IELTS Rewind

IELTS Reading Practice Test: Plant ‘thermometer’ triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat

Practice your IELTS reading skills with this comprehensive 14-question test. Time limit: 20 minutes.

Reading Passage Content Summary

## Plant ‘thermometer’ triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat A photoreceptor molecule in plant cells has been found to have a second job as a thermometer after dark – allowing plants to read seasonal temperature changes. Scientists say the discovery could help breed crops that are...

Question Types Included

  • true-false-not-given (6 questions)
  • matching-information (5 questions)
  • sentence-completion (3 questions)

Test Information

  • Total Questions: 14
  • Time Limit: 20 minutes
  • Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  • Format: IELTS Academic Reading

Plant ‘thermometer’ triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat

Reading Passage Content

This page contains IELTS reading practice materials with comprehensive questions and explanations.

Reading Comprehension Questions

Questions 1–6: True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
Write FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
Write NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1 The Cambridge scientists’ discovery of the ‘thermometer molecule’ caused surprise among other scientists.

2 The target for agricultural production by 2050 could be missed.

3 Wheat and rice suffer from a rise in temperatures.

4 It may be possible to develop crops that require less water.

5 Plants grow faster in sunlight than in shade.

6 Phytochromes change their state at the same speed day and night.

Questions 7–11: Matching Information

Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A–H, in boxes 7–11.

7. mention of specialists who can make use of the research findings
8. a reference to a potential benefit of the research findings
9. scientific support for a traditional saying
10. a reference to people traditionally making plans based on plant behaviour
11. a reference to where the research has been reported

Questions 12–14: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 12–14.

12. Daffodils are likely to flower early in response to weather.

13. If ash trees come into leaf before oak trees, the weather in will probably be wet.

14. The research was carried out using a particular species of .

Ready to Start?
Customize your exam settings and begin your reading test
Exam Duration:
min
Standard test • Range: 5-180 minutes
20 min
14 questions
IELTS Reading #103: Plant ‘thermometer’ triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat | IELTS Rewind