IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

Reading Passage 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.

Haiku

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that typically consists of three lines and is used as a
means of expressing emotions and capturing moments of life in a brief and impactful way. Haiku has
a concise and minimalist format of verse that often focuses on nature, but can be applied to any
subject matter.

During the Edo period, haiku gained popularity among Japanese poets. Matsuo Basho, a renowned
haiku master, is the one we can thank for popularizing haiku as a standalone form of poetry. Basho
was part of a group of poets known as the Haikai no Renga. This group was founded in the 16th
century and concerned itself with poetry that was humorous and entertaining. Prior to him, haikus
were mostly a preface to renga, a collaborative poem, and referred to as hokku. After Basho’s death,
other poets continued the haiku tradition, and it became a staple of Japanese literature. In the late
19th century, haiku was introduced to the Western world, where it quickly gained popularity as a
form of poetry.

The most basic form of haiku consists of three lines that follow a specific syllable count of 5-7-5 for
the first, second, and third lines respectively, coming to 17 syllables – the number the original haiku
poem has to adhere to. This syllable count is not meant to be a limitation, but rather a guiding
structure to create a concise and powerful poem. The idea of seasons is of great importance in
haiku, and it often employs the use of seasonal words, or kigo, to indicate the season or time of year
where the poem takes place. These words can be simple, such as “cherry blossom” for spring or
“snow” for winter, or more abstract, such as “uncertainty” for autumn or “emptiness” for winter. The
third and the last line of a haiku often contains a surprising or unexpected twist, known as a kireji or
cutting word, which shifts the idea or deepens the meaning of the poem. This word can also create a
sense of pause or separation between the two parts of the haiku.

Haiku proved to have significant influence on other schools of poetry. One of the major themes is its
emphasis on sensory detail. Haiku-inspired poets often use vivid images to describe the world
around them, from the sound of a frog jumping into a pond to the feel of a cool breeze on the skin,
all through careful phrasing. This might be contrasted with the previously popular themes of inner
monologue and emotional component that would be central to the work of poetry. Another
impactful change was giving more attention to precise language. Because haiku must convey its
message within a limited number of syllables, each word must be carefully chosen for its meaning
and impact. Being frugal with words and using them sparingly contributes to a clearer vision of the

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

message. In Western interpretation, one does not necessarily limit oneself to the original 17
syllables.

The scope of impact, however, was not limited to literature alone. Visual artists in the West have
always been fascinated by the delicate balance of the natural environment and its harmonious
coexistence with humanity. Haiku, with its focus on nature and its spiritual essence has provided a
rich source of inspiration for artists around the world. One notable example is Vasiliy Kandinsky, who
was growing increasingly concerned with the elitism surrounding art and how it was distancing itself
from the common folk through unnecessary complexity. He admired haiku’s sheer simplicity and
how its core principles could find application in various forms of art, making it more accessible for
everyone.

Haiku has also impacted the art of photography. Photographers have used the principles of haiku to
create images that capture the essence of a moment. One famous example is Dorothea Lange’s
photograph of a migrant mother and her children during the Great Depression. The photograph
captures the sadness and desperation of the time and is a perfect example of how photography can
be used to convey emotion.

Another noteworthy thing about haiku is that they were an integral part of the samurai’s existence.
Samurai culture is known for its stoicism, honour, and respect; therefore, they were expected to
maintain their composure in all circumstances and display their bravery through action rather than
words. One of the many things a samurai had to learn was to compose haikus, which provided an
outlet for the samurai to express their innermost thoughts and feelings. They were believed to
strengthen their spirits, sharpen their minds, and make the hardships of duty more bearable.
Samurai poets mostly explored the concept of nature and death in their haiku poetry. Death in
Samurai culture was not feared but celebrated. It was seen as an honourable end to a life lived with
integrity and courage. Samurai poets wrote about death as an acceptance of the inevitability of life,
celebrating life’s brevity and the transience of things, all of these perfectly reflecting the idea of
haiku.

In today’s fast-paced world, haiku has become more important than ever. With so much noise and
distraction, it can be hard to appreciate the simple beauty of the world around us. Haiku encourages
us to slow down and take a moment to cherish the small things in life, like the changing of seasons,
the beauty of a sunrise or a sunset, and the simple pleasures of a walk in the park. So next time you
find yourself idling in the park, give haiku a try. Remember that all you need to do is take your time,
have a close look at things and people surrounding you, and sum it up in the frugal manner of 17
syllables.

