Academic Reading Practice Test.

You will get 3 passages with a total of 40 questions and 60 minutes. That means you need to spend about 20 minutes per reading passage.

Reading passage 1 (practice test) - Bioluminescence

A Imagine walking through a dark forest at night. Suddenly, you notice a soft glow emanating from the ground. This ethereal light is not from a flashlight or any human-made source, but rather from a natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence – the production and emission of light by living organisms. While humans cannot naturally produce light, many species across various ecosystems have evolved this remarkable ability. Bioluminescence is particularly prevalent in marine environments, where it serves a multitude of purposes.

B Bioluminescence occurs through a chemical reaction within an organism's body. This process involves a light-emitting molecule called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. When these two components interact in the presence of oxygen, they produce light. The specific chemicals and resulting colours can vary between species, ranging from blue-green in marine organisms to yellow-green in terrestrial creatures.

C In the ocean, bioluminescence serves several crucial functions. Some deep-sea predators use it to illuminate and attract prey in the darkness of the abyss. Conversely, certain prey species employ bioluminescent countershading to camouflage themselves against the faint light filtering down from above. Other marine organisms use bioluminescence for communication, particularly in mating rituals.

D One fascinating example of bioluminescence is found in the firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans) of Japan. These small cephalopods, typically measuring 5-7 cm in length, possess a complex array of light-producing organs called photophores. The squid's body is covered with three distinct types of photophores. The first type consists of three large, oval-shaped organs located at the tip of each of the squid's arms. These arm-tip photophores can produce an intense blue light and are primarily used for communication and mating displays.

E The second type of photophore in the firefly squid is found dotted around the mantle. These organs are slightly smaller than the arm-tip photophores, though more numerous, and can emit a bright blue-green light. They play a crucial role in the squid's bioluminescent countershading, helping it blend in with the faint sunlight from above when viewed from below by predators.

F The firefly squid's eyes also play a crucial role in its bioluminescent abilities. Surrounding the eyes are photophores that emit light, primarily blue, but sometimes green as well. These eye-associated photophores help in close-range communication and may also assist in confusing predators or prey by creating distracting flashes of light. The eyes themselves are adapted to detect a range of light wavelengths, including both blue and green, allowing the squid to effectively use and respond to its own bioluminescence.

G During mating season, millions of firefly squid gather in the waters of Toyama Bay, creating a spectacular light show. The males use their arm-tip photophores to attract females, flashing intricate patterns of light. The females respond with their own light displays, creating a dazzling bioluminescent ballet. This display not only serves a biological purpose but has also become a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the beauty of bioluminescence on a grand scale.

H The firefly squid's eyes are also specially adapted to detect and process bioluminescent signals. Unlike many other squid species, their eyes are relatively large and positioned on short stalks at the sides of their head. This arrangement provides excellent peripheral vision, allowing them to spot the bioluminescent displays of potential mates or predators from various angles.

I Scientists are particularly interested in the firefly squid's ability to produce multiple colours of light. Most bioluminescent organisms can only produce a single color, typically blue-green. The firefly squid's unique capability to emit red light is especially intriguing, as red light is quickly absorbed in water and rarely seen in marine bioluminescence. Researchers are studying the chemical and genetic basis of this multi-color light production, hoping to unlock new possibilities for scientific and medical applications.

J The study of bioluminescence in organisms like the firefly squid extends beyond biology into chemistry, physics, and even practical applications. As we continue to uncover the secrets of these natural light shows, we not only gain insights into the intricacies of marine life but also open up new possibilities for technology and innovation inspired by nature's own light-producing mechanisms.

Diagram for questions 7-9. Japanese Firefly Squid.

Reading passage 2. The Evolution of Esports: From Niche to Mainstream

In recent years, the world of competitive video gaming, known as esports, has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once considered a niche hobby has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers, generating substantial revenues, and even being considered for inclusion in the Olympic Games. This rapid growth has brought both opportunities and challenges, raising questions about the future of this digital sport and its impact on traditional athletics.

The roots of esports can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, with early video game tournaments held in small arcades and college campuses. However, it wasn't until the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the rise of the internet and online gaming, that esports began to take shape as a more organised and widespread competitive activity. Games like StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and Quake became the cornerstones of early esports competitions, attracting dedicated players and spectators alike.

The true explosion of esports came in the 2010s, fuelled by advancements in technology, the proliferation of streaming platforms, and the increasing sophistication of game design. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games such as League of Legends and Dota 2, as well as first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, became global sensations. These games not only attracted millions of players but also began to draw substantial viewership for their competitive tournaments.

The scale of esports events has grown exponentially. Major tournaments now fill arenas and stadiums, with prize pools reaching into the millions of dollars. The International, Dota 2's premier annual tournament, boasted a prize pool of over $40 million in 2021, surpassing many traditional sports events. This financial growth has been accompanied by increased professionalisation, with players signing contracts, undergoing rigorous training regimens, and being managed by professional organisations.

The esports ecosystem has expanded beyond just players and tournaments. A whole industry has sprung up around competitive gaming, including game developers, event organisers, streaming platforms, sponsorships, and media rights. According to market research firm Newzoo, the global esports market revenue was expected to reach $1.1 billion in 2021, with projections of continued growth in the coming years.

This rapid growth and financial success have caught the attention of traditional sports organisations and investors. Many professional sports teams have started their own esports divisions, recognising the potential for cross-promotion and audience expansion. Moreover, colleges and universities have begun offering esports scholarships and developing competitive programs, further legitimising gaming as a serious pursuit.

