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AcademicIntermediate
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IELTS Academic Mock Test 3
Marine ecology and urban planning passages. Ideal for Band 6–7 preparation.
⏱️ Total: 2h 45min
❓ 120 Questions
📋 4 Modules
Test Modules
🎧
Listening
⏱ 40 min•40 questions
4 sections with audio recordings
📖
Reading
⏱ 60 min•40 questions
3 passages with varied question types
✍️
Writing
⏱ 60 min•2 tasks
Task 1 (150 words) + Task 2 (250 words)
🎤
Speaking
⏱ 15 min•3 questions
3 parts — introduction, cue card, discussion
Before You Begin
💻
Technical Requirements
- ✓ Stable internet connection
- ✓ Chrome or Firefox browser
- ✓ Microphone (for Speaking module)
- ✓ Headphones recommended
📝
Test Rules
- ✓ You cannot pause a module once started
- ✓ Answers are saved automatically
- ✓ Timers start immediately
- ✓ Do not refresh the page during exam
📊
Scoring
- ✓ Listening: Marked automatically
- ✓ Reading: Marked automatically
- ✓ Writing: Sample answers provided
- ✓ Speaking: Self-evaluation guide provided
IELTS Academic Mock Test 3
Official Practice Test · Type: Academic · Difficulty: Intermediate
Listening Module
Section 1: Section 1: Marine Research Centre
A student enquiring about an internship at a marine research centre.
1. The internship lasts ________ weeks. ____________________
2. What qualification is required? ____________________
3. Interns receive £________ per week. ____________________
4. The application deadline is ________ November. ____________________
5. Where is the station? ____________________
Section 2: Section 2: Coastal Conservation Talk
A talk about protecting marine ecosystems.
6. Over ________ species of fish are endangered worldwide. ____________________
7. What % of oceans are protected? ____________________
8. The charity was founded in ________. ____________________
9. Which activity causes most damage? ____________________
10. Volunteers meet at the ________ car park. ____________________
Reading Module
Passage 1: Coral Reefs Under Threat
Coral reefs support approximately one quarter of all ocean species despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor. The relationship between corals and microscopic algae called zooxanthellae is fundamental to reef health — these algae live within coral tissues and provide up to 90 percent of the coral's energy. When ocean temperatures rise, corals expel the algae, turning white — a process known as bleaching.
Climate change is not the only threat. Ocean acidification weakens the calcium carbonate structures corals build. Agricultural runoff introduces nutrients that promote algal blooms smothering reef surfaces. Destructive fishing practices physically destroy reef structures built over thousands of years.
However, coral reefs have shown resilience. Scientists have identified 'super corals' adapted to warmer, more acidic conditions. Reef restoration programmes — growing heat-tolerant coral fragments in nurseries before transplanting them — have shown promising results in Florida, Australia, and the Maldives.
Questions:
1. Coral reefs cover more than 5% of the ocean floor. ____________________
2. Zooxanthellae provide up to ________% of a coral's energy. ____________________
3. What causes coral bleaching? ____________________
4. Ocean acidification strengthens coral structures. ____________________
5. Some corals have naturally adapted to harsher conditions. ____________________
Passage 2: The Urban Heat Island Effect
Cities are consistently warmer than surrounding rural areas — the difference can reach ten degrees Celsius during calm, clear nights. The primary cause is replacement of natural vegetation with heat-absorbing concrete, asphalt, and glass. Urban surfaces absorb solar radiation during the day and release it slowly at night, while forests cool the environment through evapotranspiration.
The consequences are significant. Urban heat islands increase energy consumption as residents use air conditioning, generating more heat. They also worsen air pollution by accelerating chemical reactions that produce ground-level ozone. Vulnerable populations — the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions — face elevated health risks.
City planners counter the effect using green roofs, tree-planting programmes, and light-coloured cool pavements. Research suggests increasing urban green space by just 10 percent can reduce peak temperatures by up to four degrees Celsius.
Questions:
6. Cities can be up to ________ degrees warmer than rural areas. ____________________
7. Air conditioning reduces the urban heat island effect. ____________________
8. What is evapotranspiration? ____________________
9. Cool pavements are darker than conventional asphalt. ____________________
10. Increasing green space by 10% can reduce peak temperatures by up to ________ degrees. ____________________
Writing Module
Task 1 – Map
Prompt: The maps below show the development of a small fishing village between 1970 and 2020. Summarise the information, selecting main features and making comparisons.
Image Description: 1970: Small harbour, 12 fishing cottages, dirt road, one shop. 2020: Large marina, 80 holiday apartments, paved road, hotel, restaurant, car park.
Minimum Words: 150
Task 2 – Essay
Prompt: Some people think governments should invest more in protecting the natural environment rather than developing infrastructure. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Minimum Words: 250
Speaking Module
Part 1 – Introduction
- Do you prefer to live near the sea or inland?
- Have you ever done outdoor activities like hiking or snorkelling?
- How important is environmental protection to you personally?
- Do you think your city is getting greener or more built-up?
Part 2 – Long Turn
Cue Card: Describe a natural place you found beautiful.
- Where it was
- When you visited
- What you did there
- Why it was special
Part 3 – Discussion
- Why do people feel disconnected from nature?
- Is ecotourism always beneficial for local communities?
- What responsibilities do individuals have for environmental protection?
- How might rising sea levels affect coastal communities?