Reading Passage Content
This page contains IELTS reading practice materials with comprehensive questions and explanations.
IELTS Reading Practice Test: Roman shipbuilding and navigation
Practice your IELTS reading skills with this comprehensive 13-question test. Time limit: 20 minutes.
Reading Passage Content Summary
## Roman shipbuilding and navigation Shipbuilding today is based on science and ships are built using computers and sophisticated tools. Shipbuilding in ancient Rome, however, was more of an art relying on estimation, inherited techniques and personal experience. The Romans were not traditionally s...
Question Types Included
- true-false-not-given (5 questions)
- summary-completion (8 questions)
Test Information
- Total Questions: 13
- Time Limit: 20 minutes
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Format: IELTS Academic Reading
Reading Comprehension Questions
Questions 1–5: 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 Romans’ shipbuilding skills were passed on to the Greeks and the Egyptians.
2 Skilled craftsmen were needed for the mortise and tenon method of fixing planks.
3 The later practice used by Mediterranean shipbuilders involved building the hull before the frame.
4 The Romans called the Mediterranean Sea Mare Nostrum because they dominated its use. before the frame.
5 Most rowers on ships were people from the Roman army.
Questions 6–13: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Write the answer in ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 6–13.
Warships and merchant ships
Warships were designed so that they were 6. and moved quickly. They often remained afloat after battles and were able to sail close to land as they lacked any additional weight. A battering ram made of 7. was included in the design for attacking and damaging the timber and oars of enemy ships. Warships, such as the ‘trireme’, had rowers on three different 8. . Unlike warships, merchant ships had a broad 9. that lay far below the surface of the sea. Merchant ships were steered through the water with the help of large rudders and a tiller bar. They had both square and 10. sails. On merchant ships and warships, 11. was used to ensure rowers moved their oars in and out of the water at the same time. Quantities of agricultural goods such as 12. were transported by merchant ships to two main ports in Italy. The ships were pulled to the shore by 13. . When the weather was clear and they could see islands or land, sailors used landmarks that they knew to help them navigate their route.
Ready to Start?
Customize your exam settings and begin your reading test
Exam Duration:
min
Standard test • Range: 5-180 minutes
20 min
13 questions
Roman shipbuilding and navigation
Reading Passage Content
This page contains IELTS reading practice materials with comprehensive questions and explanations.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Questions 1–5: 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 Romans’ shipbuilding skills were passed on to the Greeks and the Egyptians.
2 Skilled craftsmen were needed for the mortise and tenon method of fixing planks.
3 The later practice used by Mediterranean shipbuilders involved building the hull before the frame.
4 The Romans called the Mediterranean Sea Mare Nostrum because they dominated its use. before the frame.
5 Most rowers on ships were people from the Roman army.
Questions 6–13: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Write the answer in ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 6–13.
Warships and merchant ships
Warships were designed so that they were 6. and moved quickly. They often remained afloat after battles and were able to sail close to land as they lacked any additional weight. A battering ram made of 7. was included in the design for attacking and damaging the timber and oars of enemy ships. Warships, such as the ‘trireme’, had rowers on three different 8. . Unlike warships, merchant ships had a broad 9. that lay far below the surface of the sea. Merchant ships were steered through the water with the help of large rudders and a tiller bar. They had both square and 10. sails. On merchant ships and warships, 11. was used to ensure rowers moved their oars in and out of the water at the same time. Quantities of agricultural goods such as 12. were transported by merchant ships to two main ports in Italy. The ships were pulled to the shore by 13. . When the weather was clear and they could see islands or land, sailors used landmarks that they knew to help them navigate their route.
Ready to Start?
Customize your exam settings and begin your reading test
Exam Duration:
min
Standard test • Range: 5-180 minutes
20 min
13 questions