Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Academic Reading Test 577
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 577 – PASSAGE – 1
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST – 577
READING PASSAGE – 1
The Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Health and Society
Urban green spaces—such as parks, community gardens, and natural reserves—are increasingly recognized as essential components of sustainable city living. These areas not only contribute to environmental quality by reducing air pollution and urban heat but also have profound effects on public health and social cohesion. The importance of green spaces has grown alongside rapid urbanization, where rising populations and dense infrastructures often limit access to natural environments. Urban planners, health professionals, and policymakers now emphasize the multifaceted benefits of green spaces, advocating for their preservation and enhancement within city landscapes.
One of the primary environmental roles of urban green spaces lies in their ability to improve air quality. Trees and vegetation act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone, which are prevalent in congested urban areas. Moreover, through processes such as transpiration and shading, green spaces help mitigate the urban heat island effect—a phenomenon where city centers experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural zones due to concrete, asphalt, and limited vegetation. This cooling effect can reduce energy consumption associated with air conditioning, thereby indirectly contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
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In terms of human health, proximity to green spaces has been linked with numerous positive outcomes. Regular exposure to natural environments encourages physical activity, which reduces risks of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Psychological benefits are also significant: green spaces provide restorative settings that decrease stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Research indicates that even brief visits to parks can improve mood and cognitive function, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of accessible nature. These effects underscore the role of green spaces as preventive health tools in increasingly urban societies.
Socially, urban green spaces serve as vital community hubs where people gather for recreation, social interaction, and cultural events. Such areas foster a sense of belonging and community identity, enhancing social ties and reducing feelings of isolation. Community gardens, in particular, offer residents opportunities to collaborate, learn about sustainable practices, and engage in food production, promoting social inclusion and environmental awareness. However, disparities in access to quality green spaces remain a challenge; disadvantaged neighborhoods often have fewer and poorer-quality parks, exacerbating social inequalities and health disparities.
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Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches in urban planning. Cities are increasingly incorporating “green infrastructure,” including green roofs, vertical gardens, and permeable surfaces, to increase vegetated areas without demanding additional land. Furthermore, participatory planning involving local communities helps ensure green spaces meet residents’ needs and encourages stewardship. Policymakers are also focusing on equitable distribution to ensure all citizens can benefit from natural urban environments.
In summary, urban green spaces are indispensable for ecological balance, public health, and social well-being in modern cities. Their protection and expansion demand coordinated efforts that integrate environmental science, health policy, and urban design to create healthier, more resilient urban communities for the future.
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Questions 1–7
Do the following statements agree with the information 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
1. Urban green spaces help cities reduce energy use related to cooling.
2. Community gardens are mainly for growing food for commercial sale.
3. Exposure to natural environments can improve mental health.
4. Urban green spaces are equally distributed in all neighborhoods.
5. Green roofs and vertical gardens require less physical space than parks.
6. Physical health benefits of green spaces include reducing the risk of diabetes.
7. City planners use community input to design green spaces.
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Questions 8–13
Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
8. Trees absorb pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and __________.
9. The urban heat island effect is caused by materials like __________ and asphalt.
10. Brief visits to parks can improve __________ and cognitive function.
11. Community gardens promote social inclusion and __________.
12. Green infrastructure includes vertical gardens and __________ roofs.
13. Creating healthier urban communities requires integrating environmental science, health policy, and __________.
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IELTS Academic Reading Test
ANSWERS
1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. TRUE
6. TRUE
7. TRUE
8. PARTICULATE MATTER
9. CONCRETE
10. MOOD
11. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
12. GREEN
13. URBAN DESIGN
IELTS Academic Reading Test