IELTS. Reading
Примеры заданий секции чтения текстов
Раздел Reading является важной частью экзамена IELTS, поскольку он проверяет способность кандидата понимать тексты различных типов и уровней сложности. Этот раздел состоит из нескольких частей, каждая из которых включает задания разного формата. Характер текстов раздела Reading различается в зависимости от выбранного типа экзамена (IELTS Academic или IELTS General Training).
Секция Reading в IELTS Academic
Этот вариант экзамена отличается более сложными текстами академического характера:
- Научные исследования: тексты, содержащие научные теории и эксперименты.
- Общественно-политические темы: статьи, освещающие социальные проблемы и политические события.
- Культурные аспекты: материалы, посвящённые истории, искусству и культуре.
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-10, which are based on the following reading passage.
The History of Paper and Its Global Spread
Paper is one of humankind’s most transformative inventions, offering a lightweight, affordable means of recording information, which has profoundly influenced administration, religion, art, commerce, and everyday life. While writing surfaces existed long before, the development and subsequent diffusion of paper as a medium marked a pivotal moment in human history.
The earliest known precursor to modern paper dates to the 3rd century BCE in China, where archaeologists have unearthed fragments of a manuscript map discovered at Fangmatan, Gansu province, dated between 179 and 141 BCE. Additional fragments, including one from Dunhuang dated around 65 BCE and another from Yumen Pass dated around 8 BCE, confirm that early forms of paper were already in use before the Han dynasty court recorded its invention.
Despite this, Chinese tradition credits the court eunuch Cai Lun, who in 105 CE systematically refined the papermaking method. He mixed mulberry bark, hemp waste, old rags, and fishing nets into pulp, pressed it through a sieve, and dried the sheets—creating a more economical and efficient alternative to bamboo slips and silk. Although modern scholarship recognizes that Cai Lun did not originate paper, his improvements were decisive in enabling widespread production.
Once introduced, paper rapidly permeated Chinese society. By the 3rd century CE, it was widely used for writing; by the 6th century, it served various daily purposes—including toilet paper. Furthermore, during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), paper began to be folded and sewn into small bags to preserve the aroma of tea, while the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE) saw the first government-issued paper money.
From China, papermaking techniques journeyed across Asia. By the 6th century, Korea had begun producing paper, employing materials such as hemp, mulberry, bamboo, rice straw, and seaweed. Shortly thereafter, around 610 CE, a Korean monk is credited with transmitting papermaking knowledge to Japan. Meanwhile, by the mid-7th century, the Indian subcontinent adopted paper—most likely via Buddhist pilgrims—who utilized it for sutra transcription and other purposes. Reports from the late 7th century indicate widespread use of paper in parts of India by that time.
In Central Asia and the Islamic world, papermaking emerged by the 8th century. Though legend suggests that Chinese prisoners captured at the Battle of Talas in 751 CE imparted the papermaking secret, archaeological evidence indicates that paper was already produced in places like Samarkand decades earlier. Nonetheless, Central Asian and Islamic artisans refined the production process, introducing innovations such as starch sizing, early use of trip hammers, and even water-powered mills. Major centers of production grew in Samarkand, Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, Morocco, and Muslim Spain. The resulting abundant, low-cost paper significantly fueled the Islamic Golden Age, enabling the expansion of libraries, bureaux, and scholarly output.
By 981 CE, papermaking had spread to Armenian and Georgian monasteries in the Caucasus. Soon after, paper reached Europe, entering via Islamic Spain. The first European paper mill appeared in Xàtiva, Spain, in 1056, and by 1150, papermaking was firmly established in Europe. In the 13th century, Italian regions such as Amalfi, Fabriano, and Treviso became known for their craftsmanship. Fabriano artisans pioneered techniques including rag pulping with stamping hammers, animal-glue sizing, watermarks, and use of water-powered machinery. The first paper mill north of the Alps was established in Nuremberg in 1390.
The spread continued steadily across Europe: by the mid-14th century, France and Holland had papermaking centers; by 1490, England hosted its first mill; and by the early 17th century, countries such as Sweden, Poland, and Russia had embraced paper production. The emergence of print technology and the invention of the Fourdrinier continuous paper machine around 1800 — refined into commercial use by 1803 — ushered in the mass production of wood-pulp paper, dramatically reducing costs and transforming global consumption.