The rise of esports has not been without controversy, however. Concerns have been raised about the sedentary nature of competitive gaming and its potential impact on physical health. Critics argue that esports lack the physical exertion and athleticism of traditional sports and should not be considered in the same category. Additionally, issues of gaming addiction, toxicity in online communities, and the need for better player welfare have become prominent topics of discussion within the industry.

Despite these challenges, the momentum behind esports shows no signs of slowing. The International Olympic Committee has even begun exploring the possibility of including esports in future Olympic Games, recognising its popularity among younger audiences. This consideration has sparked debates about the definition of sport and whether competitive gaming meets the criteria for Olympic inclusion.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of esports. While traditional sports faced cancellations and empty stadiums, esports were able to quickly adapt to online formats, providing entertainment for millions of people stuck at home. This resilience has highlighted the unique advantages of digital sports in a rapidly changing world.

Looking to the future, the esports industry faces several challenges and opportunities. Standardisation and governance remain key issues, with various leagues and tournaments operating under different rules and structures. The industry must also address concerns about player burnout, fair compensation, and long-term career prospects for athletes whose prime competitive years may be limited.

Technological advancements continue to shape the landscape of esports. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies promise to create new, immersive experiences for both players and spectators. These innovations could bridge the gap between physical and digital sports, potentially creating hybrid forms of competition that combine elements of both.

The global reach of esports presents opportunities for cultural exchange and international cooperation. Unlike traditional sports, which often have regional strongholds, esports transcend geographical boundaries, allowing players from different countries to compete on a truly level playing field. This global nature could position esports as a unifying force in an increasingly interconnected world.

As esports continue to evolve, questions about its place in society, education, and the broader sports ecosystem will persist. Will esports be fully embraced as a legitimate form of competition alongside traditional athletics? How will it impact youth engagement with physical activities? Can it maintain its rapid growth and financial success in the long term?

The trajectory of esports from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon represents a significant shift in how we perceive competition, entertainment, and even the definition of sport itself. As technology continues to reshape our world, the rise of esports may be just the beginning of a broader transformation in how we engage with games, sports, and each other in the digital age.

Reading passage 3. Quantum Computing: The Next Technological Revolution

In the realm of computing, a revolution is brewing that promises to transform our technological landscape. Quantum computing, once a theoretical concept, is now on the brink of practical realisation, offering the potential to solve complex problems that are beyond the reach of classical computers. This emerging field combines principles from quantum physics, computer science, and information theory to create a fundamentally new approach to computation.

At the heart of quantum computing lies the quantum bit, or qubit. Unlike classical bits, which can only be in a state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a phenomenon known as superposition. This property allows quantum computers to perform many calculations at once, potentially solving certain problems exponentially faster than classical computers.

Another key principle of quantum computing is entanglement, a phenomenon where qubits become interconnected in such a way that the state of one qubit cannot be described independently of the others. This allows quantum computers to process information in ways that are impossible for classical systems, opening up new possibilities for solving complex problems in fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and financial modelling.

The potential applications of quantum computing are vast and varied. In the field of cryptography, quantum computers could potentially break many of the encryption systems currently in use, necessitating the development of new, quantum-resistant cryptographic methods. On the flip side, quantum cryptography offers the promise of unbreakable encryption, secured by the fundamental laws of physics.

In the pharmaceutical industry, quantum computing could revolutionise drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions at a level of detail that is computationally infeasible with classical computers. This could dramatically reduce the time and cost of developing new medications, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating diseases that have long eluded effective therapies.

Financial institutions are also keenly interested in quantum computing's potential to optimise investment strategies, assess risk, and detect fraud more effectively. The ability to process vast amounts of data and consider multiple scenarios simultaneously could give quantum-equipped firms a significant edge in the fast-paced world of finance.

Despite its enormous potential, quantum computing faces significant challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the issue of decoherence, where qubits lose their quantum properties due to interactions with their environment. This requires quantum computers to operate at extremely low temperatures and be heavily shielded from external interference, making them complex and expensive to build and maintain.

Error correction is another major challenge. Quantum states are inherently fragile, and even tiny errors can accumulate quickly, leading to incorrect results. Developing effective error correction techniques is crucial for creating reliable quantum computers capable of performing complex calculations.

The race to achieve quantum supremacy – the point at which a quantum computer can perform a task beyond the capabilities of any classical computer – is intensifying. Tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft, as well as numerous start-ups, are investing heavily in quantum computing research and development. In 2019, Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy, though this claim has been contested by some in the scientific community.

As quantum computing technology advances, it raises important ethical and societal questions. The potential to break current encryption methods could have significant implications for privacy and national security. There are also concerns about the concentration of such powerful technology in the hands of a few large corporations or nations, potentially exacerbating existing technological disparities.

Education and workforce development in quantum computing are becoming increasingly important. Universities are beginning to offer courses and degree programmes in quantum information science, and governments are investing in initiatives to build a quantum-ready workforce.

Looking to the future, the full impact of quantum computing is still difficult to predict. While it's unlikely to replace classical computers for most everyday tasks, quantum computers could become an essential tool for solving specific, complex problems across various industries. The development of hybrid classical-quantum systems may offer a way to leverage the strengths of both approaches.

As we stand on the cusp of this technological revolution, it's clear that quantum computing has the potential to reshape our world in profound ways. From breaking and creating unbreakable codes to revolutionising drug discovery and financial modelling, quantum computers promise to unlock new realms of possibility. The journey from theory to practical application is well underway, and the coming decades are likely to bring exciting developments in this cutting-edge field.

Complete the table. Use no more than 3 words from the passage.