📘📗 Passages A & B – Scrollable Reading Section
📘 Passage A – The Evolution of Public Libraries
Public libraries have long served as hubs of knowledge, offering free access to books, resources, and learning opportunities. In recent decades, they’ve evolved to meet the demands of the digital age. Many now offer internet access, digital lending, and workshops on technology and literacy. Libraries have also become community centers, hosting events and providing support services for diverse populations.
This transformation reflects a broader shift in how societies value lifelong learning and inclusivity. Rather than simply storing books, modern libraries promote digital citizenship and social engagement. Their role in bridging the digital divide is especially crucial in underserved areas, where access to technology and education may be limited.
📗 Passage B – The Rise of Digital Archives
Digital archives are revolutionizing how historical documents and scholarly materials are preserved and accessed. Unlike traditional libraries, these archives prioritize digitization and remote availability. Institutions worldwide are scanning manuscripts, photographs, and records to create searchable databases that can be accessed from anywhere.
While digital archives enhance accessibility, they also raise concerns about data integrity and long-term preservation. Unlike physical materials, digital files are vulnerable to corruption and obsolescence. Archivists must balance convenience with rigorous standards to ensure that digital collections remain authentic and usable for future generations.
❓ Questions & Feedback
📊 IELTS Band Score Reference
| Correct Answers | Estimated Band Score |
|---|---|
| 12 | 9.0 |
| 11 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 8.0 |
| 9 | 7.5 |
| 8 | 7.0 |
| 7 | 6.5 |
| 6 | 6.0 |
| 5 | 5.5 |
| 4 | 5.0 |
| 0–3 | Below Band 5 |
📚 Answer Explanations
- Q1: B – Hosting community events
Passage A states that libraries have become “community centers, hosting events and providing support services.” This shows their modern role in social engagement. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because selling books and publishing novels are not mentioned, and charging for internet contradicts the idea of free access. - Q2: False
Passage B explains that digital archives are “vulnerable to corruption and obsolescence.” This directly refutes the idea that they are more secure than physical libraries. “True” is incorrect because it ignores the risks mentioned. “Not Given” is wrong because the passage clearly addresses security concerns. - Q3: Digital citizenship, digital divide
The second paragraph of Passage A says libraries “promote digital citizenship” and help bridge the “digital divide.” These are exact phrases from the passage. Learners who miss these may be scanning too quickly or not recognizing key vocabulary. - Q4: Corruption and obsolescence
Passage B highlights two risks: “corruption” (data loss or damage) and “obsolescence” (formats becoming outdated). These are specific technical terms. Answers like “hacking” or “privacy” are too general and not supported by the passage. - Q5: Archives
The passage says “institutions worldwide are scanning manuscripts… to create searchable databases,” referring to digital archives. Libraries are not described as doing this work. “Universities” and “bookstores” are not mentioned in this context. - Q6: Digitization, Remote access
These two technologies are explicitly mentioned in Passage B. “Blockchain” and “3D printing” are distractors — they appear nowhere in the text. Learners should focus on technologies related to document access and preservation. - Q7: Data integrity
The concern is about maintaining the authenticity and usability of digital files. “Data integrity” is the term used in the passage. Answers like “security” or “storage” are too vague and don’t reflect the specific issue discussed. - Q8: False
Passage A emphasizes that libraries are adapting and remain essential, especially in underserved areas. Saying they are “no longer relevant” contradicts this. “True” is incorrect, and “Not Given” ignores the clear support for continued relevance. - Q9: Community engagement, Remote access
Libraries are described as “community centers,” while archives focus on “remote availability.” Learners must match each institution to its role. Mixing them up shows a misunderstanding of the core functions described. - Q10: Searchable databases
The flowchart describes the process of digitization. After online access, the next step is creating “searchable databases,” as stated in Passage B. Answers like “cloud storage” or “file sharing” are not mentioned and don’t fit the logical sequence. - Q11: Rigorous
Archivists must apply “rigorous standards” to ensure long-term preservation. This word is used directly in the passage. Learners who choose “strict” or “technical” may be close, but only “rigorous” matches the exact phrasing and meaning. - Q12: A – Passage A
Passage A discusses “social engagement” through community events and inclusivity. Passage B focuses on technical aspects of archives. “Both” or “Neither” are incorrect because only Passage A addresses social roles.