Beyond Eurasia, Mesoamerican societies, such as the Maya, produced bark-based writing materials like amate by the 5th century CE. Though similar in function, amate differed in manufacturing and is often not categorized as “true paper” in the Chinese-derived sense. European colonization brought traditional European paper to the Americas; the first paper mill in British North America was established near Philadelphia in 1690. Industrialization in the 19th century propelled the United States to the forefront of paper production, leveraging wood-pulp and mechanized manufacture.
In summary, the invention and refinement of paper in ancient China initiated a cultural revolution. Through Asia, the Islamic world, and Europe, its gradual diffusion led to innovations that democratized knowledge, supported commerce, and enabled scientific and artistic advancement. Modern developments in permanency, mechanization, and globalization have made paper an indispensable medium in myriad forms, even as digital alternatives emerge.
The earliest known precursor to modern paper dates to the 3rd century BCE in China, where archaeologists have unearthed fragments of a manuscript map discovered at Fangmatan, Gansu province, dated between 179 and 141 BCE. Additional fragments, including one from Dunhuang dated around 65 BCE and another from Yumen Pass dated around 8 BCE, confirm that early forms of paper were already in use before the Han dynasty court recorded its invention.
Despite this, Chinese tradition credits the court eunuch Cai Lun, who in 105 CE systematically refined the papermaking method. He mixed mulberry bark, hemp waste, old rags, and fishing nets into pulp, pressed it through a sieve, and dried the sheets—creating a more economical and efficient alternative to bamboo slips and silk. Although modern scholarship recognizes that Cai Lun did not originate paper, his improvements were decisive in enabling widespread production.
Once introduced, paper rapidly permeated Chinese society. By the 3rd century CE, it was widely used for writing; by the 6th century, it served various daily purposes—including toilet paper. Furthermore, during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), paper began to be folded and sewn into small bags to preserve the aroma of tea, while the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE) saw the first government-issued paper money.
From China, papermaking techniques journeyed across Asia. By the 6th century, Korea had begun producing paper, employing materials such as hemp, mulberry, bamboo, rice straw, and seaweed. Shortly thereafter, around 610 CE, a Korean monk is credited with transmitting papermaking knowledge to Japan. Meanwhile, by the mid-7th century, the Indian subcontinent adopted paper—most likely via Buddhist pilgrims—who utilized it for sutra transcription and other purposes. Reports from the late 7th century indicate widespread use of paper in parts of India by that time.
In Central Asia and the Islamic world, papermaking emerged by the 8th century. Though legend suggests that Chinese prisoners captured at the Battle of Talas in 751 CE imparted the papermaking secret, archaeological evidence indicates that paper was already produced in places like Samarkand decades earlier. Nonetheless, Central Asian and Islamic artisans refined the production process, introducing innovations such as starch sizing, early use of trip hammers, and even water-powered mills. Major centers of production grew in Samarkand, Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, Morocco, and Muslim Spain. The resulting abundant, low-cost paper significantly fueled the Islamic Golden Age, enabling the expansion of libraries, bureaux, and scholarly output.
By 981 CE, papermaking had spread to Armenian and Georgian monasteries in the Caucasus. Soon after, paper reached Europe, entering via Islamic Spain. The first European paper mill appeared in Xàtiva, Spain, in 1056, and by 1150, papermaking was firmly established in Europe. In the 13th century, Italian regions such as Amalfi, Fabriano, and Treviso became known for their craftsmanship. Fabriano artisans pioneered techniques including rag pulping with stamping hammers, animal-glue sizing, watermarks, and use of water-powered machinery. The first paper mill north of the Alps was established in Nuremberg in 1390.
The spread continued steadily across Europe: by the mid-14th century, France and Holland had papermaking centers; by 1490, England hosted its first mill; and by the early 17th century, countries such as Sweden, Poland, and Russia had embraced paper production. The emergence of print technology and the invention of the Fourdrinier continuous paper machine around 1800 — refined into commercial use by 1803 — ushered in the mass production of wood-pulp paper, dramatically reducing costs and transforming global consumption.
