IELTS Reading Practice –

Week 1

Lesson 1: Biodegradable Plastics

Topic: Biodegradable Plastics

Many scientists today are working on developing biodegradable plastics to combat the global plastic
waste crisis. Unlike traditional plastics which persist in the environment for hundreds of years, these
new materials break down naturally.

Some researchers have succeeded in creating plastics that decompose in a matter of months. However,
challenges remain, particularly in making them durable enough for commercial use.

Questions: 1. What is the main purpose of biodegradable plastic?

A. To replace traditional fuel

B. To reduce plastic waste

C. To lower production cost

D. To increase packaging size

2. Scientists have already found a way to completely eliminate plastic waste.

- True / False / Not Given

Answers & Explanations:

1. B - The text clearly states the purpose is to reduce plastic waste.

2. False - The passage says "reduce", not "eliminate" plastic waste.

Lesson 2: Leonardo da Vinci's Inventions

Topic: Leonardo da Vinci's Inventions

Leonardo da Vinci designed various mechanical devices ahead of his time, including a flying machine
inspired by the wings of birds. Many of his sketches detailed military inventions like tanks and catapults.
Although many of his machines were never built, they laid the groundwork for future technological
advancements.

Questions:

1. Leonardo designed a flying machine based on the structure of a __________.

2. Which paragraph mentions the military use of Leonardo's inventions?

A. Paragraph A B. Paragraph B C. Paragraph C D. Paragraph D

Answers & Explanations:

1. bird's wing - Clearly stated in the passage.

2. C - The passage about tanks and catapults indicates military use.

Lesson 3: The History of Tea and its Global Influence

Đoạn văn:

Tea is believed to have been first consumed in China more than 4,000 years ago. Over centuries,
it spread across Asia and eventually reached Europe via trade routes. By the 17th century, tea
had become a fashionable beverage in Britain.

In the American colonies, tea became a symbol of British oppression, culminating in the Boston
Tea Party, a protest against taxation. This event marked a turning point in American history.

Câu hỏi:

1. Match the heading:

o Paragraph A
A. The spread of tea to Europe
B. The origin of tea cultivation
C. Tea in political conflicts
2. In which country did tea drinking become a symbol of resistance?

Đáp án & Giải thích:

1.

 Paragraph A: B – Nói về nguồn gốc tại Trung Quốc.

 Paragraph B: A – Đề cập việc trà du nhập châu Âu.
 Paragraph C: C – Nêu rõ vai trò chính trị ở Mỹ.

2. America – Vì có đoạn nói rõ “The Boston Tea Party...”

📘 Lesson 4: Honeybees and Navigation

Đoạn văn:

Honeybees have an extraordinary ability to navigate using the position of the sun and a special
dance known as the waggle dance. This dance helps bees convey the direction and distance to
food sources to other members of the hive.

Interestingly, even when the sun is obscured by clouds, bees can still detect its location using
polarized light.

Câu hỏi:

1. Summary Completion:
“The waggle dance helps bees communicate the __________ and __________ of food
sources.”
2. Yes/No/Not Given:
Bees can see the sun even when it is cloudy.

Đáp án & Giải thích:

1. direction and distance – Hai yếu tố chính của waggle dance.

2. Yes – Dựa vào cụm: “...using polarized light.”

📘 Lesson 5: Why Pagodas Don’t Fall Down

(Based on Cambridge IELTS 12 – Test 5 – Passage 1)

Topic: How traditional Japanese pagodas survive earthquakes without collapsing.

Summary:
Japanese wooden pagodas, often built centuries ago without metal nails or modern
reinforcements, have astonishing resilience to earthquakes. The secret lies in a central pillar
called the shinbashira, which absorbs seismic energy. Additionally, each tier of the pagoda is
constructed to move independently, reducing the overall shaking effect during tremors.

📝 Question Type: Matching Features

Match each person with the correct statement (A–D):

People:

1. Professor Shuzo Ishida

2. Professor Mitsuo Shinozuka
3. Toshikatsu Wada
4. Dr. Hiromichi Miura
Statements:
A. The central pillar works as a shock absorber.
B. Each level of the pagoda moves independently.
C. Wind poses a greater risk to pagodas than earthquakes.
D. The pagoda design inspired the construction of skyscrapers.

