IELTS Reading Test 4 (Academic)
READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.
Exploring Machine Learning for Predictive Healthcare
A.Dr. Jane Smith, Dr. Alan Brown, and Dr. Maria Lee have collaboratively contributed to the evolving field of machine learning (ML) in predictive healthcare. Their collective research focuses on developing algorithms to predict disease onset, progression, and treatment outcomes. Dr. Smith specializes in data preprocessing and feature engineering, ensuring raw medical data is cleaned and structured for analysis. Dr. Brown concentrates on algorithm development, leveraging neural networks and ensemble models for accurate predictions. Dr. Lee, a clinical data scientist, validates these algorithms using real-world healthcare datasets, ensuring their reliability in practical settings.
B.The researchers aim to address the challenge of early detection of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Smith’s team has utilized natural language processing (NLP) to extract valuable insights from unstructured electronic health records (EHRs). By analyzing patterns in patient histories, they have developed predictive models that signal high-risk cases. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the importance of integrating computer science and medicine to enhance diagnostic tools.
C.Dr. Lee has taken a lead role in assessing the ethical implications of deploying ML models in healthcare. Collaborating with bioethicists, she has published findings on potential biases in training datasets, emphasizing the risk of disparities in healthcare delivery. Her team records (EHRs), enabling the identification of early warning signs often overlooked in traditional diagnostic methods. Dr. Brown’s focus on optimizing predictive models through deep learning techniques has significantly improved the accuracy of disease progression forecasting. Meanwhile, Dr. Lee collaborates with healthcare providers to integrate these predictive tools into clinical workflows, ensuring they align with medical guidelines and enhance patient care.
D.Recognizing the importance of social determinants of health, the team has incorporated socioeconomic data into their predictive models. Dr. Smith developed methods to include variables like income, education, and access to healthcare facilities in the dataset preparation process. Dr. Brown modified existing machine learning algorithms to account for these complex, multi-dimensional factors, improving the models’ contextual accuracy. Dr. Lee tested the models in diverse populations, ensuring that the predictions were equitable and applicable to underrepresented groups, a critical aspect for achieving unbiased healthcare solutions.
E.To assess the practical utility of their work, the researchers have conducted pilot studies in collaboration with major hospitals. Dr. Smith focused on streamlining data pipelines to ensure real-time integration of patient data. Dr. Brown developed interfaces that allow clinicians to interact with the predictive models easily, offering actionable insights at the point of care. Dr. Lee conducted outcome evaluations, comparing clinical decisions and patient health metrics before and after the tool’s implementation. The results demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy and more personalized treatment planning.
F.The team’s research highlights the transformative potential of machine learning in healthcare but also underscores the challenges. Dr. Smith emphasizes the need for more standardized data collection practices to ensure consistency across institutions. Dr. Brown is exploring explainable AI techniques to enhance clinicians’ trust in predictive models by making their decision-making processes transparent. Dr. Lee advocates for more comprehensive clinical trials to validate these tools on a larger scale. Together, the researchers aim to refine their methodologies, ensuring that their innovations contribute to a more efficient, equitable, and patient-centered healthcare system.
Questions 1-6
Reading passage 1 has six paragraph A-F. Select the most suitable heading from the list below for each paragraph.
i. Addressing Challenges in Predictive Models
ii. Early Detection of Chronic Diseases
iii. Educational Strategies for AI Literacy
iv. Incorporating Social Determinants in Models
v. Ethical Concerns in AI Development
vi. Environmental Impacts of AI Technologies
vii. Real-World Implementation of AI Tools
viii. Advancing Predictive Healthcare Using AI
Paragraph A
Paragraph B
Paragraph C
Paragraph D
Paragraph E
Paragraph F
Questions 7-10
Select the write researcher for each activity
Dr. Jane Smith
Dr. Alan Brown
Dr. Maria Lee
7.Designing and optimizing advanced machine learning algorithms, including deep learning models.
Evaluating the effectiveness of predictive tools through clinical trials and pilot studies.
Standardizing data pipelines for real-time integration into predictive healthcare systems.
Creating user-friendly interfaces for clinicians to interact with predictive tools.