Beyond Eurasia, Mesoamerican societies, such as the Maya, produced bark-based writing materials like amate by the 5th century CE. Though similar in function, amate differed in manufacturing and is often not categorized as “true paper” in the Chinese-derived sense. European colonization brought traditional European paper to the Americas; the first paper mill in British North America was established near Philadelphia in 1690. Industrialization in the 19th century propelled the United States to the forefront of paper production, leveraging wood-pulp and mechanized manufacture.
In summary, the invention and refinement of paper in ancient China initiated a cultural revolution. Through Asia, the Islamic world, and Europe, its gradual diffusion led to innovations that democratized knowledge, supported commerce, and enabled scientific and artistic advancement. Modern developments in permanency, mechanization, and globalization have made paper an indispensable medium in myriad forms, even as digital alternatives emerge.
Questions 1–4
Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?
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.
1. Paper was invented by Cai Lun in 105 CE.
2. Paper money was first introduced in Japan during the Song dynasty.
3. Islamic papermakers were the first to use water-powered mills for production.
4. The first paper mill in England was established before 1400.
Questions 5–7
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
5. Early Chinese paper was made from mulberry bark, hemp waste, rags, and ________________.
6. The first European paper mill appeared in the Spanish city of ________________.
7. The bark-based writing material produced by the Maya was known as _______________.
Questions 8–9
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
8. ccording to the text, which factor most contributed to the affordability of paper in the Islamic world?
A. The use of mulberry bark and silk
B. The introduction of starch sizing and mechanized processing
C. The adaptation of bamboo slips and silk for mass production
D. The spread of Buddhist pilgrimage routes
9. In Europe, Fabriano became notable in the 13th century for
A. inventing the Fourdrinier machine
B. producing paper from bamboo and seaweed
C. introducing watermarks and glue sizing
D. developing the first continuous paper roll
Question 10
Match each location with the correct historical fact.
Write the correct letter A–E in spaces 10.1–10.4 on your answer sheet.
NB. You may use any letter more than once.
Locations:
A. China
B. Japan
C. Samarkand
D. Philadelphia
E. Xàtiva
___ 10.1 The earliest recorded paper currency was issued here.
___ 10.2 A city where papermaking was established in Europe by 1056.
___ 10.3 A location in the Americas with the first paper mill in British North America.
___ 10.4 An early center of papermaking in Central Asia.
Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?
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.
1. Paper was invented by Cai Lun in 105 CE.
2. Paper money was first introduced in Japan during the Song dynasty.
3. Islamic papermakers were the first to use water-powered mills for production.
4. The first paper mill in England was established before 1400.
Questions 5–7
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
5. Early Chinese paper was made from mulberry bark, hemp waste, rags, and ________________.
6. The first European paper mill appeared in the Spanish city of ________________.
7. The bark-based writing material produced by the Maya was known as _______________.
Questions 8–9
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
8. ccording to the text, which factor most contributed to the affordability of paper in the Islamic world?
A. The use of mulberry bark and silk
B. The introduction of starch sizing and mechanized processing
C. The adaptation of bamboo slips and silk for mass production
D. The spread of Buddhist pilgrimage routes
9. In Europe, Fabriano became notable in the 13th century for
A. inventing the Fourdrinier machine
B. producing paper from bamboo and seaweed
C. introducing watermarks and glue sizing
D. developing the first continuous paper roll
Question 10
Match each location with the correct historical fact.
Write the correct letter A–E in spaces 10.1–10.4 on your answer sheet.
NB. You may use any letter more than once.
Locations:
A. China
B. Japan
C. Samarkand
D. Philadelphia
E. Xàtiva
___ 10.1 The earliest recorded paper currency was issued here.
___ 10.2 A city where papermaking was established in Europe by 1056.
___ 10.3 A location in the Americas with the first paper mill in British North America.
___ 10.4 An early center of papermaking in Central Asia.
Ответы
Вопрос | Ответ |
1 | FALSE |
2 | FALSE |
3 | TRUE |
4 | FALSE |
5 | fishing nets |
6 | Xàtiva |
7 | amate |
8 | B |
9 | C |
10.1 | A |
10.2 | E |
10.3 | D |
10.4 | C |
Секция Reading в IELTS General Training
Этот вариант экзамена отличается более сложными текстами академического характера:
- Научные исследования: тексты, содержащие научные теории и эксперименты.
- Общественно-политические темы: статьи, освещающие социальные проблемы и политические события.
- Культурные аспекты: материалы, посвящённые истории, искусству и культуре.