✅ Answers & Explanations:

1 → B – Ishida explains that “each floor swings independently.”

2 → D – Shinozuka applies the concept to high-rise construction.
3 → A – Wada describes the shinbashira as acting “like a shock absorber.”
4 → C – Miura points out that “strong winds can be more dangerous than tremors.”

📘 Lesson 6: Tidal Power

(Based on Cambridge IELTS 13 – Test 1 – Passage 2)

Topic: Tidal power – a promising renewable energy with technical challenges.

Summary:
Tidal power harnesses the rise and fall of sea levels to generate electricity. There are three
primary types of systems: tidal barrages, lagoons, and stream turbines. Its advantages include
predictability and low emissions. However, it faces high initial costs and complex maintenance
requirements.

📝 Question Type: Summary Completion

Complete the summary with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS:

 Tidal energy is more __________ than wind power.

 One major problem is the high __________ of construction.
 Tidal turbines may disturb __________ and underwater wildlife.

✅ Answers & Explanations:

 predictable – Clearly stated: “Tidal energy is far more predictable than wind.”
 cost – The biggest issue is the “initial cost of construction.”
 sediment – Turbines alter water flow and affect “sediment and marine life.”
📘 Lesson 5: Why Pagodas Don’t Fall Down
(Tóm lược theo Cambridge IELTS 12 – Test 5 – Passage 1)

Chủ đề: Kết cấu kiến trúc truyền thống Nhật Bản giúp chùa gỗ 5 tầng chống động đất mà không
bị sập.

Đoạn văn tóm tắt:

Chùa gỗ Nhật Bản, dù không có đinh kim loại hay kết cấu hiện đại, vẫn trụ vững qua hàng trăm
năm động đất. Bí mật nằm ở cấu trúc trung tâm gọi là “shinbashira” – một trục cột gỗ giúp hấp
thụ lực rung. Ngoài ra, từng tầng chùa được tách rời linh hoạt để giảm ảnh hưởng rung chấn.

📝 Câu hỏi: Matching Features

Nối mỗi người với quan điểm đúng của họ (A-D):

Người

1. Professor Shuzo Ishida

2. Professor Mitsuo Shinozuka
3. Toshikatsu Wada
4. Dr. Hiromichi Miura

Quan điểm
A. Cột trung tâm hoạt động như một bộ giảm chấn.
B. Từng tầng chùa di chuyển riêng biệt.
C. Chùa chịu được gió mạnh hơn động đất.
D. Ý tưởng xây nhà chọc trời dựa trên cấu trúc chùa.

✅ Đáp án & Giải thích:

1 - B → Ishida giải thích “each floor swings independently”.

2 - D → Shinozuka mô phỏng để xây nhà cao tầng.
3 - A → Wada nói về “shinbashira acting like a shock absorber”.
4 - C → Miura nêu rằng gió gây nguy hiểm hơn động đất.

📘 Lesson 6: Tidal Power

(Tóm lược theo Cambridge IELTS 13 – Test 1 – Passage 2)
Chủ đề: Năng lượng thủy triều – một dạng năng lượng tái tạo có tiềm năng lớn nhưng nhiều rào
cản kỹ thuật.

Đoạn văn tóm tắt:

Năng lượng thủy triều sử dụng sức mạnh lên xuống của nước biển để tạo điện. Có ba loại chính:
đập thủy triều, đầm phá và tua-bin dòng chảy. Lợi ích bao gồm ổn định, ít phát thải. Nhưng chi
phí đầu tư ban đầu rất cao và cần kỹ thuật bảo trì phức tạp.

📝 Câu hỏi: Summary Completion

Điền tối đa 2 từ vào chỗ trống:

 Tidal energy is more __________ than wind power.

 One major problem is the high __________ of construction.
 Tidal turbines may disturb __________ and underwater wildlife.

