Ace IELTS MCQs

 

IELTS Academic Reading – Passage 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the Reading Passage below.

The Power of Sleep in Cognitive Function

Sleep is a biological necessity, and its importance in maintaining physical health is well established. However, recent research has also highlighted its essential role in cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and decision-making. Studies suggest that sleep is not simply a passive state but an active process during which the brain performs critical tasks that influence daily functioning.

During sleep, the brain consolidates information gathered during the day. This process involves transferring short-term memories into long-term storage, often through a phase of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM). It is during REM sleep that dreams most commonly occur, and the brain demonstrates activity patterns similar to those of wakefulness. Neuroscientists argue that this phase is crucial for emotional regulation and creativity, allowing people to make novel connections between ideas and emotions.

Non-REM sleep, particularly the deep sleep stage known as slow-wave sleep, also plays a role in cognitive restoration. This phase is characterized by slow brain waves and minimal consciousness. It is during this time that the brain flushes out waste products accumulated during the day, such as beta-amyloid — a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers believe that disruptions in deep sleep may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions over time.

Sleep deprivation, even for a single night, can impair concentration, reduce reaction time, and affect judgment. In more severe cases, chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, a lack of sleep affects the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain responsible for complex behavior and decision-making, making individuals more impulsive and less capable of logical thinking.

Despite the importance of sleep, modern lifestyles often discourage healthy sleep habits. The proliferation of screens, longer work hours, and the 24/7 nature of modern society have all contributed to widespread sleep deficiency. Blue light emitted by smartphones and laptops suppresses melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder for people to fall asleep at night.

In response, experts recommend good “sleep hygiene,” which includes maintaining a consistent bedtime, reducing screen exposure before bed, and avoiding caffeine in the evening. Some schools and workplaces have begun adjusting schedules to allow for later start times, particularly for adolescents, who are biologically predisposed to sleep later and longer than adults.

As research continues to uncover the links between sleep and cognitive health, it is becoming increasingly clear that prioritizing sleep is not just a matter of comfort, but of necessity for mental well-being and effective functioning in daily life.

 Questions 1–13

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
Write your answers in boxes 1–13 on your answer sheet.

1. What does the passage suggest about REM sleep?

A. It is the least important sleep phase
B. It helps eliminate harmful brain chemicals
C. It contributes to memory consolidation and creativity
D. It only occurs during deep sleep

2. According to the passage, why is slow-wave sleep significant?

A. It involves rapid brain activity
B. It triggers dreaming and emotional responses
C. It helps clean the brain and supports mental restoration
D. It increases the body's energy levels

3. What is implied about beta-amyloid in the passage?

A. It supports cognitive function
B. It may be harmful if not cleared from the brain
C. It is beneficial during sleep
D. It is produced only during deep sleep

4. Which part of the brain is affected by lack of sleep?

A. The brainstem
B. The hippocampus
C. The cerebellum
D. The prefrontal cortex

5. What effect does sleep deprivation have on decision-making?

A. It improves creative thinking
B. It slows down memory formation
C. It reduces logical thinking and increases impulsivity
D. It enhances reaction time

6. What role does melatonin play in sleep?

A. It keeps the brain active at night
B. It regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle
C. It increases energy levels in the morning
D. It helps in digesting food

7. Why is screen exposure before bedtime harmful?

A. It tires the eyes and causes headaches
B. It stimulates hunger and overeating
C. It suppresses melatonin, making sleep difficult
D. It increases deep sleep duration

8. What change have some institutions made in response to sleep research?

A. Reduced screen usage during the day
B. Shortened the workweek
C. Delayed start times to allow for more sleep
D. Increased physical activity before bed

9. What is the main purpose of "sleep hygiene"?

A. To increase daily productivity
B. To create conditions for quality sleep
C. To train people to sleep less
D. To encourage dreaming

10. According to the passage, adolescents:

A. Sleep less than adults by nature
B. Struggle with sleep because of stress
C. Need less sleep due to biological changes
D. Naturally need later and longer sleep

11. What modern lifestyle trend negatively impacts sleep?

A. Eating fast food late at night
B. Working indoors all day
C. Using digital screens late at night
D. Traveling between time zones

12. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of sleep deprivation?

A. Weakened immune system
B. Slower reaction times
C. Mood disorders
D. Poor concentration

13. What is the overall message of the passage?

A. Dreams are essential for learning
B. Sleep is only important for children and teenagers
C. Sleep is vital for mental health and should be prioritized
D. Sleep patterns have not changed over time

Reading Passage 2

The Disappearing Art of Handwriting

For centuries, handwriting was an essential part of daily life, used for everything from personal letters and business records to academic work and creative expression. Today, however, with the advent of digital communication, the use of handwriting has dramatically declined. Emails, text messages, and typing on keyboards have largely replaced the need to write by hand. As a result, many educators and psychologists are debating the relevance of handwriting in the modern world.

One of the primary concerns about the decline of handwriting is its potential impact on cognitive development. Studies show that the physical act of writing by hand helps to reinforce learning, particularly in children. When students take notes by hand, they are more likely to retain the information, as handwriting involves a more complex process than typing. It engages fine motor skills, memory, and attention in ways that typing does not. In fact, some research has found that children who learn cursive writing show better reading comprehension and spelling than those who do not.

Despite these findings, schools in many countries have reduced or eliminated handwriting instruction altogether. The argument is that digital literacy is more important in the modern age. Touchscreen devices and keyboards are seen as more efficient tools for communication and education. In some school systems, students are allowed to submit typed homework from the earliest grades, and standardized tests are now administered electronically.