Questions 11-13
Select the write answer for the following questions
11.What is Dr. Jane Smith’s primary role in the collaborative research on machine learning for predictive healthcare?
A. Conducting clinical trials for validation
B. Incorporating socioeconomic variables into models
C. Cleaning and structuring medical datasets
D. Developing user-friendly interfaces for clinicians
12.How does Dr. Alan Brown contribute to improving predictive models?
A. Organizing clinical trials for predictive tools
B. Creating data pipelines for real-time integration
C. By incorporating social determinants of health
D. Validating algorithms with real-world healthcare data
13.Which activity is associated with Dr. Maria Lee’s role in the research?
A. Conducting pilot studies in hospitals
B. Preprocessing unstructured medical data
C. Optimizing algorithms for better accuracy
D. Developing neural networks for prediction
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
Section-2
Ancient Tools and Their Role in Daily Life
Throughout human history, tools have played a crucial role in shaping civilizations, enabling early humans to perform tasks more efficiently. The use of tools dates back to the Stone Age, when early humans fashioned implements from natural materials such as stone, bone, and wood. These tools were fundamental for hunting, gathering, construction, and other essential activities. Over time, as societies evolved, so did their tools, reflecting advancements in technology and knowledge. The study of ancient tools provides valuable insights into the daily lives of early humans and their ability to adapt to their environment.
One of the earliest and most significant tools was the hand axe, which dates back nearly 1.76 million years. Made primarily from flint or other hard stones, hand axes were multipurpose tools used for cutting, chopping, and digging. Their sharp edges allowed early humans to process food, build shelters, and defend themselves against predators. Unlike modern tools, which are often specialized, the hand axe was a versatile implement that could perform a variety of tasks, making it indispensable to early societies.
Another essential tool from ancient times was the flint knife. These sharp-edged tools were crafted by striking one stone against another, a technique known as flintknapping. Flint knives were used for butchering animals, cutting plant materials, and crafting other tools. Over time, humans developed more refined techniques to shape these knives, leading to more efficient and durable tools. The ability to create and refine cutting tools was a significant step in human progress, as it allowed for better food preparation and improved survival skills.
The invention of spears revolutionized hunting practices. Early humans initially used sharpened wooden sticks, but as their knowledge advanced, they began attaching stone or bone tips to the ends of these sticks. This innovation made hunting more effective, as spears could be thrown from a distance, reducing the risk of injury from dangerous animals. The development of spears marked a shift towards cooperative hunting strategies, as groups of hunters could coordinate their efforts to capture larger prey. This advancement not only provided a more stable food supply but also encouraged social cooperation and communication among early human communities.
Apart from hunting tools, ancient humans also developed tools for farming and food processing. The transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture led to the creation of new implements such as grinding stones and sickles. Grinding stones were used to process grains, making it easier to consume them in the form of flour or porridge. Sickles, typically made from flint or bone, allowed early farmers to harvest crops more efficiently. These innovations marked the beginning of more permanent settlements, as humans no longer had to rely solely on hunting and gathering for survival.
In addition to tools for obtaining food, early humans also devised implements for construction and craftsmanship. Wooden and bone hammers were used to shape materials, while chisels helped carve wood and stone into useful objects. The introduction of pottery tools allowed for the creation of containers for storing food and water, improving the ability to preserve essential resources. These developments not only enhanced daily life but also paved the way for artistic expression and cultural evolution.
One of the most groundbreaking inventions in tool-making was the discovery of metallurgy. The shift from stone to metal tools occurred during the Bronze Age, when humans began smelting copper and tin to create more durable implements. Metal tools such as axes, knives, and plows were stronger and more effective than their stone counterparts. This advancement significantly improved agricultural productivity and construction techniques, allowing societies to expand and thrive. The ability to forge metal tools was a turning point in human history, marking the transition from primitive societies to more organized civilizations.
Questions 14-20
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS on your answer sheet for questions 14 to 20
The use of tools dates back to the __________, when early humans fashioned implements from natural materials.
The technique of striking one stone against another to craft sharp tools is known as __________.
The __________ was a versatile tool made primarily from flint and used for cutting, chopping, and digging.
The transition to agriculture led to the creation of tools such as grinding stones and .__________.
