In the real IELTS exam, you would listen to audio recordings. Read the transcripts below and answer the comprehension questions. This section contains 2 recordings with 10 questions total.
Main cause: surfaces absorbing solar radiation
City centres can be up to degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas
One effective solution is installing on top of buildings
Using materials for roads and pavements helps reflect sunlight
Cities should also increase the number of to provide natural cooling
Read the academic passage on the left and answer the 10 multiple-choice questions on the right. Use the navigation buttons to move between questions. In the real IELTS Reading test, you have 60 minutes for 3 passages and 40 questions.
Urban planning, as a formal discipline, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization that transformed cities across Europe and North America. Before this period, cities had largely developed organically, with little coordinated planning beyond the construction of major public works like roads and aqueducts. The Industrial Revolution, however, brought unprecedented challenges: overcrowding, pollution, inadequate housing, and the spread of disease in working-class neighborhoods.
One of the earliest and most influential urban planners was Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, who redesigned Paris in the mid-1800s under Napoleon III. Haussmann's renovation of Paris involved demolishing medieval neighborhoods and replacing them with wide boulevards, parks, and uniform building facades. While his work was controversial—displacing thousands of residents and destroying historic areas—it established principles that would influence urban planning for generations. The Parisian model emphasized aesthetic unity, improved circulation through broad streets, and the integration of green spaces into the urban fabric.
In Britain, the Garden City movement, pioneered by Ebenezer Howard in 1898, offered an alternative vision. Howard proposed creating self-contained communities surrounded by greenbelts, combining the benefits of urban and rural living. His ideas were partially realized in towns like Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, which featured low-density housing, ample green space, and a mix of residential and industrial areas. The Garden City concept influenced suburban development worldwide and contributed to modern zoning practices that separate residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
The 20th century saw the rise of modernist planning, epitomized by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. His vision of the "Radiant City" featured high-rise apartment blocks set in parkland, separated from areas designated for work and recreation. Le Corbusier believed that rational planning and modern architecture could solve urban problems and create healthier, more efficient cities. While few of his grand schemes were fully realized, his ideas profoundly influenced post-World War II urban development, particularly in the construction of large housing projects and the emphasis on automobile-oriented infrastructure.
However, by the 1960s, critics like Jane Jacobs began challenging modernist planning principles. In her seminal work "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," Jacobs argued that diverse, mixed-use neighborhoods with active street life were essential to urban vitality. She criticized large-scale urban renewal projects that demolished existing communities and replaced them with impersonal superblocks. Jacobs' emphasis on preservation, community participation, and human-scale development helped spark a shift toward more contextual and participatory approaches to urban planning.
Today, urban planning continues to evolve in response to new challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and rapid urbanization in developing countries. Contemporary planners increasingly focus on sustainability, seeking to create compact, walkable cities with efficient public transportation and reduced environmental impact. The principles of New Urbanism, transit-oriented development, and smart growth reflect ongoing efforts to balance economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship in shaping the cities of the future.
The IELTS Academic Writing test has 2 tasks. You should spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (minimum 150 words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (minimum 250 words). Use the timers to practise under timed conditions.
The table below shows the percentage of households in different income brackets that owned smartphones in 2015 and 2023.
| Income Bracket | 2015 (%) | 2023 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | 45% | 78% |
| $30,000–$60,000 | 68% | 92% |
| $60,000–$100,000 | 82% | 96% |
| Over $100,000 | 91% | 98% |
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
Some people believe that social media has a positive effect on society, while others think it has a negative impact.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Structure Tips
The IELTS Speaking test lasts 11–14 minutes and consists of 3 parts conducted face-to-face with an examiner. Below you'll find example questions with sample answers to help you prepare.
You have 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes.
Describe a place you visited that you particularly liked.
You should say:
Introduction: I'd like to talk about a trip I took to Kraków, a beautiful city in southern Poland, which I visited last autumn with a group of close friends.
What we did: We spent three days exploring the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited the Wawel Royal Castle, wandered through the Main Market Square, and tried the incredible local cuisine — particularly the traditional pierogi and obwarzanki, which are a type of pretzel. One highlight was visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine just outside the city, which has these extraordinary underground chambers and even a chapel carved entirely from salt.
Why I liked it: What I loved most about Kraków was the atmosphere. Unlike Warsaw, which feels very modern and fast-paced, Kraków has this wonderful sense of history and tranquillity. Walking through the narrow medieval streets, you really feel transported to another era. The people were also incredibly warm and welcoming, which made the experience even more memorable. I would definitely go back — there's still so much I didn't get to see.
The examiner asks more abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic.