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Urban Farming Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

Urban farming is the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. It is gaining popularity to provide fresh produce to urban communities, reduce transportation costs, and promote sustainability.

 

Urban farming might appear in IELTS reading passages, and questions based on the passage might ask about its definition, benefits, and environmental impact. You might also be asked to identify examples of urban farming or explain how it differs from traditional farming practices.

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1. Urban Farming Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below.

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2. Urban Farming Reading Questions & Answers

Discover Urban Farming IELTS reading answers.

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1.

Urban Farming Reading Passage

General Instructions
General Instructions for IELTS Reading:

  • You should read the instructions for each question carefully and answer according to them.
  • The reading passages will increase in difficulty as you progress through the test.
  • Skimming and scanning of the passage is very important to score well in the reading section.
  • You should manage your time carefully to ensure enough time to answer all the questions.
  • You cannot bring any electronic devices, including mobile phones, into the test room.

 

 

 

 

Urban Farming Reading Passage


 

A. In Paris, urban farmers are trying a soil-free approach to agriculture that uses less space and fewer resources. Could it help cities face the threats to our food supplies?

 

B. On top of a striking new exhibition hall in southern Paris, the world’s largest urban rooftop farm has started to bear fruit. Strawberries that are small are intensely flavoured, and resplendently red sprouts abundantly from large plastic tubes. Peer inside, and you see the tubes are completely hollow, the roots of dozens of strawberry plants dangling down inside them. From identical vertical tubes nearby burst row upon row of lettuces; near those are aromatic herbs, such as basil, sage and peppermint. Opposite, in narrow, horizontal trays packed not with soil but with coconut fibre, grow cherry tomatoes, shiny aubergines and brightly coloured chards.

 

C. Pascal Hardy, an engineer and sustainable development consultant, began experimenting with vertical farming and aeroponic growing towers- as the soil-free plastic tubes are known – on his Paris apartment block roof five years ago. The urban rooftop space above the exhibition hall is somewhat bigger: 14,000 square metres and almost precisely the size of a couple of football pitches. Already, the team of young urban farmers who tend it have picked, in one day, 3,000 lettuces and 150 punnets of strawberries. When the remaining two-thirds of the vast open area is in production, 20 staff will harvest up to 1,000 kg of perhaps 35 different varieties of fruit and vegetables daily. ‘We’re not ever, obviously, going to feed the whole city this way,’ cautions Hardy. ‘In the urban environment you’re working with very significant practical constraints, clearly, on what you can do and where. But if enough unused space can be developed like this, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t eventually target maybe between 5% and 10% of consumption.’
 

D. Perhaps most significantly, however, this is a real-life showcase for the work of Hardy’s flourishing urban agriculture consultancy, Agripolis, which is currently fielding enquiries from around the world to design, build and equip a new breed of soil-free inner-city farm. ‘The method’s advantages are many,’ he says. ‘First, I don’t much like that most of the fruit and vegetables we eat have been treated with something like 17 different pesticides or that the intensive farming techniques that produced them are such huge generators of greenhouse gases. I don’t much like the fact, either, that they’ve travelled an average of 2,000 refrigerated kilometres to my plate, that their quality is so poor because the varieties are selected for their capacity to withstand such substantial journeys, or that 80% of the price I pay goes to wholesalers and transport companies, not the producers.’


E. On the other hand, produce grown using this soil-free method- which relies solely on a small quantity of water, enriched with organic nutrients, pumped around a closed circuit of pipes, towers and trays- is ‘produced up here, and sold locally, just down there. It barely travels at all,’ Hardy says. ‘You can select crop varieties for their flavour, not their resistance to the transport and storage chain, and you can pick them when they’re really at their best, and not before.’ No soil is exhausted, and the water that gently showers the plants’ roots every 12 minutes is recycled, so the method uses 90% less water than a classic intensive farm for the same yield.


F. Urban farming is not, of course, a new phenomenon. Inner-city agriculture is booming from Shanghai to Detroit and Tokyo to Bangkok. Strawberries are being grown in disused shipping containers, mushrooms in underground carparks. Aeroponic farming, he says, is ‘virtuous’. The equipment weighs little, can be installed on almost any flat surface and is cheap to buy: roughly 100 to 150 per square metre. It is cheap to run, too, consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.

 

G. Produce grown this way typically sells at prices that, while generally higher than those of classic intensive agriculture, are lower than soil-based organic growers. There are limits to what farmers can grow this way, and much of the produce is suited to the summer months. ‘Root vegetables we cannot do, at least not yet,’ he says. ‘Radishes are OK, but carrots, potatoes, that kind of thing- the roots are too long. Fruit trees are not an option. And beans tend to take up a lot of space for little return.’ Nevertheless, urban farming of the kind practised in Paris is one part of a bigger and fast-changing picture that brings food production closer to our lives.