📅 WEEK 4: FULL TEST PRACTICE + SPEED

STRATEGY
🎯 GOALS:

 Simulate the real test (3 passages, 60 minutes)

 Build stamina & focus
 Identify and analyze mistakes
 Improve time allocation and accuracy

📘 Lesson 7: Full IELTS Reading Test – Simulation

Material:
➡ Cambridge IELTS 14 – Test 2 – Reading Section

⏱ Task:

 Do all 3 passages (40 questions)

 Time limit: 60 minutes – no breaks
 Use answer sheet to simulate exam conditions
✅ Post-test Analysis:

After completing the test:

1. Check your answers

2. Mark wrong ones into a table like below:

Q.No Your Answer Correct Answer Type of Question Type of Mistake

13 A C Multiple Choice Misread passage detail

26 False Not Given T/F/NG Overassumption

3. Reflect:
o Were you rushing?
o Did you read the question too fast?
o Did you fall into paraphrase traps?

📘 Lesson 8: Fix Your Mistakes + Review Vocabulary

Step-by-step review:

1. Re-read all the paragraphs where you made mistakes.

2. Write out the correct paraphrase or why the other answer was wrong.
3. Create your own summary table:

Vocabulary Meaning Example Sentence

resilient able to recover quickly Japanese pagodas are resilient to earthquakes.

deteriorate worsen over time Plastic waste deteriorates slowly in landfills.

📘 Lesson 9: Mini Mock – 2 Passages (40 minutes)

Material:
Use 2 passages from any Cambridge Test (e.g. Cambridge 15 – Test 1 – Passage 2 & 3)

⏱ Time limit: 40 minutes

📈 Focus:

 Apply all strategies (skimming, scanning, paraphrasing)

  Use stopwatch/timer
 Review immediately after

📌 Final Checklist for Band 7.0+:

Skill Goal Notes

Accuracy ≥ 30/40 correct Band 7.0

Passage Time ~18–20 minutes/passages Start with easier first

Avoid overthinking Especially in T/F/NG, Matching Stick to text, not logic

Time Management Use final 3 minutes to check answers No blank answers allowed

Vocabulary Master synonyms & paraphrasing Use Word Families

📘 Academic Vocabulary Flashcards – Weeks 1–4

Word Definition Example Sentence

Can be broken down naturally by Biodegradable plastics help reduce long-term

biodegradable
organisms waste.

The new material must be durable enough for

durable Strong and lasting
use.

Leonardo's designs influenced aviation

aviation The science of flight
technology.

Tea cultivation began over 4,000 years ago in

cultivation Growing crops or plants
China.

Tea was a symbol of oppression in colonial

oppression Unfair or cruel treatment
America.

navigate To find the way Bees can navigate using the sun.

polarized light Light in a single direction Bees detect the sun through polarized light.

resilient Able to recover or endure The structure is resilient to earthquakes.

shock absorber Reduces shock or vibration The pillar works like a shock absorber.

predictable Can be forecasted Tidal energy is more predictable than wind.

 Word Definition Example Sentence

sediment Settled particles in water Turbines may disturb seabed sediment.

Infrastructure deteriorates without

deteriorate Become worse over time
maintenance.

controversial Causing disagreement The project was politically controversial.

impede To block or slow down Overregulation can impede progress.

withstand To resist The building must withstand strong winds.

revive Bring something back The policy aims to revive lost traditions.

📘 Lesson 7: Full Reading Passage – The Psychology of

Innovation
(Lấy cảm hứng từ Cambridge IELTS 11 – Test 1 – Passage 1)

📖 Passage Summary:
Innovation is not just about creativity, but about managing team dynamics, leadership, and
organizational support. Many innovative ideas come from collaborative efforts. However, team
members may resist change or fear judgment, which limits creativity. The right environment
encourages risk-taking and learning from failure.

📝 Questions:

1. Which of the following is NOT a barrier to innovation?

A. Fear of failure
B. Strong leadership
C. Group pressure
D. Lack of support
2. What encourages innovation in teams?
A. Competitive environment
B. Fear of being wrong
C. Tolerance of mistakes
D. Strict procedures
✅ Answers & Explanations:

1. B – Strong leadership
→ Not a barrier, it's helpful. The passage says teams need leadership.
2. C – Tolerance of mistakes
→ Encouraging risk-taking and learning from failure boosts innovation.

📘 Lesson 8: Mistake Analysis Task (Based on Lesson 7

Results)
📖 Task: Reflect on your full test or Lesson 7 performance by analyzing your errors.

