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IELTS Academic Mock Test 7
The gut microbiome, food waste economics, and nutritional science.
⏱️ 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 7
Official Practice Test · Type: Academic · Difficulty: Intermediate
Listening Module
Section 1: Section 1: Health Club Enquiry
A woman enquiring about joining a health club.
1. The club has ________ membership tiers. ____________________
2. Which membership includes spa access? ____________________
3. Joining fee waived — saving £________. ____________________
4. Pool available from ________ AM. ____________________
5. How to book fitness classes? ____________________
Section 2: Section 2: Nutrition Talk
A nutritionist giving a public talk on healthy eating.
6. Adults should eat at least ________ portions of fruit/veg daily. ____________________
7. Most harmful type of fat? ____________________
8. Recommended daily salt intake: no more than ________ grams. ____________________
9. The speaker recommends cutting all carbohydrates. ____________________
10. Free booklet on ________ eating available at the back. ____________________
Reading Module
Passage 1: The Gut Microbiome
The human body contains approximately 38 trillion microbial cells — bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea collectively called the microbiome. The gut microbiome, concentrated in the large intestine, is linked to conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to depression.
Its composition is shaped by genetics, birth mode (vaginal delivery exposes infants to maternal microbiota; caesarean section does not), diet, antibiotic use, and environment. Diverse, plant-rich diets support more diverse and resilient microbiomes than highly processed, low-fibre diets.
The gut-brain axis — a bidirectional communication network connecting the digestive tract with the central nervous system — has attracted particular attention. Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters including serotonin; approximately 90 percent of the body's serotonin is made in the gut. Scientists are investigating links between microbiome composition and mood disorders. While probiotic interventions show modest benefits for certain conditions, scientists caution the field remains in its infancy.
Questions:
1. The human body contains approximately ________ trillion microbial cells. ____________________
2. Caesarean babies receive the same microbial exposure as vaginally delivered babies. ____________________
3. What percentage of body serotonin is produced in the gut? ____________________
4. The gut-brain axis is described as a ________ communication network. ____________________
5. Scientists fully endorse commercial probiotic product claims. ____________________
Passage 2: The Economics of Global Food Waste
One third of all food produced for human consumption — around 1.3 billion tonnes per year — is lost or wasted. This represents an economic loss of $940 billion annually and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, as decomposing food in landfill generates methane.
Food loss occurs earlier in the supply chain and is mainly a challenge in low-income countries with inadequate infrastructure and refrigeration. Food waste occurs at the retail and consumer stage and is most prevalent in high-income countries where food is cheap and tolerance for spoilage higher.
Cosmetic standards — supermarket requirements for specific shapes and sizes — lead to nutritious produce being discarded before it reaches shelves. Some retailers have introduced 'wonky vegetable' lines selling imperfect produce at a discount. Digital solutions include dynamic pricing apps that reduce prices for food near its expiry date, and redistribution platforms connecting surplus food with food banks.
Questions:
6. Food waste costs approximately $________ billion annually. ____________________
7. Where does food LOSS predominantly occur? ____________________
8. Cosmetic standards in supermarkets reduce food waste. ____________________
9. Decomposing food in landfill generates ________, a potent greenhouse gas. ____________________
10. Dynamic pricing apps can help reduce food waste at the retail stage. ____________________
Writing Module
Task 1 – Table
Prompt: The table shows calories and key nutrients in five popular fast food meals. Summarise the main features and make comparisons.
Image Description: Burger: 850cal, 42% fat RDA, 55% sodium; Pizza slice: 310cal, 20% fat, 35% sodium; Fried chicken: 520cal, 38% fat, 48% sodium; Fish & chips: 730cal, 35% fat, 30% sodium; Salad box: 220cal, 12% fat, 15% sodium.
Minimum Words: 150
Task 2 – Essay
Prompt: Some argue that free healthcare should be available to all citizens as a human right. Others believe individuals should finance their own medical care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Minimum Words: 250
Speaking Module
Part 1 – Introduction
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- How often do you exercise?
- Do you pay attention to food ingredients?
- Is healthy food affordable where you live?
Part 2 – Long Turn
Cue Card: Describe a time when you made a significant change to improve your health.
- What the change was
- Why you decided
- What challenges you faced
- What the results were
Part 3 – Discussion
- Should governments regulate food advertising to children?
- Why have obesity rates risen in many countries?
- What role do schools play in shaping children's eating habits?
- Is healthy food cost really a barrier, or a matter of priorities?