The IELTS Reading section challenges test-takers to demonstrate their English comprehension skills through a variety of text types and question formats. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years: “The significance of ancient civilizations in modern culture.” This theme not only tests your reading abilities but also your knowledge of history and its contemporary relevance.
Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, we predict a high likelihood of encountering similar topics in future tests. The intersection of ancient wisdom and modern society continues to fascinate scholars and the general public alike, making it a prime subject for IELTS Reading passages.
Let’s dive into a practice exercise that mirrors the structure and complexity of an actual IELTS Reading test, focusing on this intriguing theme.
Ancient and modern culture comparison
Practice Test: The Enduring Legacy of Ancient Civilizations
Reading Passage
The influence of ancient civilizations on modern culture is a testament to the enduring power of human innovation and creativity. From the pyramids of Egypt to the philosophies of Ancient Greece, the echoes of past societies continue to shape our world in profound and often surprising ways.
One of the most visible legacies of ancient civilizations is in the realm of architecture and urban planning. The grid system of city streets, first implemented by the Ancient Romans, remains a cornerstone of urban design in many modern cities. Similarly, the classical orders of Greek architecture – Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian – continue to inspire contemporary builders and designers. The grandeur of ancient monuments like the Parthenon in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome serves as a benchmark for modern architectural ambition, influencing everything from government buildings to sports stadiums.
In the field of science and mathematics, we owe an immense debt to ancient thinkers. The Pythagorean theorem, developed by the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, is still fundamental to geometry. The concept of zero, first used by ancient Babylonians and later refined by Indian mathematicians, revolutionized numerical systems and paved the way for advanced mathematics. The medical oath taken by doctors today is inspired by the Hippocratic Oath, named after the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates.
The impact of ancient civilizations extends into the realm of governance and law. The concept of democracy, first practiced in ancient Athens, forms the basis of many modern political systems. The Roman legal system, with its emphasis on codified laws and the principle of innocent until proven guilty, has profoundly influenced Western legal traditions.
In the arts and literature, ancient influences are equally pervasive. Greek mythology continues to inspire countless books, movies, and artworks. The epic poems of Homer, the tragedies of Sophocles, and the comedies of Aristophanes still resonate with modern audiences and influence contemporary storytelling. The artistic techniques developed by ancient civilizations, from the use of perspective in painting to lost-wax casting in sculpture, remain relevant in today’s art world.
Even in the domain of language, the legacy of ancient civilizations is unmistakable. Many English words have Latin or Greek roots, and classical languages continue to be used in scientific nomenclature. The study of ancient languages like Latin and Sanskrit not only provides insights into the origins of modern languages but also sharpens analytical and logical thinking skills.
The philosophical contributions of ancient civilizations continue to shape modern thought. The works of Plato, Aristotle, and other Greek philosophers laid the groundwork for Western philosophy and scientific inquiry. Eastern philosophical traditions, such as Confucianism and Buddhism, continue to offer alternative perspectives on ethics, governance, and the human condition.
In the realm of technology, we find surprising connections to ancient innovations. The Roman aqueducts, remarkable feats of engineering, foreshadowed modern water distribution systems. The ancient Chinese invention of paper has evolved into the digital information age, while their early seismographs laid the foundation for modern earthquake detection methods.
The agricultural practices developed by ancient civilizations, including crop rotation and irrigation techniques, continue to influence modern farming. The biodiversity of crops we enjoy today is largely thanks to the agricultural experiments of ancient peoples, who domesticated and cultivated a wide variety of plants.
Even in modern entertainment and sports, the influence of ancient civilizations is evident. The Olympic Games, born in ancient Greece, have become a global phenomenon. Many popular sports, from wrestling to polo, have ancient origins. The concept of public entertainment spaces, from theaters to stadiums, traces its roots to ancient civilizations.
In conclusion, the significance of ancient civilizations in modern culture is both profound and pervasive. From the buildings we inhabit to the ideas we contemplate, from the languages we speak to the technologies we use, the legacy of our ancestors continues to shape our world. As we face contemporary challenges, the wisdom and innovations of ancient civilizations offer not just historical curiosity, but practical inspiration and timeless insights into the human experience.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- The grid system of city streets was first implemented by the Ancient Greeks.
- The Pythagorean theorem is still used in modern geometry.
- The concept of zero was invented by Indian mathematicians.
- The Hippocratic Oath is no longer relevant in modern medicine.
- Ancient Roman law has influenced Western legal traditions.
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an influence of ancient Greek architecture?
A) Government buildings
B) Sports stadiums
C) Residential homes
D) Classical ordersAccording to the passage, which ancient civilization first practiced democracy?
A) Roman
B) Egyptian
C) Athenian
D) Persian
Matching Information
Match the following ancient contributions to their modern applications:
- Greek mythology
- Roman aqueducts
- Ancient Chinese paper
- Olympic Games
A) Digital information age
B) Global sporting event
C) Modern storytelling
D) Water distribution systems
Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage:
- Many English words have __ or Greek roots.
- The study of ancient languages helps sharpen __ and logical thinking skills.
- Ancient Chinese __ laid the foundation for modern earthquake detection methods.
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS:
- What ancient practice influences modern farming techniques?
- Which ancient civilization is credited with the early development of seismographs?
Answer Key and Explanations
False – The passage states that the grid system was implemented by the Ancient Romans, not the Greeks.
True – The passage explicitly states that the Pythagorean theorem is “still fundamental to geometry.”
False – The passage mentions that zero was “first used by ancient Babylonians and later refined by Indian mathematicians.”
Not Given – The passage mentions the Hippocratic Oath but doesn’t comment on its current relevance.
True – The passage states that the Roman legal system “has profoundly influenced Western legal traditions.”
C) Residential homes – The passage mentions government buildings and sports stadiums, but not residential homes.
C) Athenian – The passage states that democracy was “first practiced in ancient Athens.”
C) Modern storytelling
D) Water distribution systems
A) Digital information age
B) Global sporting event
Explanations for 8-11: These matches are directly stated or strongly implied in the passage.
- Latin
- analytical
- seismographs
Explanations for 12-14: These answers are taken directly from the passage.
- Crop rotation
- Ancient Chinese
Explanations for 15-16: These answers are explicitly mentioned in the passage in relation to the questions asked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When tackling a reading passage like this, be wary of:
- Assuming information: Don’t confuse what you know about a topic with what the passage actually states.
- Overlooking qualifiers: Words like “some,” “many,” or “often” can change the meaning of a statement.
- Misinterpreting time references: Pay attention to whether the passage is discussing ancient practices or their modern applications.
- Falling for distractors: In multiple choice questions, some options may be true but not mentioned in the passage.
Key Vocabulary
- Legacy (n): something handed down from the past
- Profound (adj): very great or intense
- Pervasive (adj): spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
- Innovate (v): make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods or ideas
- Nomenclature (n): the system of names used in a particular field of study
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense (e.g., “has influenced,” “have become”) when discussing the ongoing impact of past events on the present.
Tips for Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by predicting, questioning, and summarizing as you read.
- Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading and answering questions.
- Enhance your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words, especially those related to history, culture, and societal development.
- Develop your skimming and scanning skills: These are crucial for quickly locating specific information in the text.
- Stay informed about global issues: General knowledge can provide helpful context for understanding IELTS reading passages.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. By familiarizing yourself with various question types and developing efficient reading techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic that appears in your exam.
For more practice on historical topics, you might find our articles on the historical significance of the Silk Road and historical analysis of ancient trade routes helpful. These will provide additional context and vocabulary related to ancient civilizations and their modern relevance.
Keep practicing, stay curious about the world around you, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score!