During the Bronze Age, humans began smelting __________ and tin to create more durable tools.
Early humans attached stone or bone tips to sticks to create more effective __________ for hunting.
The introduction of __________ tools allowed for the creation of containers for storing food and water.
Write the correct letter, A,B,C or D, in boxes 21–6 on your answer sheet.
What was the primary function of the hand axe in early human societies?
a) It was mainly used as a decorative object to signify social status.
b) It served as a multipurpose tool for cutting, chopping, and digging.
c) It was an early form of currency used in bartering systems.
d) It was exclusively used for hunting large animals.
How did the development of spears improve hunting practices?
a) It allowed early humans to hunt from a safer distance, reducing the risk of injury.
b) It eliminated the need for cooperation in hunting, making individual hunting more effective.
c) It was mainly used for ceremonial rituals rather than actual hunting.
d) It replaced all other hunting methods, making bows and arrows obsolete.
What was the impact of flintknapping on tool-making?
a) It introduced the use of metal in tools, replacing stone implements.
b) It allowed early humans to shape sharp-edged tools by striking stones together.
c) It was primarily used for creating pottery and decorative artifacts.
d) It led to the immediate development of agricultural tools and machinery.
Why was the shift to agriculture significant in the development of tools?
a) It led to the invention of tools such as grinding stones and sickles for farming.
b) It resulted in the complete abandonment of hunting tools like spears and knives.
c) It caused a decline in tool-making since food was now easily available.
d) It made tools unnecessary because farming was done entirely by hand.
What was a major advantage of metal tools over stone tools?
a) Metal tools were lighter and more fragile, making them easier to transport.
b) Metal tools were stronger and more durable, improving agricultural and construction efficiency.
c) Metal tools were mainly used for religious purposes and had little practical function.
d) Metal tools required less effort to produce than stone tools, making them more common in early civilizations.
Select the correct statement and write the corresponding letter (A, B, C, or D) on your answer sheet.
Early humans used pottery tools primarily for making weapons for hunting.
Flint knives were used exclusively for creating artwork and decorations.
The hand axe was a specialized tool designed only for hunting large animals.
Early humans used the hand axe for a variety of tasks, such as cutting, chopping, and digging.
READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
The Development of Computer-Aided Software in Construction
The integration of computer-aided software in construction has profoundly transformed the industry, enhancing design accuracy, project management, and overall efficiency. Before the advent of digital technology, construction relied heavily on manual processes, with engineers and architects using physical blueprints, drawing boards, and mathematical calculations to plan and execute projects. The lack of precision and the time-consuming nature of these traditional methods often led to errors, delays, and higher costs. As technology advanced, the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) and project management software provided solutions that revolutionized the construction process.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the first instances of computer-aided design (CAD) software were developed, primarily for the aerospace and automotive industries. These early systems, such as the Automated Drafting and Design System (ADDS) and other simple drawing tools, allowed engineers and designers to create more precise and accurate technical drawings. By the 1980s, CAD software had evolved to become more user-friendly and accessible to the construction industry. Architects could now create detailed 2D drawings digitally, improving the speed and accuracy of their designs. CAD also made it easier to modify designs in real time, eliminating the need for time-consuming redrawing and manual corrections.
As the 1990s approached, CAD technology saw significant improvements, with the introduction of 3D modeling and visualization tools. Software like AutoCAD, which became a widely accepted standard, enabled designers to create three-dimensional models of buildings, infrastructure, and systems. This advancement allowed stakeholders to visualize the final product before construction began, improving collaboration among teams and clients. By visualizing a structure in three dimensions, architects and engineers could identify potential problems early on, such as structural flaws or spatial inefficiencies, reducing costly changes during construction.
In the early 2000s, the construction industry saw the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM), an innovative approach that integrated CAD with data management. BIM is a comprehensive process that involves creating and managing digital models of a construction project that contain detailed information about materials, costs, schedules, and maintenance. Unlike traditional CAD, which focuses on creating static drawings, BIM offers a dynamic and data-rich environment that allows all stakeholders, from architects to contractors, to collaborate in real time. With BIM, construction professionals can simulate the entire lifecycle of a project, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. This shift allowed for more efficient project management, reducing errors and improving overall decision-making.