2.

Urban Farming Reading Questions & Answers

Discover Urban Farming IELTS reading answers.

Questions and Answers 1-3
  • Complete the notes below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet.

 

Urban farming in Paris

  1. Vertical tubes are used to grow strawberries, 1) …………………… and herbs.
  2. There will eventually be a daily harvest of as much as 2) …………………… in weight of fruit and vegetables. 
  3. It may be possible that the farm’s produce will account for as much as 10% of the city’s 3) …………………… overall.


 

Urban Farming Reading Answers with Explanations (1-3)

 

Type of question: Sentence Completion

 

In sentence completion questions, you are given a sentence with a missing word or words, and you must choose the correct answer from a list of options. To answer these questions effectively, reading the entire sentence carefully, paying attention to context clues, and being familiar with different grammatical structures and sentence patterns is important. 
 

How to best answer the questions
 

  • Read the given text carefully and understand the context in which the sentence is used.
  • Pay attention to the words or phrases before and after the blank space, as they can give you clues to the correct answer.
  • Consider the meaning of the surrounding text and look for synonyms or antonyms of the word or phrase in the blank space.
  • Eliminate the answer options that don't fit the context or don't make grammatical sense.
  • Please read the sentence with the chosen answer to ensure it fits its intended meaning and sounds natural.

 

1. Lettuces

 

Reference

 

From paragraph B: “ From identical vertical tubes nearby burst row upon row of lettuces; near those are aromatic herbs, such as basil, sage and peppermint. Opposite, in narrow, horizontal trays packed not with soil but with coconut fibre, grow cherry tomatoes, shiny aubergines and brightly coloured chards.
 

Keywords

vertical tubes, aromatic herbs, horizontal trays
 

Explanation

According to paragraph B, lettuce, strawberries, and aromatic herbs like basil, sage, and peppermint are grown vertically in hollow plastic tubes. Therefore, lettuce is one of the crops cultivated using this method.
 

2. 1,000 kg

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C: “Already, the team of young urban farmers who tend it have picked, in one day, 3,000 lettuces and 150 punnets of strawberries. When the remaining two-thirds of the vast open area is in production, 20 staff will harvest up to 1,000 kg of perhaps 35 different varieties of fruit and vegetables daily.
 

Keywords

35 different varieties, young urban farmers
 

Explanation

Paragraph C discusses the potential productivity of the rooftop farm in Paris. It states that when the remaining two-thirds of the rooftop farm area is utilised for production, the farmers expect to harvest up to 1,000 kilograms of fruits and vegetables daily. This indicates the farm's significant potential yield once it reaches full capacity. 


 

3. Consumption

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C: “In the urban environment you’re working with very significant practical constraints, clearly, on what you can do and where. But if enough unused space can be developed like this, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t eventually target maybe between 5% and 10% of consumption.
 

Keywords

urban environment, 5% and 10% of consumption 

 

Explanation

Paragraph C explains that urban farming can produce about 5% to 10% of cities' food, provided enough unused space is developed for farming. This means that a significant portion of urban areas' food needs can be met through urban farming.

Questions and Answers 4-7
  • Complete the table below.
  • Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 4-7 on your answer sheet.

 

Intensive Farming versus Aeroponic Urban Farming


 

 

Growth

Selection

Sale

Intensive farming
  • wide range of 4) _______ used
  • techniques pollute air
  • quality not good
  • varieties of fruit and vegetables chosen that can survive long 5) _______
  • 6) _______ receive very little of overall income
Aeroponic urban farming
  • no soil used
  • nutrients added to water, which is recycled
  • produce chosen because of its 7)_______
-

 

Urban Farming Answers with Explanations (4-7)


 

Type of question: Table Completion
 

This task requires you to complete a table with missing information based on the text. You must scan and skim the passage efficiently to match the information to the appropriate heading.
 

How to best answer the question

 

  • Read the question statements carefully
  • Note down the keywords in the question
  • locate the keywords in the passage
  • Determine whether the statement is true or false based on the information in the passage.
  • No answer can be given if the information is not in the passage. Use these steps to complete the table and answer the question correctly and effectively.

 

4. Pesticides

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph D: “‘First, I don’t much like that most of the fruit and vegetables we eat have been treated with something like 17 different pesticides or that the intensive farming techniques that produced them are such huge generators of greenhouse gases.”

