Reading practice tests homepage | IELTS help for free

Back to reading tests homepage / reading home page

Test 2

Bringing Nutmeg to Europe

Nutmeg is an aromatic spice derived from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, which is native to the Banda Islands in the Indonesian archipelago. It was valued in ancient times and is referenced in several historical texts as both a prized culinary ingredient and a medicinal remedy. Ancient Persians believed nutmeg to have aphrodisiac properties, while in early Egyptian rituals, it was used as incense. In Renaissance Europe, nutmeg was thought to ward off the plague and was added to wine and food for its warming flavour. At lavish feasts, wealthy hosts displayed an array of rare spices, including nutmeg, to demonstrate their social status. In addition to its culinary uses, nutmeg was also employed in folk medicine to treat ailments such as digestive problems and headaches.

By the late Middle Ages, the rising European merchant class developed a taste for the luxurious lifestyle of the elite, which included the consumption of exotic spices. This drove an increased demand for nutmeg and similar goods. At the time, nutmeg was transported by Malayan traders who carefully concealed the true origin of the spice to protect their monopoly. They collected the spice in the Banda Islands, then transported it by ship across the Indian Ocean, eventually arriving at the port of Hormuz. European merchants purchased nutmeg there and brought it back to Constantinople. From this key trading city, nutmeg spread throughout European markets. The secrecy surrounding its source and the limited quantities reaching Europe enabled traders in Constantinople to charge exorbitant prices. These high profits and growing demand inspired European explorers to search for direct sea routes to the Spice Islands.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Dutch explorers, eager to tap into the lucrative nutmeg trade, made their way to the Banda Islands. Before their arrival, nutmeg was cultivated and harvested under the supervision of local rulers. Members of the indigenous Bandanese people would collect the ripened fruit, break it open, and dry the seed in the sun, eventually removing the outer mace. The dried nutmeg kernels were then presented to the island’s chieftains as tribute. Upon arriving, the Dutch sought to expand production and gain control of trade. They coerced the local population into working under harsh conditions and monopolized nutmeg exports by restricting access to rival traders. In 1619, they constructed fortified outposts on the islands to protect their interests. Dutch trading companies soon profited immensely, with records suggesting they earned more than ten times their investment when shipping nutmeg from the Banda Islands to Europe.

In the mid-17th century, the British attempted to challenge Dutch dominance in the nutmeg trade. They secured an alliance with the kingdom of Tidore, located on a neighbouring island, promising military assistance in exchange for access to nutmeg-producing territories. Though the British temporarily seized a few plantations, by 1675 the Dutch had successfully expelled them, securing total control of the spice-producing islands. This allowed them to maintain their monopoly and continue reaping high profits.

In an effort to protect their dominance, the Dutch aggressively suppressed unauthorised nutmeg cultivation. To prevent rivals from gaining access to nutmeg seeds, Dutch authorities ordered the burning of surplus crops and imposed harsh penalties on smugglers. Over time, however, these extreme measures began to exhaust the local nutmeg supply. The Dutch responded by introducing nutmeg cultivation to their colonial territories, including Java and Suriname, using enslaved labour to manage the plantations.

By the early 19th century, French and British colonial forces had broken the Dutch monopoly by successfully transplanting nutmeg trees to the Caribbean and parts of Africa. In 1810, the British seized control of the Banda Islands, but by then nutmeg was already being grown in Grenada and Zanzibar. As a result, prices dropped significantly, and nutmeg became a common household spice rather than a luxury. Simultaneously, shifts in global consumption saw the rise of other goods such as tobacco, coffee, and cocoa, marking the decline of the nutmeg trade's economic supremacy.

Questions 1–5: True / False / Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
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

Nutmeg was used by ancient Egyptians as part of their religious ceremonies.
The Bandanese people exported nutmeg directly to European markets before the Dutch arrived.
The Dutch were able to earn over ten times what they spent on transporting nutmeg.
The British permanently controlled the nutmeg trade after defeating the Dutch.
Coffee and cocoa eventually became more profitable than nutmeg.

