IELTS Reading Practice Test: Psychology and Human Behaviour

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Reading Passage IELTS Reading

The Power of Habits in Shaping Human Behaviour

A
Human behaviour is a fascinating subject, and one of its most compelling aspects is the role of habits. Habits are automatic behaviours that we perform without much conscious thought, often shaped by repetition and environmental cues. According to psychologists, habits account for approximately 40% of our daily actions, from brushing our teeth to checking our phones. Understanding how habits form and how they influence our lives can provide valuable insights into personal development and self-improvement.

B
The process of habit formation is often described as a three-step loop: cue, routine, and reward. The cue is a trigger that prompts the brain to initiate a behaviour. For example, the sound of an alarm clock might signal the routine of getting out of bed. The routine is the behaviour itself, and the reward is the positive outcome that reinforces the action, such as feeling refreshed after a morning routine. This loop, first outlined by psychologist Charles Duhigg, helps explain why habits are so powerful and difficult to break.

C
Habits form through repetition. When a behaviour is repeated in a consistent context, the brain creates neural pathways that make the action easier over time. For instance, if someone drinks coffee every morning at their kitchen table, the sight of the table may become a cue for drinking coffee. Over time, this action becomes automatic, requiring little mental effort. However, not all habits are beneficial. Negative habits, such as smoking or excessive screen time, can harm health and productivity. Breaking these habits often requires replacing the routine with a healthier alternative while keeping the same cue and reward.

D
Environmental factors play a significant role in habit formation. Our surroundings, such as the layout of our homes or workplaces, can encourage or discourage certain behaviours. For example, keeping healthy snacks in visible places can promote better eating habits, while a cluttered desk might lead to procrastination. Psychologists suggest that small changes in the environment can lead to significant shifts in behaviour. This idea has been applied in workplaces, where redesigning office spaces to encourage collaboration has improved team productivity.

E
Social influences also shape habits. People tend to adopt the behaviours of those around them, a phenomenon known as social contagion. For example, if a person’s friends exercise regularly, they are more likely to develop a fitness habit. Similarly, negative social influences, such as peers who smoke, can reinforce harmful habits. Studies show that social networks can amplify both positive and negative behaviours, making it important to choose one’s social circle carefully.

F
Technology has introduced new challenges and opportunities for habit formation. Smartphones and apps are designed to capture attention, often creating habits of constant checking or scrolling. Some apps use rewards, such as notifications or likes, to keep users engaged. However, technology can also support positive habits. Fitness apps, for instance, track progress and provide rewards like badges, encouraging users to exercise regularly. Psychologists note that while technology can reinforce automatic behaviours, individuals can take control by setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time.

G
Changing habits requires effort and awareness. One effective strategy is to focus on small, incremental changes rather than drastic ones. For example, someone trying to exercise more might start with a five-minute walk each day rather than aiming for an hour at the gym. This approach, known as “tiny habits,” was developed by behaviour scientist BJ Fogg. It emphasizes starting small to build momentum. Another strategy is self-monitoring, where individuals track their habits to become more aware of their actions. Journaling or using habit-tracking apps can help with this process.

H
Habits also play a role in mental health. Positive habits, such as regular exercise or mindfulness practice, can reduce stress and improve well-being. Conversely, negative habits like overeating or avoiding social interaction can worsen mental health. Psychologists emphasize that understanding one’s habits can lead to better self-regulation and emotional resilience. For instance, mindfulness meditation, when practised regularly, can help individuals manage anxiety by creating a habit of focused attention.

I
In conclusion, habits are a fundamental part of human behaviour, shaping how we live and interact with the world. By understanding the habit loop, leveraging environmental and social influences, and using strategies like tiny habits or self-monitoring, individuals can take control of their behaviours. While habits can be difficult to change, the right approach can lead to lasting improvements in health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Note: The concept of the habit loop and “tiny habits” are based on established psychological theories, but specific examples, such as the coffee-drinking scenario, are illustrative and not based on real individuals.

Questions 1–40

Questions 1–2: Multiple Choice

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To explain how habits are formed and how they can be changed
B. To discuss the role of technology in human behaviour
C. To compare positive and negative habits
D. To describe the history of psychological research on habits

2. According to the passage, what percentage of daily actions are habits?
A. 20%
B. 30%
C. 40%
D. 50%

Questions 3–5: True/False/Not Given

3. The habit loop consists of four stages: cue, routine, reward, and reflection.
4. Drinking coffee at the kitchen table can become an automatic habit over time.
5. Charles Duhigg invented the concept of neural pathways in the brain.

Questions 6–8: Yes/No/Not Given

6. Does the passage suggest that changing the environment can influence habits?
7. Are fitness apps mentioned as a way to discourage exercise habits?
8. Does the passage state that habits cannot be changed once they are formed?

Questions 9–11: Matching Information

Choose which paragraph (A–I) contains the following information:
9. The influence of social networks on habits.
10. How technology can both create and support habits.
11. A strategy for changing habits by starting small.

Questions 12–14: Matching Headings

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below:
i. The Role of Technology in Habits
ii. The Habit Formation Loop
iii. Social Influences on Behaviour
iv. The Impact of Environment

12. Paragraph B
13. Paragraph E
14. Paragraph F

Questions 15–16: Matching Features

Match the psychologist or scientist to their contribution:
A. Charles Duhigg
B. BJ Fogg

1. Developed the concept of “tiny habits”
2. Outlined the habit loop

15. A – ___
16. B – ___

Match the example to the habit it influences:
A. Keeping healthy snacks visible
B. Having a cluttered desk

1. Promotes better eating habits
2. Encourages procrastination

16. A – ___
16. B – ___

Questions 17–18: Matching Sentence Endings

Complete each sentence with the correct ending:
17. The habit loop is powerful because…
A. it requires a lot of conscious effort.
B. it makes behaviours automatic over time.
C. it only applies to negative habits.