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

Questions 1-6
Do the following statements agree with the information in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 1-4 on your
Answer Sheet, write
TRUE if the statement is true according to the passage.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage.
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage.

1. Haiku has not always been an independent phenomenon

2. Matsuo Basho is credited with having created haiku
3. The purpose of haiku particular syllable pattern is to inspire more evocative poems
4. Haiku rhyming pattern is different from traditional Western poetry
5. In traditional haiku the number of syllables cannot exceed 17
6. The theme of seasonality is pivotal in haiku

Questions 7-10
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from the passage for each answer

Haiku appeals to the 7 _____ aspect of human sensation, aiming to recreate visual or audial
experiences and at the same time deviating from the previously focal 8 _____ side of human life.
Therefore the focus shifted from the internal world to that around us, the material objective reality.
Another key feature of the Japanese verse was its strife for simplicity – partially due to its length,
pushing the authors to brevity and concision. Stylistic direction of haiku prompted Kandinsky to
reassess his approach to art and reduce its 9 _____, ultimately leading to him striving to make it
equally 10 _____ for regular people and connoisseurs alike.

Questions 11-13
Choose the appropriate letters A-C and write them in boxes 11-13 on your answer sheet.

11. Members of the samurai were encouraged to

A Display their courage
B Prioritise deeds over words
C Compose haiku poems

12. Haiku poetry and samurai culture are similar in that they
A Welcome hardship and struggle
B Focus on the theme of nature and death
C See death as a natural stage of life

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13. Today haiku hasn’t lost its popularity

A because its message might be more relevant than ever before.
B due to how effortless it is to compose.
C as it focuses on the environment.

Reading Passage 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-27, which are based on Reading Passage 2 on the
following pages.

Metallurgy

Metallurgy is the scientific study of the properties of metals as well as extracting and refining them
into useful products. It has been an important part of human civilization for thousands of years and
played a critical role in the development of modern industry. History of metallurgy is a fascinating
tale of human ingenuity, from the earliest days of metalworking to the cutting-edge technologies of
today.

The first proven evidence of attempts at metallurgy dates back to around 5000 BCE, when copper
was first used for making tools and ornaments. The discovery of this metal was groundbreaking for
humanity, as it allowed us to create more effective and durable tools. The use of copper also
heralded the beginning of the Bronze Age, when people saw the development of more sophisticated
metalworking techniques. The earliest metal objects from the Bronze Age were still cast from copper,
which was extracted from ore deposits in the earth. Copper is relatively soft and malleable, making it
easy to hammer or cast into new shapes. However, it all came at a cost. It was not firm enough for
warfare applications like weapons or heavy armor – it would bend easily when hit. As a result, this
reddish metal was mostly reserved for civilian needs. This is why the discovery of bronze was so
significant.

Bronze, a new kind of alloy made by combining copper with tin, was much harder than pure copper
while also having better resistance to corrosion. The formula for making bronze was developed
during the early Bronze Age, when it is believed that the mixing of copper and tin started. The
Bronze Age spanned several thousand years – from around 3000 BCE to 1000 BCE – and saw the rise
of many early civilizations, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. These societies were
built on the foundation of metallurgy, enabling them to create complex machines, build monumental
architecture, even facilitate waging wars against their enemies. Bronze allowed people to reach an
unprecedented level of accuracy and sophistication in creating various tools.

The process of making bronze was not as straightforward as ‘heat, mix and stir’. This was an arduous
process that took lots of time and patience. The ores were first broken up into small pieces, then

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

roasted in a furnace to drive off impurities. Once the ore had been purified, it was combined with
other metals, such as iron or zinc, to create alloys with unique properties. The resulting material was
then utilised to create a cast bronze object using the lost-wax technique: making a mould of the
object in wax, followed by filling the cavity with molten bronze. Metalworkers had to be proficient in
a range of different techniques, including forging, casting, and hammering.

The next major milestone in the history of metallurgy was the discovery of iron smelting, which,
interestingly, occurred independently in different parts of the world around 1000 BCE. Iron was
much more abundant and easier to work with than copper or bronze, quickly becoming the
preferred metal for multiple applications. The Iron Age saw the rise of many new empires and the
spread of iron technology across the globe, notably in the Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty in China,
the Mauryan Empire in India. During the Middle Ages metallurgy continued to advance, with the
development of new approaches for refining gold, silver and other precious metals. The creation of
new alloys like brass and pewter also became more common, as did the use of metals in medicine. In
the early modern period, metallurgy played a critical role in the development of modern science.