 

Keywords

Intensive farming techniques, greenhouse gases

 

Explanation

In paragraph D, the author mentions that he doesn't like that many fruits and vegetables we eat are treated with lots of pesticides. So, it's clear from this that intensive farming methods often use pesticides. Therefore, the answer is 'pesticides'.

 

5. Journeys

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph D: “I don’t much like the fact, either, that they’ve travelled an average of 2,000 refrigerated kilometres to my plate, that their quality is so poor because the varieties are selected for their capacity to withstand such substantial journeys, or that 80% of the price I pay goes to wholesalers and transport companies, not the producers.’”
 

Keywords

2,000 refrigerated kilometres, 80% of the price

 

Explanation

In paragraph D, talks about how the fruits and vegetables we eat often have to travel long distances to reach us, sometimes about 2,000 kilometres in refrigerated trucks. The quality of these foods could be better because they're chosen specifically to survive these long journeys. So, the answer is 'journeys'.

 

6. Producers

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph D: “I don’t much like the fact, either, that they’ve travelled an average of 2,000 refrigerated kilometres to my plate, that their quality is so poor because the varieties are selected for their capacity to withstand such substantial journeys, or that 80% of the price I pay goes to wholesalers and transport companies, not the producers.’”
 

Keywords

Substantial journeys, wholesalers, transport companies

 

Explanation

Paragraph D mentions that 80% of the money you spend on food goes to the middlemen like wholesalers and transport companies, not to the people who actually grow the food. So, the answer is 'producers'.


 

7. Flavour

 

Reference

 

From paragraph E: “You can select crop varieties for their flavour, not their resistance to the transport and storage chain, and you can pick them when they’re really at their best, and not before.’ No soil is exhausted, and the water that gently showers the plants’ roots every 12 minutes is recycled, so the method uses 90% less water than a classic intensive farm for the same yield.”
 

Keywords

Storage chain, transport, crop varieties

 

Explanation 

In Paragraph E, the passage discusses how in aeroponic urban farming, plants are picked based on their taste rather than other factors like how well they can survive being transported long distances. This means they're more concerned about ensuring the food tastes delicious when it reaches you rather than focusing solely on how it holds up during shipping. 

Questions and Answers 8-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, 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

 

8. Urban farming can take place above or below ground.

9. Some of the equipment used in aeroponic farming can be made by hand.

10. Urban farming relies more on electricity than other farming types.

11. Fruit and vegetables grown on an aeroponic urban farm are cheaper than traditionally grown organic produce.

12. Most produce can be grown on an aeroponic urban farm at any time of the year.

13. Beans take longer to grow on an urban farm than other vegetables.

 

Urban Farming Reading Answers with Explanations (8-13)

 

Type of question: TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN
 

In this task, you are given a set of statements. Based on your understanding of the passage, you should identify the nature of the given statement and write the correct answer. 
 

You can assess whether the statement given in the question is:


 

TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this
 

How to best answer the question
 

  • Read the given question statements carefully and note down the keywords
  • With the help of the keywords, locate them in the passage, which will help you decide whether the given statement is true or false
  • Your answer will not be given if the information is not in the passage.

 

8. True

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F:  “Urban farming is not, of course, a new phenomenon. Inner-city agriculture is booming from Shanghai to Detroit and Tokyo to Bangkok. Strawberries are being grown in disused shipping containers, mushrooms in underground carparks. Aeroponic farming, he says, is ‘virtuous’.
 

Keywords

Disused shipping containers, underground carparks

 

Explanation

Paragraph F mentions that strawberries are being grown in unused shipping containers and mushrooms in underground car parks. This demonstrates that urban farming can be done both above and below the ground. According to the information provided, this statement is TRUE.


 

9. Not Given

 

Reference

 

From paragraph E:  “On the other hand, produce grown using this soil-free method- which… so the method uses 90% less water than a classic intensive farm for the same yield.”


Keywords

No soil is exhausted, the soil-free method

 

Explanation

Paragraph E does not provide information about whether some of the equipment used in aeroponic farming can be made by hand. Therefore, there is no information to confirm or contradict the statement. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

 

10. False

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F:  “ Aeroponic farming, he says, is ‘virtuous’. The equipment weighs little, can be installed on almost any flat surface and is cheap to buy: roughly 100 to 150 per square metre. It is cheap to run, too, consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.”
 

Keywords

A tiny fraction of electricity, cheap to run
 

Explanation

Paragraph F states that urban farming methods, such as aeroponic farming, consume a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques. This implies that urban farming relies less on electricity than other farming types, contradicting the statement. Therefore, the answer is FALSE.

 

11. True

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F:  “ Aeroponic farming, he says, is ‘virtuous’. The equipment weighs little, can be installed on almost any flat surface and is cheap to buy: roughly 100 to 150 per square metre. It is cheap to run, too, consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.”
 

