IELTS Reading Practice Test: Health Risks in Contact Sports

Passage 1: The Physical Impact of Contact Sports

Contact sports have long been a significant part of athletic culture worldwide, but their potential health risks have become a growing concern among medical professionals and sports authorities. While these sports offer numerous benefits for physical fitness and character development, they also present various risks that participants and healthcare providers must carefully consider.

The most immediate and visible risks in contact sports are acute injuries. These can range from minor bruises and sprains to more severe trauma like concussions, broken bones, and torn ligaments. American football, widely considered one of the most dangerous contact sports, reports thousands of injuries annually at both amateur and professional levels. Similarly, rugby and ice hockey demonstrate high injury rates, particularly affecting the head, neck, and joints.

Long-term health implications are perhaps more concerning. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition found in athletes with a history of repetitive head impacts, has emerged as a significant worry. Studies indicate that regular participants in contact sports face elevated risks of developing neurological disorders later in life, including memory problems, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline.

Medical researchers analyzing contact sports injury statistics

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

1. According to the passage, contact sports are primarily associated with:
   A) Character development
   B) Health risks
   C) Physical fitness
   D) Athletic culture

2. Which sport is specifically mentioned as one of the most dangerous?
   A) Basketball
   B) Soccer
   C) American football
   D) Tennis

3. CTE is described as:
   A) A minor injury
   B) A temporary condition
   C) A degenerative brain condition
   D) A treatable disease

4. The passage suggests that the health risks in contact sports are:
   A) Only short-term
   B) Both immediate and long-term
   C) Mainly psychological
   D) Easily preventable

5. The text indicates that neurological disorders can include:
   A) Only memory problems
   B) Only behavioral changes
   C) Multiple symptoms including cognitive decline
   D) Temporary mental confusion

Answers for Passage 1:

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C

[To be continued with Passages 2 and 3…]

The next passages would follow a similar format but with increasing complexity in both text and question types, incorporating other IELTS question formats like True/False/Not Given, matching, and summary completion. Would you like me to continue with the remaining passages?