Probably the most impactful point was the invention of the blast furnace. Developed in China around
the 3rd century BCE, the blast furnace revolutionized metalworking allowing to produce cast iron on
a large scale, kickstarting an even more revolutionary development – the steam engine – which in
turn was one of the many breakthroughs that made the Industrial Revolution possible. The Industrial
Revolution itself transformed metallurgy into a highly mechanized, even scientific discipline. One
particular advance was the Bessemer converter, making mass-production of steel without the need
for highly-skilled professionals a reality.

Before the Bessemer process, steel was primarily produced by heating iron ore in a charcoal fire and
then hammering it to ensure the material was more uniform. This process, known as wrought iron
production, was slow and labour-intensive, with the resulting material ending up not being as strong
or durable as modern steel. The Bessemer converter involved blowing air through molten pig iron to
burn off undesirable elements as well as to adjust the carbon content, which leads to a higher-
quality, more uniform product. This approach was much faster while at the same time being more
efficient than previous methods of steel production, and it quickly revolutionized the industry. The
so-called Bessemer process was later improved upon with the introduction of new techniques such
as the open-hearth process and the basic oxygen process. Today, we produce steel using a variety of
methods, but the basic principles of the Bessemer process remain unchanged.

Nowadays, metallurgy is a vast field of study with many different branches and subfields: physical
metallurgy, mineral processing, materials science and others. Advancements in production
technologies, such as the use of computers, robot-controlled machines as well as automation in

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

general, have made many previously prohibitively expensive things financially viable. Modern alloys
are lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion – this is just the tip of the iceberg. Metallurgy is a
testament to human ingenuity and the power of innovation. From the earliest days of copper
smelting to the modern-day production of advanced alloys, metallurgy has been the cornerstone of
human civilization. As we continue to push the boundaries of science, metallurgy will no doubt
remain an important discipline. It is the tool that ensures we will be able to overcome whatever
challenges we might face.

Questions 14-16
Choose the appropriate letters A-C and write them in boxes 14-16 on your answer sheet.

14 Copper was the metal of choice in the early days of metallurgy because of its
A Abundance
B Affordability
C Ease of shaping

15 Military application of copper was limited because the material

A wasn’t strong enough
B found use for more peaceful purposes
C proved to be too bulky

16 One of the advantages bronze has over copper is

A being less prone to rusting
B having tin in it
C its wide use in architecture

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Questions 17-21
Complete the flow-chart
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 17-21 on
your answer sheet.

Questions 22-27
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2?
For questions 22-27, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this statement

22 Iron smelting was invented in the Roman Empire

23 Blast furnace was one of the biggest breakthroughs of the Industrial Revolution
24 The invention of steel alloy was made possible thanks to the Bessemer converter
25 The Bessemer process made the output material quality more consistent
26 The introduction of machinery in the process of metal making helped reduce production costs
27 It is unlikely that metallurgy will lose its significance in the future

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Reading Passage 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28-40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.

Singapore – a city like no other

A Singapore, a land of contrasts and contradictions, is a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of
multiculturalism, innovation and natural beauty. A place where towering skyscrapers and lush
greenery coexist in perfect harmony, it is an urban masterpiece that never fails to captivate and
inspire. This city-state nestled on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula is a tapestry of diverse
cultures, each adding their own unique thread to the fabric of Singaporean society. From the
bustling streets of Chinatown to the ornate mosques of Kampong Glam and the colourful temples of
Little India, Singapore is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors that tantalize the senses. With
a population of approximately 5.7 million people, it is one of the most densely populated countries in
the world, only surpassed by Macau and Monaco. Despite its small size, Singapore is a thriving and
prosperous nation, known for its cleanliness, safety, and economic success.

