Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 575
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 575 – PASSAGE – 3
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 575
READING PASSAGE – 3
The Rise of the Tiny House Movement
In recent years, a growing number of people around the world have chosen to downsize their living spaces and embrace the tiny house movement—a social and architectural trend that advocates for simplified living in compact homes, usually under 400 square feet (approximately 37 square meters). This shift is not simply about reducing space but also about promoting sustainability, affordability, and a more intentional lifestyle.
The movement gained momentum in the early 2000s, particularly in the United States, as the cost of living in urban centres rose sharply. Housing affordability became a critical issue for young professionals, retirees, and even middle-income earners. The 2008 financial crisis further accelerated the trend when many homeowners lost their properties due to foreclosures. As a result, some individuals began building smaller, more economical homes, often on wheels, to avoid hefty mortgages.
IELTS General Reading Test
A tiny house typically includes all the essentials of a conventional home—bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living space—designed with maximum efficiency. Clever design features such as lofted sleeping areas, foldable furniture, and built-in storage allow residents to make the most of every inch. Some tiny homes are placed on trailers, enabling owners to move frequently without giving up their home. Others are stationary and built on small plots of land or in cooperative communities that cater specifically to tiny house dwellers.
Beyond financial concerns, environmental motivations play a major role in the popularity of tiny homes. These residences consume significantly less electricity and water and produce a smaller carbon footprint. Many are equipped with solar panels, composting toilets, and rainwater collection systems. The appeal of living off-grid, particularly in rural or natural settings, has led many people to embrace a minimalist way of life with fewer possessions and reduced environmental impact.
IELTS General Reading Test
However, the tiny house lifestyle is not without its challenges. Zoning laws and building regulations in many regions still do not accommodate tiny houses, especially mobile ones. In some areas, it is illegal to live full-time in a tiny house due to minimum size requirements for dwellings. Moreover, adjusting to limited space can be difficult for families or individuals accustomed to larger homes. Privacy, storage, and hosting guests can become significant obstacles. Critics also argue that while tiny houses may reduce the cost of housing, they are not a scalable solution to the broader housing crisis.
Despite these hurdles, the movement continues to grow. Television programs and social media have helped popularise the concept, and several companies now specialise in designing and building custom tiny homes. Workshops, festivals, and online forums allow enthusiasts to share ideas and resources, creating a strong community spirit among those who choose to live tiny.
IELTS General Reading Test
Interestingly, governments and non-profit organisations have also begun to take notice. In some US cities, tiny houses are being used as transitional shelters for homeless populations, providing a safer and more stable environment than traditional shelters. In Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe, eco-villages and cooperative housing projects are using tiny houses as an innovative solution to both environmental concerns and social housing needs.
Ultimately, the tiny house movement challenges conventional ideas about success, ownership, and comfort. It asks a fundamental question: how much space do we really need to live a meaningful life? For many, the answer lies not in square footage, but in the freedom that comes from living with less.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 28–32
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
28. The idea of building smaller homes became more common after the __________.
29. Foldable furniture and lofted beds are examples of __________ used in tiny homes.
30. Some tiny homes are designed for relocation and are built on __________.
31. Composting toilets and rainwater systems help some tiny homes to operate __________.
32. Local laws often restrict tiny houses due to __________ for permanent homes.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 33–37
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
33. Most tiny houses in cities are constructed underground to save space.
34. Some cities in the US use tiny homes to help reduce homelessness.
35. Tiny houses are usually more expensive than conventional homes of the same size.
36. People often need to make lifestyle changes to adjust to living in tiny houses.
37. The passage suggests that tiny houses can completely solve the housing crisis.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 38–40
Match each statement with the correct group or individual.
Choose the correct letter A–D.
Who is associated with the following ideas?
A. Tiny house residents
B. Critics of the movement
C. Governments and NGOs
D. Tiny house designers and builders
38. Believe that large homes are not necessary for a meaningful life
39. View tiny homes as a creative tool for social housing
40. Provide custom-made compact living solutions
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
28. 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS
29. CLEVER DESIGN FEATURES
30. TRAILERS
31. OFF-GRID
32. MINIMUM SIZE REQUIREMENTS
33. FALSE
34. TRUE
35. FALSE
36. TRUE
37. FALSE
38. A
39. C
40. D
IELTS General Reading Test