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Alternative Transportation Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Aug 29, 2024, 11:24

This passage, “Alternative Transportation”, discusses the issues related to traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and health concerns caused by traditional motor vehicles. It highlights the rise of alternative transportation methods, such as smaller fuel-efficient vehicles, hybrids, electric cars, solar cars, and hydrogen cars, as solutions to these problems. Additionally, it explores the benefits of non-motorized transportation like walking and biking, as well as public transit options such as buses, subways, and trains. The passage argues that cities should prioritise sustainable and health-conscious transportation methods over conventional cars.

 

Understanding this passage will help you in the IELTS Reading section by improving your ability to summarise information concisely and identify key arguments. This practice test can improve your ability to handle similar passages and enhance your IELTS reading score.


Let’s look at the “Alternative Transportation” reading passage, along with questions, answers, and explanations.

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1. Alternative Transportation Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam.

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2. Alternative Transportation Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Alternative Transportation Reading Questions and Answers 

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1.

Alternative Transportation Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

 

 

Alternative Transportation Reading Passage 

 

Paragraph A


In cities all over the world, traffic congestion is one of the most pressing problems. Some people are looking into non-motorized modes of transportation because they are worried about rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and traffic-clogged roads.


 

Paragraph B


As people become more concerned about the price of gasoline, there has been a rise in interest in vehicles that use less gas and are powered by alternative energy. The rising price of gasoline is just one of these costs; there are also negative effects on the environment from vehicles' excessive exhaust. Worldwide, people are worried about climate change. Locally, cities must think about how this will affect their residents' health. Emissions from cars have been linked to a variety of health issues, particularly respiratory issues. Research has shown that breathing in exhaust fumes from cars can cause health problems, such as asthma and shortness of breath in children. Some forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune systems have all been linked to air pollution from cars.


 

Paragraph C


Smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles are gaining in popularity. In addition, hybrid cars are rapidly expanding their market share. Both electric and conventional gasoline motors power these automobiles. The car's engine is battery-powered, so it can be started from a dead stop. It's electric until it reaches a certain speed, at which point the gasoline engine takes over because it's more efficient. Completely battery-operated automobiles are also gaining popularity. These vehicles can be charged at any time by connecting the plug to a wall socket. Such cars are widely regarded as the transportation of the future. However, the electricity used to power these vehicles is rarely clean because it is produced by coal-burning power plants. Other "clean" technologies that are gaining popularity and hope are solar cars and hydrogen cars.


 

Paragraph D


The most pressing issue is pollution from cars, but there are other consequences from the over 250 million cars in the United States and over a billion cars in the world. The construction of new roads and highways to accommodate the rising number of automobiles on the road contributes to air pollution. Motor oil and other pollutants are washed off paved roads and into nearby water sources such as rivers and the ocean because the impermeable surface of the pavement prevents the water from soaking in. Pollutants from road construction include chemicals, herbicides, concrete, asphalt, paint, and more.


 

Paragraph E


There is also an impact on one's comfort and well-being. Despite the widespread acceptance of the automobile as a practical mode of transportation, heavy vehicle volumes on the road have a negative impact on travel times, especially during peak "rush hour" periods. People who spend hours each day sitting in cars due to traffic aren't getting enough exercise and are at risk for a number of health issues.


 

Paragraph F


Consequently, we need to consider various transportation options in addition to creating gasoline-free automobiles. Transportation options would range from driving alone or in a carpool to taking the bus, train, or subway. It's not hard to see how much healthier walking and biking are. They are physically beneficial and also do not pollute the environment. Fewer cars on the road and cheaper travel are available thanks to carpools, in which multiple people share a single vehicle. Additionally, there are numerous advantages to using public transportation like buses, subways, and commuter trains. One potential benefit is that it encourages users to get some exercise by forcing them to walk further than they might otherwise in order to reach their destination (the bus or train station). One's mental health can benefit from taking public transportation, as riding a train or bus can be much more relaxing than driving a car during rush hour, when people are often stressed out and unable to focus on anything but getting through the day. The combined effect of these modes of transportation is to significantly cut down on emissions and the number of cars on the road. Cities of the future will have to prioritise public transportation and the needs of pedestrians and cyclists over those of drivers of private automobiles.

