IELTS Reading Test 5 (Academic)
READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.
The Agricultural Revolution: A Turning Point in Human History
The Agricultural Revolution, also known as the Neolithic Revolution, marked a transformative period in human history, occurring approximately 10,000 years ago. This pivotal shift from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities changed the trajectory of human civilization. The adoption of farming allowed humans to domesticate plants and animals, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements and the development of more complex societies. This revolution laid the groundwork for many aspects of modern life, including technology, trade, governance, and culture.
Early agricultural practices began independently in various regions, including the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East, the Indus Valley in South Asia, the Yellow River Basin in China, and the Americas. These regions became cradles of agriculture, cultivating staple crops like wheat, barley, rice, and maize. The domestication of animals, such as sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs, complemented these developments by providing meat, milk, and labor. Farming ensured a reliable food supply, reducing the uncertainties associated with hunting and gathering. This stability enabled population growth, as communities were no longer limited by the carrying capacity of their immediate environment.
The surplus of food generated by agriculture brought profound changes to social structures. As not everyone needed to be directly involved in food production, new roles and professions emerged. Artisans, traders, and religious leaders took on specialized roles, contributing to the diversification of labor. Settlements grew into villages, towns, and eventually cities, where complex societies with centralized authority began to develop. Leaders oversaw resource distribution, defense, and communal projects, giving rise to governance systems that would evolve into kingdoms and states.
Technological advancements accompanied these societal changes. Farming tools such as sickles, hoes, and plows were developed to improve agricultural efficiency. The invention of pottery allowed for better food storage, reducing waste and providing a buffer against scarcity. Irrigation systems, particularly in arid regions like Mesopotamia and Egypt, demonstrated human ingenuity in controlling water sources to enhance crop yields. These innovations increased productivity, enabling communities to sustain larger populations and undertake ambitious projects, including monumental architecture and urban planning.
However, the Agricultural Revolution was not without challenges. Sedentary lifestyles led to new health issues, including increased exposure to disease due to proximity to domesticated animals and dense populations. Reliance on a limited variety of crops made societies vulnerable to crop failures and famine. Social stratification also emerged, with unequal distribution of resources giving rise to wealth disparities and hierarchies. Women, who had played significant roles in early food gathering, often saw their status diminish in male-dominated agrarian societies.
Despite these challenges, the Agricultural Revolution remains one of the most significant turning points in human history. It fundamentally altered humanity's relationship with the environment, enabling the development of civilizations. Innovations in agriculture and governance spurred cultural achievements, laying the foundation for writing, trade networks, and organized religion. The changes set in motion during this period continue to influence human society today, making it a cornerstone in the story of our collective evolution.
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
Reading Passage 2 has six paragraphs, A–F.
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs A–F from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i–ix, in boxes 14–19 on your answer sheet.
John Constable
A John Constable, born on June 11, 1776, in East Bergholt, Suffolk, England, is considered one of the most significant landscape painters of the 19th century. He is best known for his depictions of the English countryside, particularly the area surrounding his hometown. Although his work was not widely appreciated during his early career, Constable's paintings would go on to influence generations of artists and become some of the most beloved in British art history.
B Constable’s early life was marked by his father’s successful business in the wool industry, but John had little interest in following in his family’s footsteps. Instead, he pursued art and enrolled at the Royal Academy in London in 1799. Despite early struggles in his career, his passion for landscape painting flourished, and he became known for his distinctive style of capturing the natural beauty of rural England.
C In the 1810s, Constable began to develop his signature style of painting, often using vibrant, almost photographic realism to depict the skies, trees, and water of the English countryside. His most famous works from this period include The Hay Wain (1821), which depicts a cart being drawn through a river in front of a picturesque rural landscape. Although this painting initially failed to gain recognition, it eventually became one of the most iconic images in British art.
D Throughout his life, Constable faced financial difficulties and struggled to gain official recognition for his work. His style was initially criticized by many, particularly for its perceived lack of idealization in comparison to the more classical landscape painters of his time. However, his dedication to capturing the natural world, with its changing skies and atmospheric effects, gradually earned him the admiration of the public and art critics. By the 1820s, his work was finally receiving more attention, and he began to gain significant commissions, including portraits and landscapes for wealthy clients.
E In 1829, Constable's work was exhibited in Paris, where it caught the attention of French artists, including the renowned painter Eugène Delacroix. His innovative use of light and color had a profound influence on the development of the French Impressionist movement, particularly on painters like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. Constable’s ability to depict nature’s transient effects, such as the movement of clouds and light, became a key inspiration for these artists, leading to a broader international recognition of his work.
