Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Academic Reading Test 578
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 578 – PASSAGE – 1
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST – 578
READING PASSAGE – 1
The Secret Life of Urban Wildlife
A Cities are often seen as concrete jungles—densely populated places where buildings replace trees, and traffic noise drowns out birdsong. Yet, amid the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, a surprisingly rich variety of wildlife has found a way to thrive. In fact, some animals are not just surviving in cities—they’re adapting and even flourishing.
B One of the most remarkable examples is the peregrine falcon. Traditionally nesting on cliff faces, these birds have found a perfect substitute in tall buildings and towers. They now patrol city skies across London, New York, and Delhi, preying on urban pigeons with astonishing agility. Similarly, raccoons in North America have developed impressive problem-solving abilities to access food from human sources, such as bins and pet doors.
IELTS Academic Reading Test
C Cities, despite their apparent hostility to wildlife, provide a consistent supply of food and shelter. Restaurants, markets, and homes generate large amounts of waste, much of which becomes an unintended buffet for opportunistic creatures. Moreover, urban heat islands—areas where city temperatures remain warmer than surrounding countryside—create a more stable environment for certain animals during colder months.
D Perhaps more surprising is how some animals are evolving to suit their urban environments. A study in Germany found that blackbirds living in cities sing at a higher pitch than their rural counterparts to be heard over traffic. In another case, researchers observed that city-dwelling lizards in Puerto Rico have developed longer limbs and stickier toe pads, allowing them to climb smoother surfaces such as walls and glass windows.
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E However, not all adaptations are beneficial in the long run. Animals that become too dependent on humans for food can face issues when access is disrupted. Additionally, some species, like coyotes or monkeys, may pose safety concerns in residential areas. Urban environments can also increase the risk of vehicle collisions, exposure to pollutants, and loss of genetic diversity due to fragmented habitats.
F In response, several cities are now promoting “coexistence strategies.” Green roofs, wildlife corridors, and animal crossings are just a few ways urban planners are trying to balance development with conservation. Public education campaigns also help residents understand how to reduce conflicts with wildlife and appreciate the ecological benefits these animals bring—such as controlling pests or pollinating plants.
IELTS Academic Reading Test
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. Cities are not suitable for any form of wildlife to survive.
2. Raccoons have shown the ability to adapt to urban challenges.
3. Urban environments offer a reliable supply of food to some animals.
4. Peregrine falcons avoid cities because of traffic noise.
5. Urban heat islands can benefit some wildlife in winter.
6. All species benefit equally from living in cities.
7. City lizards have developed physical changes to better adapt to urban surfaces.
IELTS Academic Reading Test
Questions 8–13
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
8. Peregrine falcons use __________ as a substitute for cliffs.
9. Blackbirds in cities sing at a __________ to compete with background noise.
10. Some city animals risk becoming too __________ on human food sources.
11. Urban environments may cause a drop in __________ due to divided habitats.
12. Cities are designing __________ to allow wildlife to move safely.
13. Wildlife in cities may help by reducing pests and aiding in __________.
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IELTS Academic Reading Test
ANSWERS
1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. TRUE
6. FALSE
7. TRUE
8. TALL BUILDINGS
9. HIGHER PITCH
10. DEPENDENT
11. GENETIC DIVERSITY
12. WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
13. POLLINATING PLANTS
IELTS Academic Reading Test