2.

Alternative Transportation Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Alternative Transportation

Questions and Answers 1-3
  • Complete the sentences below..
  • Choose ONE WORD from the Reading Passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet.

 

1. Some people are considering non-motorized modes of transportation due to rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and __________.

2. People's interest in vehicles that use less gas and are powered by alternative energy has increased as they become more concerned about the price of ___________.

3. _________, more fuel-efficient vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Furthermore, hybrid vehicles are rapidly increasing their market share.


 

Alternative Transportation Reading Answers with Explanations 1-3

 

 

Type of question: Sentence Completion

 

In this question type, you are required to fill in the blanks in a given sentence with words or phrases taken directly from the passage. These questions test your ability to understand specific details and information presented in the text.

 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the sentence carefully to understand the context.
  • Identify keywords or clues that can help you find the answer in the passage.
  • Scan the passage for relevant information, focusing on the area around the blank.
  • Choose the answer that fits grammatically and contextually.
  • Verify your answers and finalise them.



 

1. Traffic-clogged

 

Reference

 

From paragraph A:  "Some people are looking into non-motorized modes of transportation because they are worried about rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and traffic-clogged roads." 

 

Explanation: This line highlights that traffic congestion is one of the reasons why some people are considering non-motorized modes of transportation. The term “traffic-clogged” is specifically mentioned as a concern alongside rising fuel prices and environmental issues, making it the correct answer.

 

 

2. Gasoline

 

Reference

 

From paragraph B: "As people become more concerned about the price of gasoline, there has been a rise in interest in vehicles that use less gas and are powered by alternative energy." 

 

Explanation: This line indicates that rising gasoline prices are a key factor driving increased interest in vehicles that use less gas and alternative energy sources. The focus on gasoline prices as a significant concern makes “gasoline” the appropriate answer for why people are exploring alternative vehicles.

 

 

3. Smaller

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C: “Smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles are gaining in popularity”.

 

Explanation: This line shows that smaller vehicles, which are more fuel-efficient, are becoming increasingly popular. It emphasises that the trend towards smaller and more efficient vehicles is a notable development in the automotive market, thus making “smaller” the correct answer.

 

 

Also read: IELTS General Reading Test.

Questions and Answers 4-8
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 4-8 on your answer sheet, write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the information given
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information given
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this

 

 

4. Illness of the respiratory tract can be carried out by emissions from the car.

5. In this modernising era, the biggest source of environmental degradation is nothing but cars.

6. Individuals are increasingly interested in hybrid cars.

7. Electric vehicles do not emit pollution.

8. Solar-powered cars are currently out of reach for the average person.


 

Alternative Transportation Reading Answers with Explanations 4-8

 

 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(True/False/Not Given)

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.


 

4. Yes

 

Reference

 

From paragraph B: “Emissions from cars have been linked to a variety of health issues, particularly respiratory issues”.

 

Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions that car emissions are associated with various health problems, including respiratory issues such as asthma and shortness of breath. This confirms that emissions from cars can indeed lead to illnesses of the respiratory tract. Hence, the statement is correct.

 

 

5. Not Given

 

 

Reference

 

From paragraph: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not specifically address whether cars are the greatest source of environmental degradation in the modern era. Without this information, it is impossible to determine if the statement aligns with the writer’s views.

 

 

6. Yes

 

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C: “Smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles are gaining in popularity. In addition, hybrid cars are rapidly expanding their market share”.

 

Explanation: The passage highlights that there is growing interest in smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrid cars. This indicates that hybrid cars are indeed becoming more popular, validating the statement. Hence, the statement is correct.


 

7. No

 

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C: “Other "clean" technologies that are gaining popularity and hope are solar cars and hydrogen cars”.

 

Explanation: The passage clarifies that while electric vehicles are promoted as cleaner options, the electricity used to charge them is often produced from coal-burning plants, which means they still contribute to pollution. Thus, electric vehicles do not completely eliminate pollution.  Hence, the statement is incorrect.

