IELTS Reading Test 3 (Academic)
READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.
The Development of Writing Systems in Early Civilizations
The invention of writing marked a groundbreaking advancement in human history, enabling early civilizations to communicate, document, and organize complex societies. Writing systems first emerged around 3100 BCE in Mesopotamia, with cuneiform being one of the earliest forms. Initially, writing was developed for practical purposes, such as keeping records of trade transactions, agricultural yields, and taxes. Over time, it evolved to encompass a wide range of uses, including laws, literature, and religious texts.
Other civilizations independently created writing systems, such as hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt and oracle bone script in early China. These systems varied in form and function, often reflecting the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the societies that developed them. Writing allowed governments to maintain control over large populations by codifying laws and centralizing administration. It also facilitated the preservation of knowledge, contributing to advancements in science, mathematics, and medicine.
One of the most significant impacts of writing systems was the standardization of legal codes. In Mesopotamia, for example, the Code of Hammurabi, inscribed on stone tablets, provided clear guidelines for justice and governance. Such codification established a sense of order and accountability within societies. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, writing played a critical role in religious and cultural practices. Priests used hieroglyphs to document rituals and beliefs, ensuring their continuity across generations. This connection between writing and governance further solidified its importance in shaping early civilizations.
Trade and diplomacy also benefited greatly from the advent of writing. Contracts and agreements could be recorded, reducing disputes and fostering trust between parties. In addition, letters and treaties facilitated communication between distant regions, enabling political alliances and economic networks to flourish. The spread of writing through trade routes like the Silk Road helped to disseminate knowledge and cultural practices, connecting diverse civilizations in ways previously unimaginable.
Despite its transformative effects, literacy was often restricted to a small elite class. Scribes, who were specially trained in reading and writing, held significant power in administrative and religious roles. This exclusivity reinforced social hierarchies, with literacy often associated with privilege and authority. However, as writing systems evolved and spread, they became more accessible to broader populations, particularly with the advent of alphabets like the Phoenician script, which influenced many modern writing systems.
The development of writing systems was a milestone in human history, enabling the documentation and preservation of knowledge, the management of complex societies, and the expansion of cultural exchange. It served as a powerful tool for governance, trade, and religion, shaping the structure of early civilizations and leaving an enduring legacy that continues to influence the modern world. Writing transformed humanity's ability to communicate and innovate, cementing its role as one of the cornerstones of civilization.
Questions 1-5
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from passage
_______ systems enabled civilizations to record trade and taxes.
Writing helped _______ laws to maintain order in societies.
Early literacy was often limited to an elite class of _______.
Alphabets eventually made writing more _______ to the public.
The development of writing promoted _______ exchange among regions.
Questions 6-13
In boxes 6-13 on your answer sheet, 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
Writing was first invented for recording trade, laws, and cultural knowledge.
Mesopotamian cuneiform was used exclusively for documenting religious practices.
Writing systems like Egyptian hieroglyphs were independently developed by ancient civilizations.
Writing systems were essential for organizing large-scale construction projects.
The use of writing systems reduced the number of conflicts between neighbouring civilizations.
The Phoenician script influenced modern alphabets and made writing easier to learn.
Scribes were always chosen from royal families in ancient societies.
Early writing systems were exclusive to a small elite class but became more accessible over time.
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
The Evolution of the Camera
A.The development of the camera stands as one of the most transformative technological advancements from the 19th century to the modern era. The first commercially successful camera, the daguerreotype, was invented in 1839 by Louis Daguerre. This early camera required long exposure times and used polished silver-plated copper sheets to create images, a process that was cumbersome and accessible only to professionals and the wealthy. Despite its limitations, the daguerreotype laid the foundation for the democratization of photography, capturing the imagination of scientists and artists alike.
B.In the late 19th century, George Eastman revolutionized photography by introducing roll film with his Kodak camera in 1888. Unlike the daguerreotype, this camera was compact, easy to use, and aimed at amateur photographers. Eastman’s slogan, “You press the button, we do the rest,” captured the simplicity of his invention. The portability and affordability of the Kodak camera popularized photography, turning it into a hobby for the masses. Roll film also paved the way for motion pictures, further expanding the influence of photographic technology.