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-10, which are based on the following reading passage.
The Rise of the Four-Day Workweek: Is Less Really More?
(Published in The Daily Chronicle – Lifestyle & Work)
In recent years, an increasing number of companies around the world have been experimenting with the concept of the four-day workweek. Proponents argue that trimming the traditional working week from five days to four—without reducing salaries—can bring a range of benefits, from boosting productivity to improving mental health. Critics, however, warn that the reality may be more complicated than the headlines suggest.
The idea is not entirely new. In the 1970s, some firms in the United States experimented with compressed working hours, often giving employees Fridays off. However, these early trials were limited in scope and tended to be short-lived. What makes the current wave different is its global scale and the growing body of research behind it.
A recent six-month pilot programme in the United Kingdom involved more than 60 companies ranging from marketing agencies to manufacturing firms. At the end of the trial, 92 per cent of participating businesses decided to continue with the reduced schedule. Employers reported not only higher staff morale but also a noticeable drop in absenteeism. Employees, on the other hand, said they had more time to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply rest—while still meeting performance targets.
One of the most surprising findings was that productivity often went up, not down. With fewer days available, many workers became more focused, cut unnecessary meetings, and prioritised tasks more effectively. For companies in creative industries, the extra day off seemed to lead to fresher ideas and a more engaged workforce. A graphic design firm in Manchester, for example, saw a 15 per cent increase in project output during the trial period.
Nevertheless, the model is not without its challenges. Some sectors—particularly customer service and healthcare—struggle to implement shorter workweeks without hiring additional staff, which can offset the financial benefits. In retail environments, for instance, businesses must decide whether to reduce opening hours or distribute the same number of shifts over fewer days, which can create logistical headaches.
Another concern is the potential for work to become more intense. Several employees in the UK pilot admitted that while they enjoyed the extra day off, their remaining four days felt more pressured, with tight deadlines and little room for unexpected issues. In some cases, staff ended up working unofficially on their day off to catch up, undermining the intended benefits.
Countries like Iceland, New Zealand, and Japan have also explored variations of the shorter workweek, with mixed but generally positive results. In Iceland, a large-scale public sector trial between 2015 and 2019 demonstrated that a four-day week could be adopted without loss of service or productivity. New Zealand’s trials have been mostly in office-based companies, while in Japan, where overwork is a serious issue, the government has encouraged firms to consider reduced schedules to improve work-life balance.
Economists remain divided on whether the trend will continue to grow or will remain limited to certain industries. Advocates believe that as automation handles more routine tasks, the demand for human work hours will decline, making shorter workweeks more viable. Critics caution that without careful planning, the model could create inequalities, with some workers enjoying more leisure while others in less flexible roles are left behind.
For now, the four-day workweek is no longer just a futuristic idea—it’s a reality for thousands of employees worldwide. Whether it will become the new standard or remain a niche perk depends on how well businesses can balance efficiency with employee wellbeing.
The idea is not entirely new. In the 1970s, some firms in the United States experimented with compressed working hours, often giving employees Fridays off. However, these early trials were limited in scope and tended to be short-lived. What makes the current wave different is its global scale and the growing body of research behind it.
A recent six-month pilot programme in the United Kingdom involved more than 60 companies ranging from marketing agencies to manufacturing firms. At the end of the trial, 92 per cent of participating businesses decided to continue with the reduced schedule. Employers reported not only higher staff morale but also a noticeable drop in absenteeism. Employees, on the other hand, said they had more time to spend with family, pursue hobbies, or simply rest—while still meeting performance targets.
One of the most surprising findings was that productivity often went up, not down. With fewer days available, many workers became more focused, cut unnecessary meetings, and prioritised tasks more effectively. For companies in creative industries, the extra day off seemed to lead to fresher ideas and a more engaged workforce. A graphic design firm in Manchester, for example, saw a 15 per cent increase in project output during the trial period.
Nevertheless, the model is not without its challenges. Some sectors—particularly customer service and healthcare—struggle to implement shorter workweeks without hiring additional staff, which can offset the financial benefits. In retail environments, for instance, businesses must decide whether to reduce opening hours or distribute the same number of shifts over fewer days, which can create logistical headaches.