Critics of this shift argue that handwriting is not just a functional skill but also an important form of personal expression. Each person's handwriting is unique, shaped by their personality, experiences, and physical characteristics. Furthermore, handwriting is deeply tied to history and culture. Many historical documents, from ancient manuscripts to founding government papers, were written by hand, and studying these works can give valuable insight into past societies.

There is also a neurological dimension to the debate. Neuroscientists suggest that writing by hand activates areas of the brain associated with creativity and emotion. This may explain why many writers, poets, and artists still prefer to brainstorm or draft their work on paper. They claim that the slower pace of handwriting allows for deeper thought and greater emotional connection to their work.

In response to these concerns, some schools and organizations are attempting to preserve handwriting. Programs have been introduced that encourage students to keep handwritten journals or to write letters to pen pals. In some places, cursive handwriting is making a comeback as a specialized subject. Yet these efforts are often seen as nostalgic or symbolic rather than essential.

As technology continues to evolve, it is unclear whether handwriting will retain a significant role in society. While it may no longer be necessary for most practical tasks, its benefits to cognitive development, creativity, and cultural heritage suggest it may still have a place in modern education and personal life.

Questions 14–27

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

14. Why is handwriting considered beneficial for children’s learning?
A. It improves keyboarding skills
B. It helps with memory and motor skills
C. It shortens learning time
D. It is easier than typing

15. What do some schools prioritize over handwriting?
A. Artistic expression
B. Cultural history
C. Digital communication skills
D. Public speaking

16. What does the passage suggest about cursive writing?
A. It has no measurable educational benefit
B. It improves creativity more than typing
C. It helps with spelling and reading
D. It’s required in modern schools

17. Why do critics believe handwriting should be preserved?
A. It is easier to teach than typing
B. It reflects individual personality
C. It improves computer skills
D. It replaces reading

18. What point is made about historical documents?
A. They are mainly digital now
B. They are difficult to read
C. They offer insight into the past
D. They are rarely used in schools

19. According to the passage, how does handwriting affect the brain?
A. It activates logical reasoning
B. It delays cognitive development
C. It stimulates emotional and creative regions
D. It slows reading skills

20. Why do some creative professionals prefer handwriting?
A. It helps them work faster
B. It limits distractions from devices
C. It connects them emotionally to their work
D. It eliminates errors

21. What is the purpose of school programs encouraging pen pals?
A. To replace electronic communication
B. To develop grammar skills
C. To preserve the habit of handwriting
D. To teach foreign languages

22. What is the general attitude toward efforts to preserve handwriting?
A. They are highly successful
B. They are viewed as unnecessary
C. They are supported by all schools
D. They are mostly symbolic

23. The passage compares handwriting and typing mainly in terms of:
A. Cost and availability
B. Brain engagement and memory
C. Writing speed and accuracy
D. Age groups and preferences

24. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of handwriting?
A. Better emotional connection
B. Stronger brain development
C. Faster writing speed
D. Unique personal style

25. The author’s tone in the passage is:
A. Strongly opposed to typing
B. Completely nostalgic
C. Balanced and thoughtful
D. Unconcerned and casual

26. What is implied about the future of handwriting?
A. It will disappear completely
B. It may remain relevant for certain purposes
C. It will replace typing
D. It is required by law

27. The main purpose of the passage is to:
A. Promote the use of typing
B. Explain the decline of handwriting and its possible consequences
C. Teach cursive writing techniques
D. Compare ancient and modern writing styles

Reading Passage 3

Coral Reefs: Rainforests of the Sea

Coral reefs are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” they provide habitat for thousands of marine species, protect coastlines from erosion, and support the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine life.

Corals themselves are tiny animals known as polyps that live in colonies and build hard, protective skeletons made of calcium carbonate. Over time, these skeletons form vast reef structures, some of which can be seen from space. Coral reefs typically grow in shallow, warm waters where sunlight is abundant, as the polyps rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae, which photosynthesize and provide nutrients.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are under serious threat. Climate change has led to rising sea temperatures, which disrupt the delicate balance between corals and their symbiotic algae. When stressed by heat, corals expel the algae, causing a phenomenon known as “coral bleaching.” Without the algae, corals lose their color and their primary energy source. If conditions do not improve, bleached corals can die within weeks.

In addition to warming seas, ocean acidification—caused by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere—reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, making it harder for corals to build and maintain their skeletons. Human activities such as overfishing, coastal development, and pollution further stress coral reefs, reducing their resilience and biodiversity.

Efforts to protect coral reefs are underway in many parts of the world. Marine protected areas (MPAs) limit human activity to preserve reef ecosystems, and restoration projects involve growing corals in nurseries and transplanting them back to damaged areas. Scientists are also exploring the possibility of breeding heat-resistant coral species that can withstand warmer oceans.

Public education and international cooperation are crucial for coral reef conservation. Many organizations now involve local communities in reef protection, providing alternative livelihoods and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices. Without urgent and sustained action, however, the future of coral reefs remains uncertain.

Questions 28–30

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

28. Why are coral reefs called “rainforests of the sea”?
A. They are made of plants
B. They provide food for humans
C. They support an incredible range of marine life
D. They are found in the same regions as rainforests

29. What do coral polyps rely on for nutrients?
A. Salt in the water
B. Algae living inside them
C. Fish waste
D. Marine plankton

30. What is the main cause of coral bleaching?
A. Ocean pollution
B. Too much sunlight