📝 Questions (Reflection-based, no passage needed):

1. What type of mistake did you make more often?

A. Misreading details
B. Time management
C. Vocabulary misunderstanding
D. Paraphrasing trap
2. How would you fix errors like T/F/NG confusion?

✅ Sample Answers:

1. D – Paraphrasing trap
→ E.g., You chose “True” when text said “possible” and question said “always”.
2. Fix strategy:

 Underline keywords in the question

 Scan for exact logic match in text
 Don't use “common sense” or assumptions

📘 Lesson 9: Mini Mock Test – 2 Short Passages

📖 Passage A: “Why Do We Explore?”

(Inspired by Cambridge 15 – Test 1 – Passage 2)

Exploration is not always about discovering new lands. It's driven by curiosity, the need to
overcome fear, and to push human limits. Even astronauts and deep-sea divers admit that
exploration is often a personal journey, not just scientific.

Question:

1. According to the passage, exploration is primarily:

A. Motivated by profit
B. A response to boredom
C. A personal and psychological drive
D. Required by governments

Answer: C
→ The passage emphasizes “curiosity” and “personal journey”.

📖 Passage B: “Environmental Practices of Big Businesses”

(Inspired by Cambridge 15 – Test 1 – Passage 3)

Many corporations market themselves as eco-friendly, but actual environmental action varies.
Some adopt real green strategies, while others use “greenwashing”—projecting a sustainable
image without meaningful change.

Question:

2. What is “greenwashing”?
A. A process of reducing pollution
B. A campaign for green energy
C. A misleading eco-friendly image
D. A new recycling technology

Answer: C
→ Greenwashing = pretending to be sustainable without real action.

📘 Lesson 10: The Secrets of Ant Communication

📖 Passage Summary:
Ants live in complex societies and communicate using chemical signals called pheromones.
These scents help them mark trails, warn of danger, or identify roles. For example, a foraging ant
that finds food will leave a pheromone trail for others to follow. Some ants also release distress
pheromones when sensing threats.

📝 Questions:
 1. What do ants use to communicate with each other?
A. Vibrations
B. Touch
C. Pheromones
D. Sounds
2. Ants use the same chemical signal for food and danger.
True / False / Not Given

✅ Answers & Explanation:

1. C – Clearly stated that ants use pheromones to communicate.

2. False – Different pheromones are used for food and danger signals.

📘 Lesson 11: Climate Change and Ocean Currents

📖 Passage Summary:
Ocean currents are driven by water temperature and salinity. As climate change melts polar ice,
ocean salinity decreases. This disrupts the global conveyor belt, the current system that
stabilizes climate. Disruption may cause more extreme weather worldwide.

📝 Questions:

1. What happens when polar ice melts?

A. Salinity increases
B. Salinity decreases
C. Temperature decreases
D. Ocean currents stop
2. Name the system of ocean currents that regulates Earth’s climate: ________.

✅ Answers & Explanation:

1. B – Melting ice dilutes seawater.

2. Global conveyor belt – Directly mentioned in the passage.

📘 Lesson 12: The Silk Road’s Cultural Impact

📖 Passage Summary:
The Silk Road was a trade network connecting East Asia and Europe. Besides goods, it spread
religions, technologies, and languages. For example, papermaking reached the West. Buddhist
monks and merchants traveled side by side.

📝 Questions:
 1. Which innovation spread westward through the Silk Road?
A. Buddhism
B. Papermaking
C. Silk clothing
D. Arabic numerals
2. The Silk Road connected Asia with ________.

✅ Answers & Explanation:

1. B – Papermaking is named as an innovation spreading west.

2. Europe – Stated in the first sentence.

📘 Lesson 13: Language Evolution in Human Societies

📖 Passage Summary:
Languages evolve due to migration, isolation, and cultural changes. Dialects may turn into
separate languages when groups are isolated. Oral traditions preserve knowledge long before
writing.

📝 Questions:

1. Language evolution is influenced by migration.

True / False / Not Given
2. What preserves beliefs before writing existed?
A. Translation
B. Oral tradition
C. Printing
D. Dialects

✅ Answers & Explanation:

1. True – Migration is one of the causes listed.

2. B – Clearly stated in the last sentence.