IELTS Reading Test 2 (Academic)

READING PASSAGE 1

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

The Epic Journey of Alexander the Great: Conquest and Discovery in the Ancient World

In the year 334 BCE, a young and ambitious king named Alexander the Great embarked on one of the most famous and ambitious military campaigns in history. His journey would take him across three continents, from Greece to Asia and Africa, where he would conquer vast empires, engage in legendary battles, and create a legacy that would shape the world for centuries to come. The story of Alexander’s conquest is not only a tale of warfare but also an epic adventure of discovery, leadership, and the clash of cultures.

Early Beginnings: The Call to Adventure

Alexander was born in 356 BCE in the ancient city of Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedon in northern Greece. His father, King Philip II, was a powerful ruler who united most of the city-states of Greece under Macedonian control. Philip’s military reforms and the strength of his kingdom provided the foundation for Alexander’s future campaigns. Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, who instilled in him a deep love of knowledge, philosophy, and the arts. This education would play a critical role in shaping Alexander’s vision for the world.

At the age of 20, Alexander ascended to the throne after the assassination of his father. His inheritance was a strong kingdom with a powerful military, but it was also a turbulent time. Many Greek city-states, still resentful of Macedonian dominance, were eager to rebel. However, Alexander quickly demonstrated his leadership and military prowess by quelling revolts and asserting his authority. His next move would be far more ambitious.

In 334 BCE, Alexander turned his gaze eastward toward the vast Persian Empire, ruled by King Darius III. The Persian Empire, one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world, stretched from modern-day Turkey all the way to India. Alexander’s desire to conquer Persia was not just about expanding his territory but also about fulfilling his vision of uniting the Greek world and achieving personal glory.

Crossing the Hellespont: The Beginning of the Great Expedition

The first major obstacle in Alexander’s journey was the Hellespont, the narrow waterway that separates Europe from Asia, modern-day Turkey. In May 334 BCE, Alexander crossed the Hellespont with his army of around 35,000 men, a force that included infantry, cavalry, and specialized troops. The crossing was both a symbolic and strategic act—by stepping into Asia, Alexander was declaring war on the Persian Empire and the East. The army’s first significant battle occurred shortly after their arrival.

The Battle of the Granicus River, fought in May 334 BCE, was Alexander’s first major confrontation with the Persians. Darius III’s satraps (governors) had gathered a large force to halt the Macedonian advance, but Alexander’s tactical genius shone through. Using the terrain to his advantage, Alexander led a charge with his cavalry across the river, decisively defeating the Persian forces. The victory at Granicus opened the way for Alexander to march deeper into Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and the Macedonian king continued his relentless march eastward, liberating Greek cities from Persian control along the way.

The Siege of Tyre and the City of Alexandria

As Alexander’s army advanced southward along the Mediterranean coast, one of the most challenging and famous sieges of his campaign took place in the ancient city of Tyre, located on an island off the coast of modern-day Lebanon. Tyre was a wealthy and powerful Phoenician city-state with a reputation for strong naval defenses. The city’s rulers initially rejected Alexander’s demands for surrender, underestimating his resolve.

In 332 BCE, Alexander ordered his army to construct a causeway—a massive bridge of earth and stone—stretching out to the island city. The Tyrians attempted to stop the construction with their fleet, but Alexander was undeterred. After months of intense siege warfare, the Macedonian army finally breached the city’s walls and captured Tyre. The victory at Tyre was not only a military triumph but also a demonstration of Alexander’s innovative tactics and determination. The city’s fall paved the way for further Macedonian conquests along the eastern Mediterranean coast.

Following the conquest of Tyre, Alexander continued his campaign southward, eventually reaching Egypt. In 331 BCE, after being welcomed as a liberator by the Egyptians, Alexander founded the city of Alexandria, which would become one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers of the ancient world. The city’s famous library and its role as a hub of Greek thought would last for centuries after Alexander’s death.

The Battle of Gaugamela: The Decisive Victory

After securing Egypt, Alexander turned his attention to the heart of the Persian Empire. In 331 BCE, he marched eastward into Mesopotamia, where he would face Darius III in the decisive Battle of Gaugamela, also known as the Battle of Arbela. This battle, fought near modern-day Iraq, would be the turning point of the campaign.

Darius III, who had gathered a massive army of over 100,000 men, was determined to stop the Macedonian invasion. The two armies met on the plain of Gaugamela, and despite being outnumbered, Alexander once again demonstrated his brilliant military tactics. By using his superior cavalry, strategic positioning, and quick maneuvers, Alexander decisively defeated the Persian forces. Darius, realizing the magnitude of his defeat, fled the battlefield, leaving his army to collapse.