Questions 6–10: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from the passage for each answer.

During the Middle Ages, wealthy Europeans used nutmeg not only in cooking but also to demonstrate their 6. ________. Due to limited access, nutmeg was expensive and mainly acquired through traders in 7. ________, who sourced it from Asia and kept the origin secret. This secrecy allowed them to maintain high 8. ________. In the early 1600s, the Dutch arrived in the Banda Islands and began 9. ________ local people to work in nutmeg harvesting. To maintain their monopoly, the Dutch also began cultivating nutmeg in other 10. ________ territories.

Questions 11–13: Multiple Choice

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

11. Why did the Dutch restrict the cultivation of nutmeg outside their control?

A) They believed it grew poorly in other climates

B) They wanted to maintain high profits

C) They lacked sufficient manpower

D) They feared the plant would become extinct

12. What helped the British and French eventually break the Dutch monopoly on nutmeg?

A) A treaty signed in the Banda Islands

B) Dutch withdrawal from the region

C) Smuggling nutmeg from Dutch ships

D) Successful transplantation of nutmeg trees to new regions

13. What does the writer suggest was one reason for the decline of the nutmeg trade?

A) Poor soil quality in the Banda Islands

B) Increased demand for native spices

C) The rising popularity of alternative goods

D) Nutmeg becoming illegal in Europe

Click below to see the answers for this test 1TRUEThe passage says Egyptians used nutmeg “in rituals” and as “incense,” which were part of religious ceremonies. 2FALSEIt clearly says the Bandanese gave the spice as tribute to chieftains, not that they exported it to Europe directly. 3TRUEThe passage states Dutch traders “enjoyed a tenfold profit.” 4FALSEThe British seized control, but the passage explains that by then the monopoly had already ended. 5TRUEThe final paragraph states nutmeg was “eventually superseded by the rise of trade in coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugar.” 6statusThe phrase “to demonstrate their social status” is found early in the passage. 7ConstantinopleTraders took nutmeg to this city, which acted as the main hub for European markets. 8pricesThe secrecy and monopoly “enabled traders… to charge exorbitant prices.” 9coercingThe Dutch “coerced the local population into working under harsh conditions.” 10colonialThey “introduced nutmeg cultivation to their colonial territories.” 11BThe Dutch restricted outside cultivation “to maintain their monopoly and continue reaping high profits.” 12DThe passage states the French and British “successfully transplanted nutmeg trees to the Caribbean and parts of Africa.” 13CThe final paragraph states trade “was diminishing in economic potential… superseded by the rise of trade in coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugar.”

Passage 2

Asian Transport Systems 1990–2010

What have been the trends and what are the prospects for Asian transport systems?

A. It is difficult to imagine sustained economic growth across Asia without a well-functioning transport system. Although advances in digital technologies can reduce the demand for physical transport by enabling remote work and services, the need for mobility continues to grow. Two key drivers are behind this trend. In terms of passenger transport, the primary factor is the rapid expansion in vehicle ownership. Across major Asian economies, including China and India, the number of private vehicles surged significantly between 1990 and 2010, with millions of new cars added each year. This growth is expected to continue sharply in the coming decade.

B. With regard to goods transport, growth has been driven largely by the transformation of Asian production models. Over the past two decades, many Asian nations transitioned from closed, centrally managed economies to open, export-driven ones. As industries relocated to areas with lower labor costs and strategic port access, the distance between production centers and consumption hubs increased, often spanning thousands of kilometers. This evolution has intensified demand for long-haul road and maritime transport.

C. Economic development in emerging economies like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh has contributed significantly to the rise in transport volumes—especially road freight. For instance, in the late 1990s, some of these countries recorded import levels five times higher than those in 1990 and exports that had more than tripled. While many of these nations inherited extensive rail infrastructure from earlier periods, the modal split has shifted strongly in favor of road transport. Between 1990 and 1998, road freight grew by 21%, while rail transport volumes dropped by over 40%, although rail still plays a larger role than in some more developed Asian economies.