Another concern is the potential for work to become more intense. Several employees in the UK pilot admitted that while they enjoyed the extra day off, their remaining four days felt more pressured, with tight deadlines and little room for unexpected issues. In some cases, staff ended up working unofficially on their day off to catch up, undermining the intended benefits.
Countries like Iceland, New Zealand, and Japan have also explored variations of the shorter workweek, with mixed but generally positive results. In Iceland, a large-scale public sector trial between 2015 and 2019 demonstrated that a four-day week could be adopted without loss of service or productivity. New Zealand’s trials have been mostly in office-based companies, while in Japan, where overwork is a serious issue, the government has encouraged firms to consider reduced schedules to improve work-life balance.
Economists remain divided on whether the trend will continue to grow or will remain limited to certain industries. Advocates believe that as automation handles more routine tasks, the demand for human work hours will decline, making shorter workweeks more viable. Critics caution that without careful planning, the model could create inequalities, with some workers enjoying more leisure while others in less flexible roles are left behind.
For now, the four-day workweek is no longer just a futuristic idea—it’s a reality for thousands of employees worldwide. Whether it will become the new standard or remain a niche perk depends on how well businesses can balance efficiency with employee wellbeing.
Questions 1–4
Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?
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.
1. The concept of a shorter workweek first appeared in the United Kingdom in the 1970s.
2. In the UK trial, most companies returned to a five-day schedule after the pilot ended.
3. Creative industries showed signs of increased productivity with a four-day week.
4. Japan’s government is officially against reducing the length of the workweek.
Questions 5–8
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
5. Early Chinese paper was made from mulberry bark, hemp waste, rags, and ________________.
6. The first European paper mill appeared in the Spanish city of ________________.
7. The bark-based writing material produced by the Maya was known as _______________.
Questions 8–9
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
8. ccording to the text, which factor most contributed to the affordability of paper in the Islamic world?
A. The use of mulberry bark and silk
B. The introduction of starch sizing and mechanized processing
C. The adaptation of bamboo slips and silk for mass production
D. The spread of Buddhist pilgrimage routes
9. In Europe, Fabriano became notable in the 13th century for
A. inventing the Fourdrinier machine
B. producing paper from bamboo and seaweed
C. introducing watermarks and glue sizing
D. developing the first continuous paper roll
Question 10
Match each location with the correct historical fact.
Write the correct letter A–E in spaces 10.1–10.4 on your answer sheet.
NB. You may use any letter more than once.
Locations:
A. China
B. Japan
C. Samarkand
D. Philadelphia
E. Xàtiva
___ 10.1 The earliest recorded paper currency was issued here.
___ 10.2 A city where papermaking was established in Europe by 1056.
___ 10.3 A location in the Americas with the first paper mill in British North America.
___ 10.4 An early center of papermaking in Central Asia.
Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?
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.
1. The concept of a shorter workweek first appeared in the United Kingdom in the 1970s.
2. In the UK trial, most companies returned to a five-day schedule after the pilot ended.
3. Creative industries showed signs of increased productivity with a four-day week.
4. Japan’s government is officially against reducing the length of the workweek.
Questions 5–8
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
5. Early Chinese paper was made from mulberry bark, hemp waste, rags, and ________________.
6. The first European paper mill appeared in the Spanish city of ________________.
7. The bark-based writing material produced by the Maya was known as _______________.
Questions 8–9
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
8. ccording to the text, which factor most contributed to the affordability of paper in the Islamic world?
A. The use of mulberry bark and silk
B. The introduction of starch sizing and mechanized processing
C. The adaptation of bamboo slips and silk for mass production
D. The spread of Buddhist pilgrimage routes
9. In Europe, Fabriano became notable in the 13th century for
A. inventing the Fourdrinier machine
B. producing paper from bamboo and seaweed
C. introducing watermarks and glue sizing
D. developing the first continuous paper roll
Question 10
Match each location with the correct historical fact.
Write the correct letter A–E in spaces 10.1–10.4 on your answer sheet.
NB. You may use any letter more than once.
Locations:
A. China
B. Japan
C. Samarkand
D. Philadelphia
E. Xàtiva
___ 10.1 The earliest recorded paper currency was issued here.
___ 10.2 A city where papermaking was established in Europe by 1056.
___ 10.3 A location in the Americas with the first paper mill in British North America.
___ 10.4 An early center of papermaking in Central Asia.
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