)
2 B – Brain processes images faster than text (Para B)
3 C – Mantis shrimp detect polarised light (Para C)
4 E – Downsides like illusions/myopia (Para E)
5–8: T/F/NG
5 TRUE – “About 80 % of our sensory input is visual.” (Para A)
6 NOT GIVEN – Text compares images with text, not hearing.
7 TRUE – Para D describes better recall with visual imagery.
8 NOT GIVEN – Screen exposure is mentioned but not stated as main reason.
9–11: Sentence Completion
9. memory formation & emotional response (Para A)
10. polarised light (Para C)
11. misled (Para E)
12–13: MCQs
12 B – Brain processes images faster (Para B)
13 B – Concern: screen exposure linked to eye conditions like myopia (Para E)
14–18: Matching Headings
14. iii – Paragraph A describes rapid crop development via CRISPR.
15. iv – Paragraph B explains early domestication by Aztecs and Incas.
16. ii – Paragraph C shows nutrition restoration using science.
17. i – Paragraph D outlines ethical concerns over gene editing.
19–22: T/F/NG
19. NOT GIVEN – Passage states "two teams... under three years" but not Cambridge. No mention of Cambridge.
20. FALSE – They used CRISPR, not traditional methods.
21. TRUE – Brazilian group tripled size and Chinese restored lycopene (flavour linked).
22. NOT GIVEN – Regulatory concerns are mentioned, but no statement on consistency globally.
23–26: Sentence Completion
23. re-domesticated – Para A: “these re‑domesticated tomatoes…”
24. genetic diversity – Para B: “reduced genetic diversity…”
25. lycopene – Para C: “restored lycopene levels…”
26. genetically edited – Para D: “ethical debate over ‘genetically edited’ foods…”
27 B Para B: psychologists discuss incubation and subconscious processing.
28 D Para D: critics point to traditional schooling suppressing creativity.
29 A Para A: neuroscience describes coordination between two brain networks.
30 E Para E: evaluators emphasise filtering ideas via feedback loops.
31–33: Yes / No / Not Given
Q Answer Explanation
31 NO Para B: creativity often arises during breaks, not active sessions.
32 YES Para C: companies like Google intentionally build creative slack.
33 NOT GIVEN While culture is mentioned, no comparison to cognitive influence is made.
34–38: Sentence Endings
Q Answer Explanation
34 B Para E: structured evaluation helps sift feasible ideas.
35 C Para B: incubation enables subconscious solution forming.
36 A Para C: diverse experiences and freedom foster creativity.
37 B Para E: evaluation selects useful ideas from brainstorms.
38 D Para C: routine work suppresses curiosity and innovation.