B While certain archaeological evidence suggests that the history of Singapore dates back to the
early 13th century, bearing the name of Temasek, a small trading port, the well-documented period
of this country only starts in 1819 when colonisation by the British Empire took place. Because of its
strategic location at the southern tip of the peninsula, it was a natural hub for trade between China,
India, and the Indonesian archipelago. Chinese junks, Indian dhows, and Malay proas would all
converge on its shores to exchange goods and ideas. Naturally, it was a very lucrative territory to
have control over. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British colonialist and explorer was aware of the country’s
potential as a trading center but wary of its perceived lawlessness. At the time, Singapore was known
for its shady reputation. Pirates, smugglers, and other unsavoury characters were said to lurk in its
waters, ready to pounce on unsuspecting ships. Raffles’ approach to the issue was rather
unconventional for the time. He implemented a policy of offering clemency to pirates who
surrendered and gave up their criminal activities. This policy was designed to encourage pirates to
abandon their criminal ways and become productive members of society. Raffles also established a
system of licensing and regulation for boats and ships to ensure that they were not involved in
piracy.

C Under British rule, Singapore flourished. It became one of the busiest ports in the world,
handling everything from spices and textiles to opium and slaves. Its population grew rapidly as
people from all over Asia and beyond flocked to its shores in search of work and opportunities. By
the early 20th century, Singapore had transformed into a modern city-state with a thriving economy.
But Singapore’s road to success was not without challenges. World War II was perhaps the darkest
chapter in its history. When the Japanese invaded it in 1942, they unleashed a wave of terror and
brutality that left thousands dead and the city in ruins. The British, who were in charge of defending

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Singapore, were caught off guard and quickly overwhelmed. Despite having a larger number of
troops, the British were poorly equipped and trained, so they were unable to stop the Japanese
advance. On February 15, 1942, Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival, the British commander in
Singapore, surrendered the island to the Japanese. The fall of Singapore was a major blow to the
Allied war effort in the Pacific. It remained under Japanese control until the end of the war. In 1945,
after Japan’s surrender, the British returned and resumed control of the colony. Singapore gained its
sovereignty in 1965.

D The rest, as the well-known adage goes, is history. The tropical city-state grew from strength to
strength, becoming a prosperous and stable nation in a volatile region. One of the key factors
contributing to the country’s rapid development is its location, which makes it a hub for trade and
commerce. The country’s strategic location, stable political environment, well-developed
infrastructure, and strong workforce make it a popular destination for global investors. It has
consistently been recognized as one of the easiest places to do business in the world and is ranked
second in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report. Overall, investment-friendly environment is
supported by the government’s pro-business stance, including attractive tax incentives as well as
transparent regulations. Another important element vital to Singapore’s success is its government’s
zero tolerance for crime or misbehaviour. The country is known for its strict laws, particularly when it
comes to public order and laws related to garbage disposal. The latter is what probably made
Singapore known to many people, as fines for littering can exceed thousands of dollars, with repeat
offenders facing corrective labour. Singapore’s stringent approach is even more unforgiving to so-
called DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Sentences for that can
include prison time for up to 12 months in addition to hefty fines. Possession of drugs is seen as one
of the most heinous crimes – a person whose guilt has been proven might be subjected to capital
punishment.

E Singapore of today is one huge sight to behold. Some of its parts stand out in particular, the
most famous and iconic being the Marina Bay Sands resort, which includes a hotel, casino, and
shopping mall. The resort is built on reclaimed land and features a spectacular infinity pool that
overlooks the city. Another one is the Merlion, a popular tourist attraction that is a statue of a
mythical creature that is half-lion and half-fish. Despite its small size, Singapore is also home to a
number of world-class museums and cultural institutions. The National Gallery of Singapore, for
example, is housed in the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall and features a collection of
Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. Ultimately, Singapore’s success story is a result of the
resilience, hard work, and ingenuity of its people, who have worked tirelessly to build a modern and
prosperous nation. With its impeccably clean, well-planned streets, governmental efficiency, and
attractive business climate, the place is a shining example of what can be achieved when a country is

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committed to progress and development. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident,
Singapore is a city that never fails to amaze and inspire.

Questions 28-32
Reading Passage 3 has five paragraphs (A-E). Choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph
from the list below.

List of Headings 28 Paragraph A

I A bumpy road 29 Paragraph B
II Business is everything 30 Paragraph C
III Simply the best 31 Paragraph D
IV Rich in many things 32 Paragraph E
V Trading favours
VI Worth looking up to
VII Successful policies

Questions 33-36
Do the following statements agree with the information in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 1-4 on your
Answer Sheet, write
TRUE if the statement is true according to the passage.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage.
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage.

33 Cultural composition of Singapore is mostly homogeneous

34 There aren’t many historical records on the earlier period of Singapore history.
35 The British empire came to Singapore to ensure its safety from piracy
36 As per Raffles’ initiative, sea vessels had to have a license to be involved in trade

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Questions 37-40
Complete the summary below using words from the table. Each can only be used once.

