22/06/2026
IELTS Reading Practice Test (Hard – Band 7+)
Passage
A growing number of cities around the world are investing in urban green spaces such as parks, community gardens, and tree-lined streets. While these projects are often justified on environmental grounds, researchers have found that they may also provide significant social and economic benefits. Studies indicate that residents living near green spaces tend to report lower levels of stress and higher levels of physical activity. Furthermore, businesses located in greener neighborhoods often experience increased customer traffic.
However, some experts caution that the creation of attractive green spaces can contribute to "green gentrification." This occurs when improvements to a neighborhood increase property values, making the area less affordable for long-term residents. As a result, policymakers are increasingly seeking ways to balance environmental improvements with housing affordability.
Questions 1–5
Choose TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN
Urban green spaces are created only for environmental reasons.
People living near green spaces often report less stress.
All businesses benefit equally from nearby green spaces.
Green gentrification can make housing more expensive.
Policymakers have completely solved the problem of green gentrification.
Questions 6–8
Short Answer Questions
Name one type of urban green space mentioned in the passage.
Besides lower stress levels, what is another benefit reported by residents living near green spaces?
What term is used to describe the process where environmental improvements increase property values and reduce affordability?
Questions 9–10
Multiple Choice
According to the passage, businesses in greener neighborhoods often:
A. Pay lower taxes
B. Experience increased customer traffic
C. Hire more employees
D. Move to other cities
What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To argue that parks should be removed from cities
B. To explain the environmental, social, and economic impacts of urban green spaces
C. To compare cities with and without businesses
D. To prove that green gentrification is beneficial
Answer format: 1. 2. 3. ... 10.
