Aptis Advanced Practice Test Reading

Instructions

Please do not write on the question paper. Use the answer paper.

Answer as many questions as you can.

Time yourself properly to finish all the tasks.

Reading (60 minutes)

01

Four people were interviewed for an environmental magazine about their experiences in nature conservation. Read the texts and answer the questions below.

Isla

"I have spent the last three summers volunteering in national parks, helping scientists monitor endangered wildlife. Although the work often involves long days in difficult weather conditions, I find it incredibly rewarding. My favourite task is tracking birds because it allows me to observe behaviours that most visitors never notice. Next year, I hope to join a project focusing on marine ecosystems."

Ethan

"I never imagined that gardening would become such a passion. What started as a small vegetable patch behind my house has grown into a community project involving dozens of local families. Besides producing fresh food, we've transformed an abandoned piece of land into a space where wildlife has gradually returned. Watching children become interested in nature has been the greatest reward."

Priya

"As a wildlife photographer, I travel to remote forests and mountains searching for rare species. Taking a single photograph can require days of patience because disturbing the animals is never an option. My images are now used by conservation organisations to raise awareness about habitat destruction. While travelling constantly can be exhausting, I wouldn't exchange this career for any other."

Leo

"I work as a marine biologist studying coral reefs. Climate change has dramatically affected many of the ecosystems I visit, and witnessing that decline can be emotionally difficult. However, scientific research is helping us understand how some reefs adapt more successfully than others. My ambition is to contribute to restoration projects that protect these habitats for future generations."

Who...

1. enjoys observing animal behaviour?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

2. transformed unused land into a valuable habitat?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

3. creates material to support environmental campaigns?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

4. plans to work in a different natural environment?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

5. studies the effects of climate change?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

6. believes young people benefit from connecting with nature?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

7. refuses to interfere with wildlife while working?

A. Isla
B. Ethan
C. Priya
D. Leo

02

Read the passage quickly. Choose a heading for each numbered paragraph (1–7) from the list at the end of the text. There is one more heading than you need.

Rewilding: Giving Nature a Second Chance

Across the world, conservationists are increasingly embracing the idea of rewilding. Rather than carefully managing every aspect of an ecosystem, rewilding aims to restore natural processes and allow wildlife to recover with minimal human intervention.

8. 1)

For centuries, people have altered landscapes through farming, construction, and industry. As forests disappeared and wetlands were drained, many native species lost their habitats and populations declined dramatically.

9. 2)

The concept of rewilding emerged during the late twentieth century. Conservationists argued that restoring ecosystems required more than simply protecting isolated species; it demanded rebuilding entire natural systems.

10. 3)

Large herbivores and predators often play essential roles within ecosystems. Their behaviour influences vegetation, water systems, and even the distribution of other wildlife. Reintroducing these animals can therefore produce widespread ecological benefits.

11. 4)

Several successful projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of rewilding. In some regions, rivers have returned to natural courses, forests have regenerated, and biodiversity has increased significantly within only a few decades.

12. 5)

Despite these successes, not everyone supports rewilding. Farmers, landowners, and local communities sometimes worry about predators threatening livestock or restrictions affecting traditional land use.

13. 6)

Scientists continue to monitor rewilding projects carefully. Long-term research helps determine which methods produce sustainable results and how ecosystems respond to changing environmental conditions.

14. 7)

As climate change accelerates, many experts believe rewilding could become an increasingly important strategy for protecting biodiversity. However, they emphasise that no single solution can address every environmental challenge.

Headings

1. Monitoring long-term results

2. Human impact on natural habitats

3. A controversial conservation strategy

4. The origins of rewilding

5. The importance of key species

6. Looking towards the future

7. Evidence that restoration works

8. Tourism as a conservation tool

03

Read the article below. Choose the correct option to fill each gap.

Why Wetlands Matter

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitats for countless species while also protecting communities from floods and improving water quality.

Unfortunately, many wetlands have disappeared because of urban development and agriculture. Conservationists argue that protecting these environments is becoming increasingly 15) ________ as biodiversity continues to decline.

Wetlands also store significant amounts of carbon, making them an important natural defence against climate change. Scientists therefore encourage governments to invest in restoration projects that can 16) ________ environmental damage.

In addition to their ecological value, wetlands support tourism, education, and scientific research. Visitors often enjoy observing birds and other wildlife in areas that would otherwise remain 17) ________.

Nevertheless, restoring wetlands is not always straightforward. Successful projects require cooperation between governments, local communities, and environmental organisations. Without careful planning, conservation efforts may fail to achieve their 18) ________ objectives.

Many researchers believe wetlands will become even more valuable in the coming decades as climate conditions become less predictable. Protecting these ecosystems is therefore considered both an environmental and an 19) ________ priority.

Options

15.

A. unnecessary

B. urgent

C. routine

16.

A. reverse

B. ignore

C. postpone

17.

A. inaccessible

B. ordinary

C. polluted

18.

A. financial

B. conservation

C. historical

19.

A. ecological

B. industrial

C. commercial

04

Read the two articles about forests. The articles were written by different authors. Choose the correct option to fill each gap.

Article 1

Forests perform countless functions beyond providing timber. They regulate climate, store carbon, reduce soil erosion, and support an extraordinary variety of plants and animals. As awareness of these benefits has grown, many governments have introduced stricter policies to reduce deforestation.

Despite this progress, illegal logging continues in some regions. Environmental organisations argue that stronger international cooperation is needed to 20) ________ this problem effectively.

Many countries have also invested in large-scale tree planting programmes. Although these initiatives receive widespread support, scientists point out that planting trees alone cannot fully replace ancient forests, whose ecosystems have developed over 21) ________.

Article 2

Modern conservation increasingly focuses on protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species. Healthy forests depend upon complex relationships between plants, animals, fungi, insects, and microorganisms.

Researchers warn that climate change may alter these relationships in unpredictable ways. Some species could migrate successfully, whereas others may struggle to 22) ________ changing conditions.

Conservationists therefore emphasise the importance of maintaining large, connected habitats that allow wildlife to move freely. Such landscapes are generally more 23) ________ to environmental change than fragmented forests.

Although significant challenges remain, scientists are optimistic that improved research, public awareness, and international cooperation will continue to 24) ________ conservation efforts worldwide.

Ultimately, protecting forests requires balancing environmental, economic, and social priorities. Achieving this balance will largely 25) ________ on collaboration between governments, businesses, scientists, and local communities.

Options

20.

A. tackle

B. avoid

C. create

21.

A. weeks

B. centuries

C. seasons

22.

A. adapt to

B. contribute to

C. withdraw from

23.

A. resistant

B. vulnerable

C. similar

24.

A. strengthen

B. delay

C. prevent

25.

A. insist

B. depend

C. focus