Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 578
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 578 – PASSAGE – 3
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 578
READING PASSAGE – 3
The History and Revival of Urban Tram Systems
Urban tram systems have played a vital role in public transportation for over a century. Initially introduced in the early 19th century, trams were once the primary mode of transport in many cities. However, their popularity declined significantly in the mid-20th century, only to experience a revival in recent decades due to environmental and urban development concerns.
Early Beginnings and Growth
The first trams were horse-drawn carriages running on fixed rails laid along city streets. This mode of transportation provided an efficient way for city dwellers to travel short distances with greater comfort and speed than walking or horse-drawn carriages on ordinary roads.
IELTS General Reading Test
By the late 1800s, the invention of the electric tram transformed urban transport. Electric trams were faster, cleaner, and capable of carrying more passengers. Cities such as San Francisco, Melbourne, Berlin, and Vienna developed extensive electric tram networks that quickly became essential to urban life.
Mid-20th Century Decline
Despite their early success, tram systems faced decline after World War II. The rise of the private automobile, combined with significant investments in road infrastructure, shifted public preferences. Governments built highways and expanded bus services, which were perceived as more flexible and modern than fixed-track trams.
IELTS General Reading Test
By the 1950s and 1960s, many cities dismantled tram lines, replacing them with buses or simply catering to car traffic. In the United States, for example, tram networks were virtually eliminated in most major cities. Similarly, London closed most of its tram routes by 1952.
Renewed Interest and Environmental Advantages
Since the late 20th century, there has been a renewed interest in tram systems. Increasing urban populations, traffic congestion, and air pollution have prompted city planners to reconsider the benefits of electric trams.
Trams produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to cars and buses, especially when powered by electricity generated from renewable sources. This makes them a more environmentally sustainable choice. In addition, trams help reduce traffic congestion by providing reliable, high-capacity transit that can attract commuters away from private vehicles.
IELTS General Reading Test
Urban Development and Social Benefits
Tram systems encourage the development of compact, pedestrian-friendly urban areas. Cities with efficient tram networks often experience revitalized city centres, with improved access to shopping, employment, and leisure.
Importantly, trams provide an accessible transportation option for all residents, including those who do not own cars or cannot drive, such as the elderly or people with disabilities.
IELTS General Reading Test
Modern Technological Improvements
Modern tram designs include low-floor vehicles for easy boarding, energy-efficient motors, and smart traffic signal prioritization to reduce delays. Cities have also extended tram lines beyond traditional urban cores to link suburbs with city centres, improving regional connectivity.
Some cities, like Strasbourg in France, Zurich in Switzerland, and Portland in the USA, are internationally recognized for their successful tram systems, which have contributed to increased public transit ridership and reduced car dependency.
IELTS General Reading Test
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the benefits, tram systems face challenges including high initial infrastructure costs, the need for street space, and disruptions during construction. Integrating trams with existing transport modes and urban layouts requires careful planning.
Nevertheless, many urban planners view trams as a crucial element of sustainable urban mobility strategies. As cities continue to grow and the need for environmentally friendly transport intensifies, tram systems are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of urban living.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 28–33
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
28. The earliest trams were powered by ________.
29. Electric trams replaced horse-drawn ones in the ________.
30. The rise of the ________ caused a decline in tram use.
31. Trams generate fewer ________ compared to cars and buses.
32. Tram networks encourage the development of ________ urban areas.
33. Modern trams use low-floor designs to improve ________.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 34–40
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this
34. Electric trams replaced horse-drawn trams in the late 1800s.
35. Trams declined mainly because they were too slow.
36. Trams produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cars.
37. Tram systems cause urban sprawl and less pedestrian activity.
38. Modern trams have low-floor designs to improve accessibility.
39. Building tram systems is often costly and disruptive.
40. Urban planners think trams will be less important in future cities.
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS:
28. HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES
29. LATE 1800S
30. PRIVATE AUTOMOBILE
31. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
32. COMPACT / PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY
33. EASY BOARDING / ACCESSIBILITY
34. TRUE
35. FALSE
36. TRUE
37. FALSE
38. TRUE
39. TRUE
40. FALSE
IELTS General Reading Test