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IELTS Academic Reading Mock Test
Passage 1 (Recent IELTS Style)
Time: 20 minutes
Questions: 13
The Rise of Urban Rooftop Gardens
Cities around the world are becoming increasingly crowded, leaving little space for traditional parks and agricultural land. As urban populations continue to grow, many cities are looking for innovative ways to improve food production while creating greener environments. One solution that has gained popularity is the development of rooftop gardens.
Rooftop gardens are areas where vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers are grown on the roofs of buildings. Although the concept has existed for centuries, modern technology has made rooftop farming more practical and efficient. Advances in lightweight soil mixtures, irrigation systems, and waterproof building materials have enabled many buildings to support gardens safely.
One major benefit of rooftop gardens is their contribution to environmental sustainability. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping improve air quality in densely populated areas. Green roofs also reduce the “urban heat island” effect, a phenomenon in which cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas because concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat.
Another important advantage is stormwater management. During heavy rainfall, rooftop gardens absorb a large amount of rainwater, reducing pressure on drainage systems and lowering the risk of flooding. Research has shown that green roofs can retain between 50% and 80% of rainfall depending on the season and the type of vegetation.
Food security is another reason why cities are investing in rooftop agriculture. Fresh vegetables can be grown close to consumers, reducing transportation costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with long-distance food distribution. In some cities, restaurants even harvest herbs directly from their own rooftops.
However, rooftop gardens are not without challenges. Initial installation costs can be high, especially when buildings require structural reinforcement. Maintenance also requires trained staff who understand irrigation, pest control, and plant nutrition. Despite these challenges, many governments now provide financial incentives to encourage green roof construction.
Experts believe rooftop farming will continue to expand as cities seek sustainable solutions to climate change, food shortages, and environmental degradation. While rooftop gardens alone cannot solve all urban problems, they represent an important step toward creating healthier and more resilient cities.
Questions 1–5
Choose the correct letter (A, B, C or D).
1. Why have rooftop gardens become more common?
A. Traditional farming has disappeared.
B. Modern technology has improved their practicality.
C. Governments require every building to have one.
D. People no longer like parks.
2. According to the passage, green roofs improve air quality by
A. increasing rainfall.
B. reducing traffic.
C. absorbing carbon dioxide.
D. producing electricity.
3. What is the “urban heat island” effect?
A. Cities experience stronger winds.
B. Cities become warmer than surrounding areas.
C. Cities receive more rainfall.
D. Cities produce more food.
4. Rooftop gardens help reduce flooding because they
A. strengthen drainage pipes.
B. store rainwater.
C. increase building height.
D. block rivers.
5. What challenge is mentioned?
A. Lack of seeds
B. High installation cost
C. Poor sunlight
D. Government opposition
Questions 6–10
True / False / Not Given
Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage.
FALSE if it contradicts the passage.
NOT GIVEN if there is no information.
6. Rooftop gardens were invented during the 21st century.
7. Lightweight soil has made rooftop farming easier.
8. Green roofs always absorb exactly 80% of rainfall.
9. Some restaurants grow herbs on their rooftops.
10. Every city provides financial support for rooftop gardens.
Questions 11–13
Complete the sentences.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
11. Rooftop gardens improve __________ in crowded cities.
12. Green roofs help reduce the __________ effect.
13. Governments may offer financial __________ for green roof construction.
Answer Key
| Q | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | B |
| 2 | C |
| 3 | B |
| 4 | B |
| 5 | B |
| 6 | FALSE |
| 7 | TRUE |
| 8 | FALSE |
| 9 | TRUE |
| 10 | NOT GIVEN |
| 11 | air quality |
| 12 | urban heat island |
| 13 | incentives |
Detailed Explanations
1. B
The passage states that modern technology has made rooftop farming more practical and efficient.
2. C
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality.
3. B
The passage defines the urban heat island effect as cities becoming warmer than surrounding rural areas.
4. B
Green roofs absorb rainwater, reducing pressure on drainage systems and lowering flood risk.
5. B
The passage specifically mentions high installation costs as a challenge.
6. FALSE
The passage says the concept has existed for centuries, not only since the 21st century.
7. TRUE
It clearly states that lightweight soil mixtures have made rooftop farming more practical.
8. FALSE
The passage says green roofs retain between 50% and 80% of rainfall—not always 80%.
9. TRUE
The passage mentions that some restaurants harvest herbs directly from their rooftops.
10. NOT GIVEN
The passage says many governments provide incentives, but it does not say every city does.
11. air quality
The exact phrase appears in the third paragraph.
12. urban heat island
This phrase is directly mentioned when discussing temperature reduction.
13. incentives
The passage states that governments provide financial incentives for green roof construction.
Estimated Band Score (Based on This Practice)
- 13/13: Band 9
- 12: Band 8.5
- 11: Band 8
- 10: Band 7.5
- 9: Band 7
- 7–8: Band 6.5
- 5–6: Band 6
This passage closely reflects the style and difficulty of IELTS Academic Reading Passage 1, with straightforward vocabulary and common question types.