C.The 20th century witnessed the advent of 35mm film cameras, which became the standard for professional and amateur photographers alike. Brands like Leica and Nikon developed precision-engineered cameras, catering to various needs, from journalism to art. The introduction of color film in the 1930s and the later refinement of flash photography brought new dimensions to image capturing. These innovations made photography an essential tool in communication, education, and entertainment.
D.The late 20th century saw the transition from analog to digital photography. The first digital cameras emerged in the 1970s, primarily for scientific and military purposes, but by the 1990s, consumer-grade digital cameras became widely available. Digital technology eliminated the need for film, allowing photographers to view and edit images instantly. Companies like Canon and Sony introduced advanced sensors and lenses, pushing the boundaries of image quality. The convenience of digital cameras made them ubiquitous, replacing film cameras in most applications.
E.In the 21st century, smartphone cameras redefined photography once again. With advanced sensors, AI-powered software, and user-friendly interfaces, smartphones made high-quality photography accessible to billions. Innovations like computational photography enabled features such as portrait mode and night vision, rivaling traditional cameras in versatility. Social media platforms further fueled this trend, making photography a central part of everyday communication and self-expression.
F.Today, camera technology continues to evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and miniaturization. Mirrorless cameras, drone-mounted cameras, and 360-degree imaging are pushing the boundaries of creative expression. As cameras become smarter and more integrated into our lives, the journey from the bulky daguerreotype to the pocket-sized smartphone camera illustrates how technological innovation can transform an art form into a universal medium.
Questions 14-17
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Which invention revolutionized amateur photography in 1888?
Write your answers in boxes 14–19 on your answer sheet.
Which invention revolutionized amateur photography in 1888?
What replaced traditional film photography?
Which innovation enhanced smartphone photography?
Which camera type succeeded film cameras in the 21st century?
Questions 18-23
List of headings
(i)Digital Camera Revolution
(ii)Modern Camera Innovations
(iii)Impact of Photography on Society
(iv)Smartphone Photography Transformation
(v)Kodak Camera Revolution
(vi)35mm Film Advancement
(vii)The Evolution of Camera Lenses
(viii)Invention of Daguerreotype Photography
(ix) Future Trends in Camera Technology
18. Paragraph A
19. Paragraph B
20. Paragraph C
21. Paragraph D
22. Paragraph E
23. Paragraph F
Questions 24-26
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A–F, below.
Complete the sentecne using correct letter, A–F, and write in boxes 24 to 26 on your answer sheet.
24.The daguerreotype process introduced in 1839 was significant because it:
25.Companies such as Leica and Nikon designed meticulously crafted cameras to
26.The rise of smartphone cameras in the 21st century was important because these cameras:
A) Used roll film for easy photography
B) Required long exposure times and special materials
C) Make photography accessible to the general public
D) Address various needs, including journalism and the arts
E) Focused on capturing professional-grade images through manual controls
F) Introduced advanced computational photography algorithms
READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
Answers:
Section-1
Writing
Codify
Scribes
Accessible
Cultural
True ( This introduces the origin of writing, which is mentioned early in the passage)
False ( Cuneiform is mentioned after the general introduction of writing in the passage.)
True (The passage discusses the development of multiple writing systems in various civilizations after introducing cuneiform.)
Not Given ( This speculative statement does not appear in the passage, but its position makes sense after discussing governance and administration.)
Not Given ( This follows logically after discussing the role of writing in diplomacy and trade.)
True (This detail appears later in the passage, highlighting the evolution and accessibility of writing systems.)
Not Given ( The social role of scribes is discussed later, making this statement relevant here.)
True ( This statement reflects the conclusion of the passage, summarizing the broader evolution of writing.)
Section-2
Kodak roll film
Digital camera
computational or computational photography
Mirrorless Camera
(Viii) Invention of Daguerreotype Photography
(v)Kodak Camera Revolution
(vi)35mm Film Advancement
(i)Digital Camera Revolution
(iv)Smartphone Photography Transformation
(ii) Modern Camera Innovations
B )Required long exposure times and special materials
D) Address various needs, including journalism and the arts
F)Introduced advanced computational photography algorithms