Despite the grave losses the country had to experience due to 37 _____, resilience and determination
paved its way for economic prosperity. Thanks to its favourable 38 _____ that connected trade routes
and accommodating business environment it attracted professionals and investors from all across
the globe. To stop people from 39 _____ the country has instituted stringent legal repercussions to
ensure peace and order. This is one reason Singapore is lauded as one of the safest places to live. As
a tourism destination, the city-state stands out with its many attractions like hotels and museums.
Summing up, owing to its thriving 40 _____, efficient laws, and welcoming, inclusive culture, it is
definitely a place worth seeing.

British rule leaving pirates littering

economy climate illegal trade practices

World War II location breaking the law conditions

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

Answer Keys

Reading Passage 1

1 TRUE. Paragraph 2, sentence 2 mentions a poet who made haiku popular as ‘standalone’ poetry. In
the following sentences of the same paragraph it is also said that haiku would previously be an
introductory part to renga, a different type of poem.
2 NOT GIVEN. Matsuo Basho is said to have made haiku popular, but there is no direct evidence
whether he did or didn’t create this type of poem. Remember that to answer ‘False’ there has to be
information proving the opposite of what is stated in the task.
3 TRUE. Paragraph 3, the second sentence. In the task, the word ‘evocative’ is used, which means
able to create strong emotions. This is paraphrased as ‘powerful’ in the text.
4 NOT GIVEN. This is a trap that is meant to trick you into using your own knowledge rather than
using the information given in the text. There is no mention of rhyming similarity or difference
between the two styles of poems. Remember that you should only be using the information given in
the task, not your own.
5 TRUE. The word ‘traditional’ refers to the original structure of 17 syllables. First sentence of
paragraph 4 clearly states that the number is something one ‘has to adhere to’, which means that
this is the rule one has to follow. At the end of paragraph 4 the authors mention western haiku and
how the limitation is not so strictly observed in those poems.
6 TRUE. Paragraph 3 describes the various meanings of seasons in Japanese poetry and their
respective importance. It is important to understand the word ‘pivotal’ to get the answer right.
7 sensory. Paragraph 4, sentence 2. The emphasis on sensory detail is mentioned, with some
examples to illustrate that in the sentence that follows.
8 emotional. Sentence 4 of the same paragraph names the emotional part and the inner monologue.
Note that ‘inner monologue’ cannot be used here as there is only one word that should go into the
gap.
9 complexity. Paragraph 5 mentions Kandinsky and how he gets inspired by haiku to change the
approach to art and what makes it so great. Note that names are great keywords to use because
they are capitalized in the text and can be easily found because of that.
10 accessible. In the same paragraph it is mentioned how his admiration drove him to make art
more approachable for all people.
11 B. The word ‘action’ in the text is synonymised as ‘deeds’ in the answer. Answer ‘A’ is a trap that
expects you to see the word ‘courage’ and use it as the guiding part for the answer. Answer ‘C’ is
wrong, as they were taught how to compose the poems, but nobody forced them to do so.
12 C. Last sentence of the paragraph about the samurai: “… all of these perfectly reflecting the idea
of haiku”. Answer ‘A’ is wrong as there is no mention of haiku seeing hardship as something good.
Answer ‘B’ shouldn’t be chosen; while the theme of nature is big in haiku, it does not focus on death.

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It can only be said about the particular topics favoured by the samurai in their vision of haiku.
13 A. First sentence of the last paragraph says that haiku is what today’s busy world needs. The
difficulty of composition is not mentioned; the word ‘frugal’ in the last paragraph means ‘careful,
sparing’ rather than ‘easy’. The environmental aspect of the theme is not given enough focus to
warrant choosing it over Answer ‘A’.

