PTE Academic Reading Test 5

Time allowed: 29-30 minutes Total questions: 18

Part 1: Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

Below is a text with blanks. Select the appropriate word from the dropdown list for each blank.

Question 1-6

Passage: The Evolution of Language

Human language is a remarkably complex system that distinguishes our species from all others. While other animals communicate through vocalizations and gestures, only humans have developed fully 1 {{ANSWER:1}} languages capable of expressing abstract concepts and discussing events removed in time and space. The origins of language remain hotly 2 {{ANSWER:2}} among researchers, with estimates ranging from 50,000 to over two million years ago. Some scientists argue that language emerged gradually through the 3 {{ANSWER:3}} of simpler communication systems, while others propose that a sudden genetic mutation enabled the cognitive capacities necessary for syntax. The study of language evolution is 4 {{ANSWER:4}} by the absence of fossil evidence for soft tissue structures like the tongue and larynx that are crucial for speech production. Nevertheless, archaeological evidence such as complex tools and artistic expression provides 5 {{ANSWER:5}} clues about when human cognitive abilities, including language, may have emerged. Understanding language origins has implications for fields ranging from artificial intelligence to the treatment of 6 {{ANSWER:6}} disorders.

1 Options: articulate, articulated, articulating, articulately

2 Options: debated, deleted, delegated, depicted

3 Options: evolution, revolution, resolution, devotion

4 Options: hampered, pampered, tampered, tempered

5 Options: indirect, incorrect, indifferent, indefinite

6 Options: communication, commutation, computation, compensation

Part 2: Re-order Paragraphs

The text boxes below have been placed in a random order. Restore the original order.

Question 7-9

A This adaptation, known as tolerance, can lead to escalating consumption as individuals chase the initial effects, increasing the risk of dependence and adverse health consequences.

B Alcohol affects brain chemistry by enhancing the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters while suppressing excitatory ones, producing the characteristic feelings of relaxation and reduced anxiety that many drinkers seek.

C With repeated exposure, however, the brain adjusts its chemistry to counteract alcohol's effects, requiring progressively larger amounts to achieve the same subjective experience.

Correct order:

7 {{ANSWER:7}} → 8 {{ANSWER:8}} → 9 {{ANSWER:9}}

Part 3: Reading: Fill in the Blanks

Below is a text with blanks. Drag and drop the words from the word bank to complete the text.

Question 10-14

Passage: The Science of Ageing

Ageing is a universal biological process, yet its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. At the cellular level, ageing involves the gradual 10 {{ANSWER:10}} of DNA damage, shortening of telomeres—protective caps on chromosome ends—and accumulation of dysfunctional proteins. These changes impair cellular function and eventually lead to cell death or 11 {{ANSWER:11}}, a state where cells stop dividing but remain metabolically active and can promote inflammation. Environmental factors, including diet, exercise, and exposure to toxins, can 12 {{ANSWER:12}} or accelerate these processes. Caloric restriction has consistently been shown to extend lifespan in laboratory animals, though whether this applies to humans remains uncertain. Research into the biology of ageing has identified potential 13 {{ANSWER:13}} for drugs that might slow ageing or treat age-related diseases. However, extending human lifespan raises profound ethical and social questions about resource allocation, quality of life, and the 14 {{ANSWER:14}} of prolonged existence.

Word Bank: accumulation, senescence, targets, implications, decelerate, accelerate, consequences

Part 4: Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer

Read the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.

Question 15

Passage: The Dark Side of Social Media

While social media platforms have revolutionized communication and community-building, research increasingly documents their potential negative effects on mental health, particularly among young users. Studies have found associations between heavy social media use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, though establishing causation remains methodologically challenging. Several mechanisms may explain these associations: social comparison with idealized self-presentations can diminish self-esteem; fear of missing out drives compulsive checking behaviours; and online interactions may displace more satisfying face-to-face relationships. The attention-capturing design of platforms, optimized for engagement rather than user wellbeing, has drawn criticism from former industry insiders who describe deliberate manipulation of psychological vulnerabilities. Some researchers argue that moderate, active social media use—creating content and engaging meaningfully with others—may be neutral or even beneficial, while passive consumption of others' content is more problematic.

Question 15: According to the passage, what distinction does some research make about social media use?

A. All social media use is equally harmful to mental health B. Active, meaningful engagement may be less harmful than passive consumption C. Younger users are immune to negative effects D. Social media companies prioritize user wellbeing over engagement

Question 16

Passage: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Biodiversity—the variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels—provides essential services that human civilization depends upon. Pollination by insects, birds, and bats enables reproduction of most flowering plants, including many food crops. Decomposition by fungi and microorganisms recycles nutrients and maintains soil fertility. Wetlands filter water and protect coastlines from storms. Forests regulate climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. These ecosystem services have enormous economic value, estimated in the trillions of dollars annually, yet are typically not reflected in market prices or policy decisions. The current rate of species extinction, estimated at 100 to 1,000 times the natural background rate, threatens to disrupt these services in ways that are difficult to predict but potentially catastrophic. Conservation efforts increasingly emphasize protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species, recognizing the complex interdependencies that maintain ecological function.

Question 16: What point does the passage make about ecosystem services?

A. Their economic value is fully reflected in market prices B. They have enormous economic value that is often not accounted for C. Only individual species protection is effective for conservation D. Current extinction rates are within normal natural ranges

Part 5: Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers

Read the text and answer the question by selecting all the correct responses. More than one response is correct.

Question 17

Passage: The Psychology of Procrastination

Procrastination—voluntarily delaying intended actions despite expecting to be worse off for the delay—affects most people at some point and can significantly impair academic performance, career success, and wellbeing. Contrary to popular belief, procrastination is not simply a matter of poor time management or laziness. Research suggests it is primarily an emotion regulation problem: people procrastinate to avoid negative emotions associated with a task, such as anxiety, boredom, or frustration. This avoidance provides short-term mood repair but creates longer-term costs as deadlines approach and stress accumulates. Perfectionism contributes to procrastination when fear of producing imperfect work prevents starting at all. Interventions that address emotional barriers, such as breaking tasks into less daunting components or practising self-compassion rather than self-criticism, tend to be more effective than purely time-management approaches.

Question 17: According to the passage, what contributes to procrastination?

A. Desire to avoid negative emotions associated with tasks B. Superior time management skills C. Perfectionism and fear of imperfect work D. Breaking tasks into smaller components E. Short-term mood repair through avoidance

Question 18

Passage: The Circular Economy

The circular economy represents a fundamental shift from the traditional linear model of production and consumption—take, make, dispose—to a regenerative system designed to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. In a circular economy, products are designed for durability, repairability, and eventual recycling or composting. Materials circulate within closed loops, with waste from one process becoming input for another. Business models shift from selling products to providing services, incentivizing manufacturers to design for longevity since they retain ownership and responsibility throughout the product lifecycle. The transition to circular economy principles could significantly reduce environmental impacts while creating economic opportunities in repair, remanufacturing, and recycling industries. However, implementation requires systemic changes in design practices, consumer behaviour, infrastructure, and regulations that current economic incentives often discourage.

Question 18: What does the passage indicate about the circular economy?

A. Products are designed for durability and repairability B. It follows the traditional linear model of take, make, dispose C. Business models may shift from selling products to providing services D. Implementation requires systemic changes across multiple areas E. Current economic incentives fully support the transition

PTE Academic Reading - Test 5