As BIM technology developed, its application expanded beyond the design phase to include project management tools. Software like Procore and Buildertrend integrated construction management tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and document sharing. These tools enabled project managers to track progress in real time, communicate with teams across different locations, and keep stakeholders updated on project status. With cloud-based software, teams could now collaborate seamlessly, even if they were miles apart, helping to reduce delays and streamline project execution.
In recent years, the focus has shifted towards even more advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and augmented reality (AR), which are being integrated into construction software. AI-powered software can now analyze vast amounts of data, predict project outcomes, optimize schedules, and improve cost estimations. Augmented reality is being used to overlay digital models onto real-world construction sites, allowing workers to visualize project designs on-site and improve accuracy. These innovations further enhance the efficiency of the construction process, providing solutions that were previously unimaginable.
Questions 27-30
Complete the sentence using the correct letter , A–H, and write in boxes 27–30 on your answer sheet.
The early 2000s saw the introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM), which:
The 1990s introduction of 3D modeling and visualization tools allowed construction professionals to:
Today, artificial intelligence (AI) in construction software is mainly used to:
The introduction of cloud-based software in construction has allowed teams to:
A) Collaborate more effectively across distances
B) Visualize the final product and identify potential problem
C) Collaborate more effectively across distances
D) Eliminate the need for collaboration
E) Predict project outcomes and optimize schedules
F) Integrated CAD with data management for real-time collaboration
Questions 31-35
In boxes 31-35 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
In the 1980s, CAD software enabled construction professionals to create 3D models of buildings for the first time.
By using AutoCAD, stakeholders in the 1990s were able to visualize and modify designs collaboratively before construction began.
BIM technology includes features that predict maintenance costs throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Augmented reality (AR) has been widely used in construction since the 1990s to overlay digital models on construction sites.
In the 1980s, CAD software gained popularity among architects because it was specifically tailored to meet the requirements of large-scale urban infrastructure projects.
Questions 36-40
Fill the blanks with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage
The development of computer-aided software in construction has revolutionized the industry. In the 1960s and 1970s, the introduction of ______ (36) systems allowed engineers to create more precise technical drawings. By the 1980s, CAD became more ______ (37), enabling architects to easily modify and share 2D designs.
In the 1990s, 3D modelling and ______ (38) tools enabled professionals to visualize buildings and identify potential issues. The early 2000s introduced ______ (39), which integrated CAD with data management, allowing real-time collaboration across teams. Recently, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) have helped ______ (40) project outcomes and optimize schedules, while augmented reality has enhanced the visualization of construction designs on-site.
Answers
Section -1
(Viii) Advancing Predictive Healthcare Using AI
(ii) Early Detection of Chronic Diseases
(iv) Incorporating Social Determinants in Models
(v) Ethical Concerns in AI Development
(vii) Real-World Implementation of AI Tools
(i) Addressing Challenges in Predictive Models
B.Dr. Alan Brown
C Dr. Maria Lee
A Dr. Jane Smith
B.Dr. Alan Brown
C. Cleaning and structuring medical datasets
C. By incorporating social determinants of health
A. Conducting pilot studies in hospitals
Section -2
Stone Age
flintknapping
hand axe
sickles
copper
spears
Pottery
B
A
B
A
A
D
Section-3
27.F) Integrated CAD with data management for real-time collaboration
28.B) Visualize the final product and identify potential problems
29.E) Predict project outcomes and optimize schedules
30.A) Collaborate more effectively across distances
31.False: The passage mentions that in the 1980s, CAD allowed for 2D drawings, while 3D modeling emerged in the 1990s.
32.True: The passage explains that in the 1990s, tools like AutoCAD enabled 3D modeling, improved collaboration, and allowed stakeholders to visualize the final product before construction.
33.True: The passage mentions that BIM models include detailed information about costs, schedules, and maintenance, enabling lifecycle simulation.
34.False: The passage discusses AR as a recent innovation, not something used in the 1990s.
35.Not Given
36.Computer-aided design (CAD)
37.User-friendly
38.Visualize
39.Building Information Modeling (BIM)
40.Predict