Reading Passage 2

14 C. No information is given about how cheap or easy to find copper was. However, the word
‘malleable’ means that it was easy to give the object the required shape because of how soft it was.
15 A. Last two sentences of Paragraph 2 mention that copper couldn’t be used militarily as it was too
soft and would bend easily. Answer ‘B’ is wrong, as the reason why copper was mostly used for
peaceful needs was because it was useless for military applications, not the other way around.
Answer ‘C’ is not mentioned; there is nothing about copper being too ‘bulky’ or heavy.
16 A. Paragraph 3, sentence 1. ‘Rust’ from the questions is synonymised as ‘corrosion’ at the very end
of the first sentence. Resistance to that is what makes bronze a superior material. Answer ‘B’ is
wrong because having tin in it is not an advantage by itself. If anything, it is a disadvantage because
the process of making bronze is more complex because of that. Answer ‘C’ shouldn’t be used, as
copper can be used in architecture with equal success.
17 impurities. Paragraph 4 focuses on the process and will be referred to to explain the flowchart
questions. ‘Ore’ is a good keyword to look for here, as it is almost impossible to synonymise.
Impurities are undesirable elements in something, such as material.
18 zinc. Zinc is the other metal other than iron that goes into the mixture. Do not be confused by the
usage of ‘and’ in the flowchart; it is used to mean ‘one or the other’, not ‘both of’.
19 alloys. Alloy is a combination of various materials. ‘Qualities’ is paraphrased as ‘properties’.
20 mould. A mould is an empty space made in the shape of an item that you want to get as a result
of filling this space.
21 cast. You have to go a little bit back in this paragraph to find ‘cast bronze object’—a synonymised
‘bronze item’ from the flowchart.
22 NOT GIVEN. Paragraph 5, sentence 1 states that the discovery of iron smelting occurred in several
different locations across the globe. While the Roman Empire is mentioned later, the text neither
confirms nor disproves that it was the Romans who discovered iron smelting first. Therefore, neither
‘True’ nor ‘False’ can be chosen here.
23 FALSE. Paragraph 6, sentence 1 states that the blast furnace was developed in ancient China in
3rd century BC. This development made it possible to create the steam engine, which was one of the
inventions that made the Industrial Revolutions possible. This means that the blast furnace had been
discovered long before the Industrial Revolution happened, so it couldn’t possibly be one of its

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breakthroughs.
24 FALSE. Paragraph 7, sentences 1 and 2 clearly describe the process of creating steel before the
Bessemer converter was invented. While more difficult and time-consuming, the process
nevertheless existed previously.
25 TRUE. Paragraph 7, sentence 3 confirms that using the Bessemer process made the quality ‘more
uniform’ – this means similar in terms of quality, implying that the quality was consistently higher
when using this technology.
26 TRUE. Last paragraph, sentence 2 states that the extensive usage of machines and robots made
previously expensive processes ‘financially viable’. This means that they were able to increase
production efficiency by making it less costly.
27 TRUE. At the end of the last paragraph we see that metallurgy is expected to stay ‘an important
discipline’.

Reading Passage 3

28 IV – Rich in many things. With this type of task there is never a particular piece of paragraph that
leads to choosing the right answer. Instead, you consider the general idea and mood of the
paragraph. In this case, the paragraph mostly focuses on the different things that are great about
Singapore – cultural diversity, architectural beauty and economic successes. Heading ‘Simply the
best’ shouldn’t be chosen because it is not favourably compared to others; instead, Macau and
Monaco are mentioned as both being more densely populated.
29 V – Trading favours. To get the heading right, we have to understand what ‘trading favours’ might
mean. Generally, it means ‘to cooperate, to work together’. This refers to the approach Sir Stamford
Raffles chose to deal with the piracy situation. Instead of fighting them, he decided to ‘offer
clemency’ – to be merciful and forgive their crimes. Heading ‘Business is everything’ wouldn’t work as
it only partially covers the topic of this paragraph. ‘Successful policies’ is not optimal, as only one
notable policy is mentioned.
30 I – A bumpy road. The period of struggle and hardship is given focus in this paragraph. ‘Bumpy
road’ has a figurative meaning of challenge and difficulty. Notably, no other paragraph has a negative
meaning in the list, either figurative or literal.
31 VII – Successful policies. Tax incentives as well as very stringent laws are what make Singapore so
attractive to businesses and investors. These are the policies that can be credited with having made
the city-state flourish.
32 VI – Worth looking up to. ‘To look up to something’ means to see something as a great example or
a role model, to try and follow it to replicate the success. The second part of the paragraph focuses
on that, talking about hard-working people and difficult times that eventually lead to prosperity.
33 FALSE. ‘Homogeneous’ means even, uniform, made of one rather than many. The opposite is true,