With the fall of the Persian army, Alexander took control of the Persian capitals of Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis. The Persian Empire, which had ruled over much of the known world for centuries, was now in ruins. Alexander’s conquest was a monumental achievement, and he was hailed as a liberator by many of the peoples he encountered. Yet, despite his success, Alexander’s ambition remained unfulfilled.

The Journey to India: Crossing the Hindu Kush

After the conquest of Persia, Alexander set his sights on the vast lands of India. In 326 BCE, he led his army across the Hindu Kush mountains, one of the most treacherous regions of the ancient world. The journey was brutal, with harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and constant logistical challenges. Nevertheless, Alexander pressed on, determined to reach the fabled lands of India and seek further glory.

The journey took its toll on the Macedonian army, and by the time they reached the banks of the Indus River, the soldiers were exhausted and eager to return home. Nonetheless, Alexander was resolute in his desire to continue. In 326 BCE, he crossed the Indus and engaged in the Battle of the Hydaspes River against King Porus, a powerful Indian ruler.

The battle was a fierce confrontation, but Alexander’s forces emerged victorious despite the formidable Indian war elephants and the challenging terrain. Porus was captured and treated with great respect by Alexander, who allowed him to retain his kingdom as a vassal. This victory marked the easternmost point of Alexander’s campaign, and for the first time, his troops refused to march further. Faced with the discontent of his soldiers, Alexander was forced to turn back and begin the long journey home.

The Return Journey and Alexander’s Death

After the victory at the Hydaspes, Alexander began his return journey to Babylon, but the journey was arduous. The army traversed the deserts of southern Persia, where supplies were scarce and morale was low. In 323 BCE, while in the city of Babylon, Alexander fell ill with a fever, and within days, he died at the age of 32. His death shocked the ancient world, and the cause of his illness has been the subject of speculation for centuries.

Some historians believe Alexander’s death was due to natural causes, such as malaria or typhoid fever, while others speculate that it may have been the result of poisoning, either from political intrigue or the stress of years of relentless campaigning. Whatever the cause, Alexander’s untimely death marked the end of an era. His empire, which stretched from Greece to India, was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi, and eventually fragmented into several Hellenistic kingdoms.

Legacy of Alexander the Great

Though Alexander’s empire did not survive his death, his legacy endured. His conquests spread Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the known world, blending with local customs and giving rise to the Hellenistic civilization. Cities like Alexandria became centers of learning, and the fusion of Greek and Eastern cultures paved the way for scientific, philosophical, and artistic advancements that would influence generations to come.

Alexander the Great’s journey remains one of the most remarkable in human history. His military genius, leadership, and unrelenting drive for conquest set him apart as one of the greatest figures of antiquity. Today, his name continues to be synonymous with adventure, discovery, and the pursuit of greatness—an enduring legacy of a young king who dared to dream of conquering the world.

Questions 1-8

In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE                         If the statement agrees with the information 

FALSE                       If the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVE               If there is no information on this

1. Alexander's first major battle against the Persians took place after crossing the Hellespont.

2. Alexander founded the city of Alexandria in 331 BCE after conquering Egypt.

3. Alexander's death was followed by the immediate collapse of his empire.

4. Darius III was captured by Alexander at the Battle of Gaugamela.

5. Darius III led a successful counterattack against Alexander at the Battle of Gaugamela.

6. Alexander died in Babylon at the age of 40 after a prolonged illness.

7. Alexander's army marched directly into India after conquering Persia without stopping.

8. Alexander's empire remained united and strong for several decades after his death.

Questions 9-13

Choose the correct letter A,B,C or D

  9. What was the first major battle Alexander fought after crossing the Hellespont?

• A) Battle of Gaugamela

• B) Battle of the Hydaspes

• C) Battle of the Granicus River

• D) Battle of Tyre

  10. Which city did Alexander found after conquering Egypt?

• A) Tyre

• B) Persepolis

• C) Athens

• D) Alexandria

  11. What was the decisive outcome of the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE?

• A) The Persian army was victorious, and Darius III captured Alexander.

• B) Alexander was outnumbered but used superior tactics to defeat the Persians.

• C) The battle ended in a stalemate with no clear winner.

• D) Alexander retreated to Greece after suffering heavy losses.

  12. What event marked the easternmost point of Alexander’s conquests?

• A) The conquest of Egypt

• B) The Battle of the Granicus River

• C) The Siege of Tyre

• D) The Battle of the Hydaspes River in India

  13. How did Alexander’s death impact his empire?

• A) His empire continued to grow under his successors.

• B) The empire was immediately divided among his generals, leading to its fragmentation.

• C) The empire was passed to his son, who continued his father's conquests.

• D) Alexander’s death had no significant impact on the empire.