Keywords

Cheap to run, 100 to 150 per square metre, flat surface

 

Explanation

According to paragraph F, produce grown using soil-free methods in urban farming is sold locally and does not require extensive transportation, resulting in lower costs than traditionally grown organic produce. Therefore, fruit and vegetables grown on an aeroponic urban farm are cheaper than traditionally grown organic produce, making the statement TRUE.


 

12. Not Given

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F:  “Urban farming is not, of course, a new phenomenon. Inner-city….consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.
 

Keywords

Aeroponic urban farm

 

Explanation

The passage does not explain whether most produce can be grown on an aeroponic urban farm at any time of the year. Therefore, there is no evidence to confirm or contradict the statement. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

 

13. Not Given

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F:  “Urban farming is not, of course, a new phenomenon. Inner-city….consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.

 

Keywords

Strawberries, mushrooms
 

Explanation 

The passage does not specifically mention the growth duration of beans compared to other vegetables like strawberries and mushrooms on an urban farm. Therefore, there is no information to confirm or contradict the statement. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

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FAQs

Q. What are good tips/practices for IELTS Reading preparation?

Ans. To prepare for the IELTS reading exam, you should familiarise yourself with the test format, improve your reading speed, develop your vocabulary, practice with sample tests, improve your skimming and scanning skills, and read various texts. Practice is essential, and with regular practice and dedication, you can improve your reading skills and achieve a high score on the test.

Q. How can I score better on my IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To score better on your IELTS reading exam, you should focus on time management, skimming and scanning, vocabulary, accuracy, practice with sample tests, and reading different types of texts. Consistent and dedicated preparation is the key to achieving a high score on the test.

Q. Can I retake the IELTS Reading test alone?

Ans. Yes, you can retake any section of the IELTS test, whether listening, reading, writing, or speaking. The format and timing of that IELTS One Skill Retake test are the same as that individual skill in a full IELTS test; you can save time by not needing to complete the other three skills.

Q. Is the IELTS Reading test difficult to score?

Ans. The difficulty of the IELTS reading test depends on your English proficiency and familiarity with the test format. The test can be challenging because it contains a wide range of texts and questions within a limited time. However, with consistent preparation and practice, you can improve your skills and achieve a high score on the test.

Q. What is the minimum preparation time required for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The minimum preparation time required for the IELTS reading test is four weeks. This will give you enough time to improve your reading skills, develop your vocabulary, practice with sample tests, and improve your skimming and scanning skills. However, the amount of preparation time required depends on your current level of English proficiency and familiarity with the test format.

Q. How can I answer multiple choice questions for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To answer multiple-choice questions in the IELTS reading test, you should read the instructions and questions carefully, skim the text quickly to locate the relevant section, eliminate wrong answers, and make an educated guess if you are unsure. With practice, you can improve your skills and achieve a high score on the test.

Q. How can I improve my comprehension skills for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To improve your comprehension skills for the IELTS reading test, you can:
 

1. Read Regularly

2. Practice skimming and scanning

3. Focus on vocabulary

4. Use context clues

5. Take practice tests
 

Following these tips can improve your skills and perform better in the IELTS reading test.

Q. What are some good resources for improving my reading skills in general?

Ans.  Try using sites like Project Gutenberg and Medium, where you can find many different things to read to improve your reading skills. If you have a lot of books, go to your local library, and they'll help you find books that suit you. To easily find books and audiobooks you want to listen to, apps such as the Kindle or Goodreads can also be used. Use websites such as Khan Academy or Newsela to practice exercises that correspond with your reading levels to improve your understanding of what you read.

Q. What are some common misconceptions about the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. There are several misconceptions about the IELTS reading test, including the belief that you need to know all the words in the passage, read the entire passage, that the questions are straightforward, that you need to answer the questions in order, and that you need prior knowledge of the topics. By understanding these misconceptions, you can confidently approach the test and clearly understand what is required to do well.

Q. How can I stay calm and focused during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To stay calm and focused during the IELTS reading test, practice mindfulness, manage your time, stay hydrated, stay relaxed, read the questions carefully, and stay positive. You can perform to the best of your abilities by following these tips.

Q. What is the band score range for the IELTS Reading module?

Ans. The band score range for the IELTS reading module is 0 to 9. The score is based on the number of correct answers and is calculated using a conversion table. The final score is rounded to the nearest half-band and reported as a whole or half-band. A score of 9 indicates expert user proficiency, while 0 indicates non-user proficiency. The score requirements vary depending on the institution or organisation that requires the test.