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which is clearly stated in the very first sentence of the text – “… vibrant hues of multiculturalism”. The
idea of many peoples inhabiting the city is mentioned several times throughout the text.
34 TRUE. First sentence of paragraph 2 states that the well-documented period of the country’s
history began when colonisation by the British took place.
35 FALSE. The middle of paragraph 2 has information about the real interests of the British Empire.
They wanted to have control over the region due to its favourable strategic location for both warfare
and trade reasons.
36 NOT GIVEN. While Raffles is given credit for issuing licences, they were merely to ensure that no
piracy took place. No mention of trading requiring a licence is made. However, there is no
information disproving this, so ‘False’ shouldn’t be used.
37 World War 2. ‘Grave losses’ implies the massive scale of the harm done to the country. This can’t
be said about pirates or illegal trade, so both of these options would be incorrect.
38 location. The phrase ‘… that connected trade routes’ hints at the correct word. ‘Climate’ shouldn’t
be used here, as it would be a strange reason for businesses to choose a location. ‘Favourable
conditions’ would be too vague without any explanation given.
39 breaking the law. ‘Littering’ can’t be used as the regulations were to ensure ‘peace and order’ and
littering can’t be a serious peace disturbance offence.
40 economy. The only other words that could fit are ‘practices’ (but they can’t be thriving) and
‘conditions’ (same reason).

Vocabulary

The vocabulary below is meant to help you with the more difficult words. If the word isn’t on the list
then you are either supposed to know it or it is too specific to be worth learning and you don’t have
to know it to answer the question. Symbols in brackets mean part of speech (see bottom of the list).
Sentences in italics give examples of usage for some more complex words and phrases.

And remember — you are not given a vocabulary list (or a dictionary) at your real exam.

Reading Passage 1

Means (n) – way or approach of achieving something. Note that it looks like a plural form, but it is
actually single and is used with an indefinite article here. They say that money is only a means to an
end.
Impactful (adj) – important and influential. Meeting his favourite actor was a very impactful experience
for James and inspired him to take up acting himself.
Concise (adj) – short and brief. Used in a positive way to talk about a speech or a text. I never had the
gift of expressing my ideas in a clear, concise manner.
Standalone (adj) – independent. A musical genre that used to be a part of something bigger but later

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

became standalone.
Preface (n) – an introduction, a short piece that comes before the main part of a book, poem or other
texts. I usually skip the preface and go straight to the main story.
Staple (n) – (here) an essential part of something. Buckwheat is a staple of any nutritious diet.
Adhere to (v) – to follow a rule or guidance. Failure to adhere to traffic laws several times will likely lead
to losing your driving licence.
Frugal, sparing (adj) – both words mean ‘careful and not wasteful’. My grandmother grew up in
poverty, and even though they were financially comfortable later, they stayed very frugal.
Sheer (adj) – extreme or very strong. I was standing there, right in front of this huge dog, staring at it in
sheer terror.
Stoicism (n) – a teaching of stoics that says that we should face difficulties rather than avoid them
and accept our faith.
Celebrate (v) – (here) to see something as positive and to treat it accordingly. Free thinking in schools
should be celebrated, not forbidden the way it is now.
Composure (n) – ability to stay calm and control yourself, especially in stressful situations.
Composure is something that you can train through exposure to increasingly stressful situations.
Brevity (n) – the noun from the adjective ‘brief’, it means the state of being short, not lasting. Brevity
of happy moments.
Transience (n) – state of not lasting for a long time, something that changes often. The nature of
journalism is that transience is something you have to accept; things change all the time.
Cherish (v) – to keep something in your mind for a long time because you treasure the memory.

Reading Passage 2

Refining (n) – the process of improving something, like a material, a technique, a skill and so on.
Refining steel is rather difficult without proper industrial-grade equipment.
Ingenuity (n) – ability or skill to create something new, such as a new tool, method, or approach. They
say that huge corporations are driven by a handful of talented people and their ingenuity.
Cutting-edge (adj) – the newest and most advanced. Cutting-edge technology allows us to remain
leaders on the market, but that doesn’t mean that it will always be this way.
Herald (v) – to herald something is to signal that something is about to happen. Rising inflation
heralded the biggest economic crisis to date.
Malleable (adj) – easily shaped because of its softness. Clay is cheap and very malleable, and therefore
it is perfect for sculpting practice.
Warfare (adj) – relating to war. Warfare games are very popular with small children, boys and girls alike.
Alloy (n) – a metal that is a result of combining different metals together. Steel is a good example of an
alloy; it is created by combining iron and carbon.