D. Sustainable development has become a new priority, creating a compelling reason to adapt Asia’s transport strategies. Endorsed by regional forums such as ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), this objective requires the integration of environmental considerations into national and regional transport policies. A central goal is to rebalance the modal split in favor of greener transport options. While full implementation may extend beyond 2020, these foundational efforts aim to put in place a sustainable transport framework by mid-century, ideally by 2040.

E. In 1998, the transport sector in Asia was responsible for 25–30% of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions—the leading greenhouse gas. If traffic growth trends continue unchecked, CO₂ emissions could increase by 50% by 2020, reaching over 1,100 billion tonnes, up from approximately 740 billion tonnes in 1990. Road transport, dominated by fossil fuel vehicles, accounts for the overwhelming majority of these emissions. The adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies is therefore both an environmental imperative and a technical challenge for the region.

F. Efforts to achieve a modal shift must intensify. After decades of policy and investment favoring roads, rail and inland water transport have been pushed to the margins. In many countries, rail freight now holds just 8–10% of market share, and long-distance trains operate at average speeds below 20 km/h. To address this imbalance, experts have proposed three main strategies.

G. The first strategy centers on pricing mechanisms targeting road transport. By making road transport more expensive, especially for low-efficiency operations, freight companies might be encouraged to consolidate loads and increase vehicle occupancy rates. However, without supporting policies to strengthen rail or maritime transport, such pricing measures alone would not be enough to enable a true modal shift.

H. The second strategy still focuses on road pricing but is supplemented by efforts to enhance the efficiency of other transport modes, such as improvements in logistics, service quality, and digital infrastructure. Nonetheless, this approach typically lacks investment in physical infrastructure and may fail to address regional transport disparities. While it may curb some road traffic, it is unlikely to result in a transformative rebalancing.

I. The third and most comprehensive strategy combines road pricing with substantial investment in alternative transport modes, including high-speed rail corridors, inland waterways, and integrated urban transport systems. This approach, already under exploration in countries like China and Japan, seeks to restore the market shares of these modes to earlier levels and break the link between economic growth and road transport dependency. Though ambitious, this strategy holds the greatest promise for sustainable and inclusive development without compromising the movement of people or goods.

Questions 14–18: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
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

14. From 1990 to 2010, car ownership in Asian countries decreased due to environmental regulations.
15. The growth in Asian goods transport is partly a result of companies relocating to areas with lower labor costs.
16. All Asian countries have successfully implemented sustainable transport policies by 2020.
17. Road freight in emerging Asian countries grew more than rail freight between 1990 and 1998.
18. The Asian transport sector emitted more CO₂ in 1998 than in 1990.

Questions 19–23: Which paragraph contains the following information?

Choose the correct letter (A–I) from the passage.

19. The need for cleaner fuels and technological solutions in Asian transport.
20. A strategy that includes investment in high-speed rail and waterway systems.
21. How economic development in countries like Vietnam has affected transport demand.
22. The historical preference for road transport and its impact on rail.
23. The role of digital tools in potentially reducing transport demand.

Questions 24–26: Multiple Choice

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

24. What is the main reason for the increase in vehicle use in Asian countries?

A. Growth in tourism
B. Expansion of urban rail networks
C. Personal purchases of vehicles
D. Decline in international fuel prices

25. According to the passage, why is road transport considered problematic in Asia?

A. It’s too expensive for most people
B. It causes the most pollution
C. It is more efficient than rail
D. It requires advanced infrastructure

26. What is the advantage of the third proposed strategy mentioned in the passage?

A. It focuses only on road pricing
B. It ignores economic development goals
C. It offers the most balanced and long-term solution
D. It has already been fully implemented across Asia