F Despite these later successes, Constable’s life was not without personal tragedies. His beloved wife, Maria, died in 1828, which left him devastated. The emotional toll of her passing affected both his personal life and his work. Constable continued to paint until his death on March 31, 1837, at the age of 60. Though he did not achieve widespread fame during his lifetime, his legacy has grown over the years, with his works now displayed in galleries worldwide, beloved for their portrayal of the English countryside in all its beauty.
READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
Section-3
Ancient Language Development: The Evolution of Human Communication
The development of language is one of the most significant milestones in human history. It enabled early humans to communicate complex ideas, share knowledge, and form structured societies. Although the precise origins of language remain uncertain, linguistic and archaeological evidence suggests that human speech evolved gradually over thousands of years. This passage explores the theories of language emergence, early linguistic structures, and the impact of language development on human civilization.
Theories of Language Emergence
Linguists and anthropologists have proposed several theories regarding how language first developed. One of the leading hypotheses is the ‘Gestural Theory,’ which suggests that early humans initially relied on hand signals and body language before transitioning to vocal speech. This theory is supported by studies of primates, which demonstrate a capacity for gestural communication. Another prominent theory is the ‘Bow-wow Theory,’ which posits that language originated from humans imitating natural sounds, such as animal calls and environmental noises. Similarly, the ‘Ding-dong Theory’ argues that early humans associated specific sounds with particular objects or emotions, gradually refining their vocalizations into meaningful speech.
The ‘Social Interaction Theory’ provides a more holistic perspective, suggesting that language developed from the need for cooperation and social bonding. Early humans living in groups required efficient communication to coordinate hunting, warn against danger, and express emotions. Over time, vocalizations became more structured, evolving into the intricate language systems seen today. While no single theory fully explains the origin of language, a combination of these ideas likely contributed to its development.
Early Linguistic Structures
The earliest known human languages were simple and consisted of basic sounds and gestures. Over time, these sounds formed patterns that later developed into words and grammatical structures. Some of the earliest recorded languages, such as Sumerian and Egyptian, provide insights into early linguistic complexity. Cuneiform, developed by the Sumerians around 3100 BCE, is one of the oldest known writing systems. It consisted of pictographic symbols that evolved into phonetic representations, allowing for more precise communication. Similarly, Egyptian hieroglyphics, which emerged around the same period, combined pictorial symbols with phonetic elements.
Proto-languages, or ancestral languages, played a crucial role in linguistic evolution. Linguists have traced modern languages back to ancient language families, such as Proto-Indo-European, which is believed to be the ancestor of many contemporary European and South Asian languages. The evolution from these proto-languages to modern linguistic systems demonstrates how human speech has continuously adapted to cultural and environmental changes.
Impact of Language Development on Civilization
The advancement of language had a profound impact on human civilization. It facilitated the transmission of knowledge across generations, allowing early societies to preserve history, laws, and traditions. Written language, in particular, revolutionized communication by enabling the documentation of trade, governance, and religious beliefs.
Language also played a crucial role in the rise of literature and philosophy. The earliest written texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and ancient Vedic scriptures, provide valuable insights into early human thought and cultural values. Furthermore, language enabled scientific and technological advancements by allowing people to share discoveries and collaborate on innovations.
In addition, linguistic diversity has shaped cultural identity and societal development. The spread of languages through migration and trade contributed to cultural exchange and the formation of new dialects. However, language extinction remains a significant concern, as globalization and modernization have led to the decline of many indigenous languages. Preserving linguistic diversity is essential for maintaining cultural heritage and understanding the complexities of human history.
19th-Century Scholars and the Study of Ancient Language
The 19th century saw significant advancements in the study of ancient languages, driven by pioneering linguists and scholars who sought to decipher historical scripts and trace the evolution of human speech. One of the most influential figures was Franz Bopp, a German linguist credited with founding the field of comparative linguistics. Bopp’s research on the grammatical structures of Indo-European languages helped establish the relationships between various ancient and modern languages, laying the groundwork for historical linguistics.
Another key scholar was Sir William Jones, an English philologist who, in the late 18th century and early 19th century, proposed the existence of a common ancestor for Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek. His work led to the identification of the Proto-Indo-European language family and inspired further linguistic research. Meanwhile, Jean-François Champollion made groundbreaking contributions to the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics in 1822 by using the Rosetta Stone, enabling scholars to understand one of the world’s earliest writing systems.
Additionally, August Schleicher introduced the concept of language trees, illustrating how languages evolved from common ancestors in a branching pattern. His work influenced subsequent research in linguistic evolution and classification. These scholars and their contributions played a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of ancient languages, enabling modern researchers to better understand linguistic history and the development of communication.
By examining ancient texts, inscriptions, and linguistic structures, these 19th-century scholars significantly advanced the field of historical linguistics. Their efforts not only helped decode ancient writing systems but also provided insights into human migration patterns, cultural exchanges, and the intellectual history of civilizations.