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IELTS Reading – Practice Test 17

Facilitate (v) – to make something easier or to help with it. Big companies often employ a team of
lawyers to facilitate dealing with legal issues.
Arduous (adj) – tiring, taking a lot of effort. Building your own house is an arduous task that many take
upon themselves, but few manage to finish.
Mould (n) – an empty space made in a piece of metal that is supposed to be filled with liquified
material in order to give it a desirable shape.
Cavity (n) – an opening or a space in something. Tooth cavities are very common and easily treatable if
found early.
Milestone (n) – a point of considerable progress. Our company reached an impressive milestone this
year: we have sold 1 million printers, a figure that was previously thought impossible.
Smelting (n) – (about metals) heating a metal to a very high temperature when it becomes soft and
eventually turns liquid.
Furnace (n) – a specially-built enclosed space where, through extremely high temperatures, smelting
takes place (see previous entry). Summer in this part of the country feels like you are in a furnace – even
at night, the temperature doesn’t go below 30 degrees.
Uniform (adj) – even and consistent, without many differences. To make sure that the high level of
quality is uniform in every branch, managers personally run weekly inspections of products.
Prohibitively expensive – too costly to be financially successful. Previously prohibitively expensive,
personal computers nowadays are an integral part of every household in the country.
Testament to something (n) – a proof that something is real. The best testament to a teacher’s efforts
are the good exam results of their students.
Cornerstone (n) – a fundamental part of something. Education is a cornerstone of progress because
smart, well-educated people always push the boundaries of what is possible.

Reading Passage 3

Vibrant (adj) – filled with life energy, potent. A vibrant community of poets and artists is a great
environment that promotes creativity.
Hue (n) – a shade of colour. The sun is a star that can be seen in all hues of red and yellow.
Lush (adj) – rich in vegetation. The lush forests of South America have one of the highest numbers of
unique species on the planet.
Captivate (v) – to make somebody very interested in it. Books written by Nabokov captivate readers of
all ages and backgrounds.
Nestled (adj) – located or situated favourably or comfortably.
Tantalise (v) – (here) to tease and to make you want it very much. Often used negatively, it also means
that reality is not as pleasant as it might seem.
Peninsula (n) – a large piece of land with seas or oceans almost completely surrounding it. Iberian

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Peninsula is the homeland of Portugal and Spain.

Hub (n) – a center of activity. After days of sailing, we finally reached a local trading hub where we could
refill our supplies.
Junks, dhows, proas – various types of sea vessels, varying in size and intended purpose.
Converge (v) – to come to one spot from different directions. The people from neighbouring areas
converged on the central square to see the performance.
Wary (adj) – to know about something unpleasant and dangerous and to be careful because of it.
Please be wary of pickpockets in that part of town; make sure not to have any valuables with you when
you come there.
Unsavoury (adj) – (here, about people) unpleasant and with bad reputation.
Pounce on (v) – to attack somebody suddenly with the intent of immobilising you. Trade caravans
would often get pounced on by local bandits.
Unconventional (adj) – not usual or traditional.
Flock to (v) – when people or animals flock to some place, they come there in great numbers. Young
people would flock to newly opened nightclubs because they would usually allow free entry.
Overwhelmed (adj) – to feel lost and confused because of something being too intense. After my first
day in the city I was completely overwhelmed and fell asleep the moment I laid down.
Advance (n) – (here) attack, offensive action. The advance was slow but steady; this insured minimal
casualties and kept morale up.
Sovereignty (n) – independence of a country as a state.
Adage (n) – a popular saying that usually conveys some practical wisdom. “Better safe than sorry” is
my father’s favourite adage – probably because he is not a risk-taker.
Volatile (adj) – unstable, prone to change. The situation on the stock market has been extremely volatile
recently, with unexpected and rapid price changes.
Incentive (n) – a law or tax regulation designed to promote certain activities. Business incentives aimed
at young entrepreneurs provide them loans at zero interest rates.
Transparent (adj) – used figuratively here, it means ‘easy to understand, clear’.
Fine (n) – a sum of money that you have to pay for breaking some law or rule. Most people agree that
speeding fines should be higher to discourage reckless driving.
Hefty (adj) – large or heavy. Here it is used to refer to a high amount of money paid as fine.
Heinous (adj) – horrible, deserving no forgiveness. Negligence at the workplace is not seen as the most
heinous of offenses, but for some professions it definitely is.

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