Click below to see the answers for this test 14.FALSE → Paragraph A says car numbers increased, not decreased. 15.TRUE → Paragraph B: “...relocation of industries... particularly those which are labour intensive.” 16.FALSE → Paragraph D says the strategy may not be fully achieved by 2020. 17.TRUE → Paragraph C: Road freight grew while rail volumes dropped. 18.NOT GIVEN → The 1998 emission level is given, but not the 1990 emission volume for comparison. 19.E → “Using alternative fuels and improving energy efficiency...” 20.I → “...includes high-speed rail corridors, inland waterways...” 21.C → “...in emerging economies like Vietnam... road freight... exports more than tripled...” 22.F → “...half a century of constant deterioration in favour of road...” 23.A → “...digital technologies... can reduce demand for physical transport...” 24.C → Paragraph A: “...primary factor is the rapid expansion in vehicle ownership...” 25.B → Paragraph E and H highlight that Road transport, “dominated by fossil fuel vehicles, accounts for the overwhelming majority of these emissions.” 26.C → Paragraph I: “...holds the greatest promise for sustainable and inclusive development...”

Passage 3

Bobby Fischer – chess prodigy and enigma

A. Bobby Fischer stunned the world when, in 1972, he became the first American to win the World Chess Championship, defeating the Soviet Union’s Boris Spassky in a Cold War-era showdown. But Fischer’s fame was not just due to this historic victory. By age 14, he was already the U.S. Chess Champion, and his deep understanding of the game was apparent even then. Known for his intense focus and unorthodox behavior, Fischer captured public attention as much for his talent as for his eccentricity. His 1972 win remains one of the most iconic moments in chess history, representing both a personal triumph and a geopolitical symbol.

B. Fischer’s genius intrigued not just the chess world but also psychologists and neuroscientists. How could one individual hold and process so many possibilities at once? In the early 2000s, researchers at Columbia University began examining past records of Fischer’s games and behavior. They aimed to identify the mental mechanisms that allowed him to achieve such brilliance. According to Dr. Anna Valenti, a cognitive science researcher, Fischer’s unique skill wasn’t just raw memory. “His strength,” she explains, “lay in pattern recognition—his brain appeared to process entire game situations instantly.”

C. Fischer’s love of chess began in Brooklyn, New York, when he was just six years old. His sister gifted him a simple chess set, and he quickly became obsessed. By age eight, he was reading advanced strategy books. By 13, he had played the “Game of the Century” against Donald Byrne, impressing even his strongest critics. Although his mother hoped he would pursue broader academic interests, Fischer was single-minded. Chess, he often said, was his life’s only true calling.

D. To many observers, Fischer’s capacity for intense concentration and strategy bordered on the supernatural. But chess history has seen many such cases. In the 1800s, Paul Morphy of New Orleans was hailed as a chess genius, and the early 20th century saw José Raúl Capablanca dominate the scene with apparent ease. Fischer stood on the shoulders of such giants, though his command of modern opening theory and endgame analysis set him apart from even his legendary predecessors.

E. Top chess players often speak of “visualising” games many moves ahead. Fischer, too, used this skill extensively, claiming to see up to 15 moves in advance. He would replay full games in his mind, evaluating alternate lines without a board. “I don’t believe in psychology,” he once quipped, “I believe in good moves.” His ability to manage multiple possibilities mentally gave him a strategic edge, especially in the complex middle and endgame stages.

F. To understand Fischer’s extraordinary mental capabilities, Valenti and her team conducted retrospective cognitive profiling using video, transcripts, and contemporary reports. They concluded that Fischer may have had an unusually efficient frontal lobe network—critical for focus and decision-making. Though no brain scans were available, simulations suggested that his cognitive pathways resembled those of modern-day chess engines, which use probability and pattern data to navigate complex positions.