 

 

8. Not Given

 

Reference

 

From paragraph: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not provide specific details about the affordability or accessibility of solar-powered cars for the average person. Therefore, there is no basis to confirm or deny the statement based on the passage.


 

Learn about IELTS Reading Vocabulary here! 

Questions and Answers 9-13
  • The list below shows some problems that are associated with the use of private cars.
  • Which FIVE of these problems are mentioned in the article?

 

 

A. Isolation on a social level

B. Expensive maintenance

C. Air pollution 

D. Noise pollution 

E. Traffic congestion 

F. Stress 

G. Parking shortage 

H. Rising gasoline prices

I. Fewer opportunities for physical activity


 

Alternative Transportation Reading Answers with Explanations 9-13

 

 


Type of question: Matching Headings

 

In this question type, you will be asked to choose the correct heading for each paragraph from a list of headings provided. This type of question assesses your ability to understand the main idea or theme of each paragraph.

 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Familiarise yourself with the list of headings before reading the paragraphs. This helps you know what to look for.
  • Identify the main idea or theme of each paragraph by looking for topic sentences or recurring themes.
  • Find keywords or phrases that are similar to those in the headings. This can help you make connections.
  • Eliminate incorrect options that don't match any paragraphs to narrow down your choices.
  • Skim and Scan each paragraph efficiently to get a context about the content.

 


 

9. C

 

Reference

 

From paragraph D:  "The construction of new roads and highways to accommodate the rising number of automobiles on the road contributes to air pollution."

 

Explanation: This line highlights how the increasing number of cars leads to greater air pollution. It explains that the construction of new roads and the pollutants from vehicles directly contribute to environmental degradation, making "air pollution" the right answer.

 

 

10. E

 

 

Reference: 

 

From paragraph E: “Despite the widespread acceptance of the automobile as a practical mode of transportation, heavy vehicle volumes on the road have a negative impact on travel times, especially during peak "rush hour" periods.“

 

Explanation: This line discusses how high vehicle volumes, particularly during rush hour, lead to severe traffic congestion. The mention of increased travel times due to heavy vehicle traffic directly supports "traffic congestion" as the correct answer.

 

 

11. F

 

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F: “One's mental health can benefit from taking public transportation, as riding a train or bus can be much more relaxing than driving a car during rush hour, when people are often stressed out and unable to focus on anything but getting through the day.”

 

Explanation: This line illustrates the stress associated with driving during busy periods. It contrasts the stressful experience of driving with the more relaxing nature of public transportation, making "stress" the correct answer.

 

 

12. G

 

 

Reference

 

From paragraph E: “There is also an impact on one's comfort and wellbeing. Despite the widespread acceptance of the automobile as a practical mode of transportation, heavy vehicle volumes on the road have a negative impact on travel times, especially during peak "rush hour" periods”.

 

Explanation: This line underscores the challenges posed by high vehicle volumes, which not only affect travel times but also likely contribute to parking shortages. The mention of heavy vehicle traffic implies increased demand for parking spaces, making "parking shortage" the correct answer.

 

 

13. I


 

Reference

 

From paragraph F: “It's not hard to see how much healthier walking and biking are. They are physically beneficial and also do not pollute the environment”.


 

Explanation: This line points out that walking and biking are beneficial for physical health compared to driving. It emphasises the health benefits of alternative transportation modes, indirectly addressing the lack of physical activity associated with frequent car use, thus making "fewer opportunities for physical activity" the correct answer.



 

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FAQs

Q. Are the reading passages the same for the Academic and General Training versions?

Ans. No, the reading passages are different for the Academic and General Training versions. The Academic test includes passages on topics of general interest that are suitable for a non-specialist audience, while the General Training test features passages related to daily life and work, reflecting practical language skills.


 

Q. Can I write on the question paper during the test?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to make notes and underline text on the question paper during the IELTS Reading test. This can help you keep track of important information and manage your responses effectively. However, your answers must be transferred to the answer sheet as the official record of your responses.

Q. Are spelling and grammar important in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, spelling and grammar are important in the IELTS Reading test, especially for questions that require written responses. Incorrect spelling or grammatical errors can lead to incorrect answers and affect your overall score. Ensure you pay attention to these details when writing your answers.