Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 577
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 577 – PASSAGE – 3
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 577
READING PASSAGE – 3
The Artificial Island of Velora
The island of Velora, located in the wide azure waters of the Tirenic Ocean, is not a natural landmass. It is an entirely man-made island, constructed over a span of sixteen years using advanced marine engineering techniques. Originally intended as a research station for oceanic studies, Velora has since developed into a small but functional residential and ecological zone, offering an intriguing model for future human settlement in regions facing land shortages.
The idea for Velora was proposed in a strategy document called “The Ocean Settlement Project,” published by the Independent Sea Futures Council. The primary aim was to experiment with long-term habitation on artificial land in environmentally sensitive ways. The island was built using recycled construction material, synthetic geo-foam, and reinforced mesh structures. To ensure minimal disruption to aquatic life, construction avoided piling methods that disturb seabed ecosystems.
IELTS General Reading Test
Today, Velora supports a rotating population of about 450 people, including engineers, biologists, energy technicians, and a few permanent residents. The island has no private cars and runs entirely on wind and solar power. Compact residential pods provide housing for staff, while the central dome-shaped structure functions as a shared working space, laboratory, and greenhouse. Around the perimeter, specially designed walls double as water filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing treated water back into the ocean.
The governance of Velora is another unique aspect. It operates under a framework known as “Participatory Rotation,” where leadership roles change every six months among a selected panel. These panels include residents, scientific advisors, and representatives from partner environmental agencies. The aim is to ensure a balance between scientific research, sustainable living, and inclusive decision-making.
IELTS General Reading Test
Education and public engagement are part of Velora’s philosophy. Through live-streamed sessions and remote virtual tours, students and eco-enthusiasts from other countries can observe the island’s environmental management practices. A small number of internships are offered annually to young people between 18 and 25, allowing them to live on the island and participate in day-to-day sustainability tasks.
Despite its innovation, Velora faces challenges. Limited space and exposure to ocean storms are constant concerns. Supply delivery is entirely weather-dependent, and high waves often delay essentials. Furthermore, while energy independence has largely been achieved, freshwater still needs to be delivered weekly via cargo boat. There are also psychological challenges related to isolation and the strict communal lifestyle, which some visitors find difficult to adapt to.
IELTS General Reading Test
Nevertheless, Velora has inspired several new artificial island proposals by coastal regions dealing with climate change and rising sea levels. Whether or not it can be scaled up or replicated elsewhere remains a question, but as a model of responsible marine engineering and human adaptability, it has made a significant mark.
Questions 28–33
The passage has seven paragraphs, A–G.
Choose the correct paragraph (A–G) for each piece of information below.
You may use each letter only once.
28. A policy of changing leadership regularly
29. Problems caused by storms and wave activity
30. Materials used in the construction of the island
31. The original purpose of building the island
32. Opportunities for young individuals to visit Velora
33. Interest in using Velora’s model in other places
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 34–40
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
34. Velora is built near the coastline of a large country.
35. Construction techniques were selected to protect marine ecosystems.
36. Velora uses seaweed farms to produce energy.
37. The island’s central structure is used for multiple purposes.
38. Only people over the age of 25 can apply for the internship program.
39. Residents of Velora are not allowed to use personal vehicles.
40. The success of Velora has led to more research on land-based climate solutions.
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
28. D
29. F
30. B
31. A
32. E
33. G
34. NOT GIVEN
35. TRUE
36. FALSE
37. TRUE
38. FALSE
39. TRUE
40. FALSE
IELTS General Reading Test