G. In addition, researchers believe that Fischer’s visual-spatial intelligence was far above average. This is the part of the brain used to imagine shapes, directions, and arrangements. Studies on top chess players have shown they tend to have higher connectivity in these brain regions. In Fischer’s case, this might explain how he navigated so effortlessly through unfamiliar or disorienting positions, adapting faster than his opponents.

H. Fischer’s life was also marked by isolation and unpredictability. After his historic 1972 win, he withdrew from competition for 20 years, re-emerging briefly in 1992 for a rematch with Spassky. Though he won again, Fischer’s increasing paranoia and controversial views overshadowed his accomplishments. Still, many remember him not for his personal struggles, but for his unmatched brilliance at the chessboard.

Questions 27–32

Reading Passage 3 has eight paragraphs, A–H.
Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A–H, in boxes 27–32 on your answer sheet.

27. a reference to earlier examples of chess prodigies

28. an outline of what visualising chess involves

29. a claim that Fischer’s interests may not extend beyond chess

30. why Fischer’s mind is of interest to scientists

31. an outline of Fischer’s main personal focus

32, a reason why Fischer withdrew from the public eye

Questions 33–36

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3?

In boxes 33–36 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 about this

33. Fischer was the youngest person ever to become U.S. Chess Champion.

34. Columbia University scanned Fischer’s brain during his lifetime.

35. Fischer’s second match with Spassky ended in a loss.

36. Chess engines operate using strategies similar to Fischer’s methods.

Questions 37–40

Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 37–40 on your answer sheet.

How the research was carried out

Valenti’s team analysed old 37 __________ of Fischer’s behaviour, including footage and commentary. Their profiling suggested his 38 __________ lobe network helped him maintain focus under pressure. Although they lacked direct brain data, they found similarities between his thinking and 39 __________ systems. In addition, Fischer’s superior 40 __________ intelligence may have allowed him to imagine and manipulate board positions with exceptional ease.

Click below to see the answers for this test Questions 27–32 Which paragraph contains the following information? 27.A reference to earlier examples of chess prodigies ➡️ D “...Paul Morphy of New Orleans was hailed as a chess genius... José Raúl Capablanca...” 28.An outline of what visualising chess involves ➡️ E “Top chess players often speak of ‘visualising’ games many moves ahead...” 29.A claim that Fischer’s abilities may not extend beyond chess ➡️ C “Although his mother hoped he would pursue broader academic interests, Fischer was single-minded...” 30.Why Fischer’s mind is of interest to scientists ➡️ B “Fischer’s genius intrigued not just the chess world but also psychologists and neuroscientists...” 31.An outline of Fischer’s main personal focus ➡️ C “Chess, he often said, was his life’s only true calling.” 32.A reason why Fischer withdrew from the public eye ➡️ H “Fischer’s life was also marked by isolation and unpredictability... increasing paranoia and controversial views...” ________________________________________ Questions 33–36 TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN 33.Fischer was the youngest person ever to become U.S. Chess Champion. ➡️ NOT GIVEN The passage says he became U.S. Champion at 14, but does not state if he was the youngest ever. 34.Columbia University scanned Fischer’s brain during his lifetime. ➡️ FALSE “Though no brain scans were available...” 35.Fischer’s second match with Spassky ended in a loss. ➡️ FALSE “Though he won again...” (about the 1992 rematch) 36.Chess engines operate using strategies similar to Fischer’s methods. ➡️ TRUE “...his cognitive pathways resembled those of modern-day chess engines, which use probability and pattern data...” ________________________________________ Questions 37–40 Summary Completion – ONE WORD ONLY How the research was carried out Valenti’s team analysed old 37. records of Fischer’s behaviour, including footage and commentary. Their profiling suggested his 38. frontal lobe network helped him maintain focus under pressure. Although they lacked direct brain data, they found similarities between his thinking and 39. engine systems. In addition, Fischer’s superior 40. visual-spatial intelligence may have allowed him to imagine and manipulate board positions with exceptional ease.