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Reading foundations · about 5 minutes
Use these three habits before the practice exercise. These are original introductory materials, not an official IELTS paper or an AI-generated course.
Identify what the question asks: a reason, a process, a detail, or the writer’s overall point. Find the sentence that addresses it, then read the sentence before and after it.
“The library extended its opening hours because evening classes finished after its usual closing time.”
Question: Why did the library stay open later?
The reason is the timing of evening classes. “Because” connects the change with its cause. The passage does not say that the library hired more staff or bought more books.
Words such as “some”, “often”, “may” and “always” change a sentence’s meaning. An answer that sounds similar can still make a stronger claim than the passage supports.
“Some participants found that a short walk helped them concentrate.”
Question: Does this establish that walking improves concentration for everyone?
No. “Some participants” describes part of the group. “Everyone” would extend the claim beyond the evidence. The sentence also does not establish that walking never helps.
A good answer may restate the passage without repeating its exact vocabulary. Compare the whole meaning, rather than choosing an option simply because it shares a keyword.
“The museum reduced entry charges for visitors arriving before noon.”
Question: Which restatement matches: “Morning visitors paid less” or “All visitors entered free”?
“Morning visitors paid less” matches the stated reduction before noon. “Free” is different from a reduced charge, and “all visitors” removes the time condition.
Read: “The club introduced online registration to shorten queues. Members could still register at the desk.”
Before opening the explanation, identify the reason for the change and whether registration at the desk was removed.
The purpose was to shorten queues. Desk registration remained available: “could still” shows that the earlier option continued. An answer claiming that every member had to register online would contradict the passage.
This guide is for self-study. Opening an explanation does not record a completed lesson or a score. Submit the reading exercise to save practice feedback.
Original practice passage
Urban trees do more than make a street attractive. Their leaves provide shade, reducing the sunlight that reaches roads and buildings. Trees also release water vapour through their leaves. Together, shade and evaporation can help cool the surrounding air. The benefit depends on local conditions. The species chosen, available water and the layout of the street all influence the result.
Read for meaning. You can refer to the passage while answering.