18. Social contagion refers to…
A. the spread of diseases among groups.
B. adopting the behaviours of others.
C. using apps to track habits.

Questions 19–21: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
19. The three parts of the habit loop are cue, routine, and ______.
20. To break a negative habit, one strategy is to replace the routine with a ______ alternative.
21. According to the passage, ______ changes in the environment can lead to significant shifts in behaviour.

Questions 22–23: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using words from the passage:
22. Habits are automatic behaviours that form through ______ and are influenced by environmental and ______ factors. To change habits, individuals can use strategies like ______ changes or self-monitoring.
23. Technology can create habits by using ______ to keep users engaged, but it can also support positive habits through tools like ______ apps.

Questions 24–25: Note Completion

Complete the notes below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
24. Habit Formation Process:

1. Cue: A trigger that prompts the ______.
2. Routine: The ______ itself.
3. Reward: The positive outcome that ______ the action.

25. Strategies for Changing Habits:

1. Start with ______ changes.
2. Use ______ to track habits.

Questions 26–27: Table Completion

Complete the table below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage:
26.

27.

Questions 28–29: Flow-chart Completion

Complete the flow-chart below using NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from the passage:
28. Habit Formation Process:
Step 1: ______ → Step 2: Routine → Step 3: Reward

29. Changing a Habit:
Step 1: Identify the cue → Step 2: Replace the ______ → Step 3: Keep the same reward

Question 30: Diagram Label Completion

Label the parts of the habit loop diagram below using the options provided:
[Diagram: Three boxes connected by arrows in a loop]
A. Cue
B. Routine
C. Reward

30.

1. [Box 1] – ___
2. [Box 2] – ___
3. [Box 3] – ___

Questions 31–33

31. Multiple Choice
What is one benefit of positive habits mentioned in the passage?
A. Increased screen time
B. Reduced stress
C. Higher procrastination
D. Weaker social connections

32. True/False/Not Given
Mindfulness meditation is mentioned as a habit that can help manage anxiety.

33. Yes/No/Not Given
Does the passage suggest that habits are only formed through conscious effort?

Question 34: Matching Information

34. Which paragraph (A–I) discusses the role of habits in mental health?

Question 35: Matching Headings

35. Choose the correct heading for Paragraph A from the list below:
i. The Importance of Habits
ii. Strategies for Habit Change
iii. The Role of Technology
iv. Social Influences on Behaviour

Question 36: Matching Features

Match the term to its definition:
A. Social contagion
B. Neural pathways

1. Connections in the brain that make habits automatic
2. Adopting behaviours from others

36. A – ___
36. B – ___

Question 37: Sentence Completion

37. The passage suggests that choosing one’s ______ carefully can influence habit formation.

Question 38: Summary Completion

38. Habits account for about ______% of daily actions and can be influenced by the ______ of one’s home or workplace.

Question 39: Note Completion

39. Negative Habits:
Examples: Smoking, excessive ______
Effect: Can harm health and ______

Question 40: Diagram Label Completion

Label the strategies for changing habits using the options provided:
[Diagram: Two boxes describing strategies]
A. Tiny habits
B. Self-monitoring

40.

1. [Box 1] – ___
2. [Box 2] – ___

Answer Key and Explanations

1. A
Explanation: The passage focuses on explaining how habits are formed (habit loop) and strategies for changing them, such as tiny habits and self-monitoring (Paragraphs B, G, I).

2. C
Explanation: The passage states that habits account for approximately 40% of daily actions (Paragraph A).

3. False
Explanation: The habit loop consists of three stages: cue, routine, and reward, not four (Paragraph B).

4. True
Explanation: The passage mentions the example of drinking coffee at the kitchen table becoming an automatic habit (Paragraph C).

5. Not Given
Explanation: The passage credits Charles Duhigg with outlining the habit loop, but it does not mention him inventing neural pathways (Paragraph B).

6. Yes
Explanation: Paragraph D states that environmental factors, like the layout of homes or workplaces, can influence habits.

7. No
Explanation: The passage states that fitness apps encourage exercise habits, not discourage them (Paragraph F).

8. No
Explanation: The passage discusses strategies for changing habits, indicating that habits can be changed (Paragraph G).

9. E
Explanation: Paragraph E discusses social influences and the concept of social contagion.

10. F
Explanation: Paragraph F explains how technology can create habits (e.g., through notifications) and support positive habits (e.g., fitness apps).

11. G
Explanation: Paragraph G introduces the “tiny habits” strategy by BJ Fogg for changing habits.

12. ii
Explanation: Paragraph B describes the habit formation loop (cue, routine, reward).

13. iii
Explanation: Paragraph E focuses on social influences, including social contagion.

14. i
Explanation: Paragraph F discusses the role of technology in creating and supporting habits.

15. A-2, B-1
Explanation: Charles Duhigg outlined the habit loop (Paragraph B), and BJ Fogg developed “tiny habits” (Paragraph G).

16. A-1, B-2
Explanation: Visible healthy snacks promote better eating habits, and a cluttered desk encourages procrastination (Paragraph D).

17. B
Explanation: The habit loop is powerful because it makes behaviours automatic over time (Paragraph B).

18. B
Explanation: Social contagion refers to adopting the behaviours of others (Paragraph E).

19. reward
Explanation: The three parts of the habit loop are cue, routine, and reward (Paragraph B).

20. healthier
Explanation: The passage suggests replacing the routine with a healthier alternative to break negative habits (Paragraph C).

21. small
Explanation: Paragraph D states that small changes in the environment can lead to significant shifts in behaviour.

22. repetition, social, small
Explanation: Habits form through repetition, are influenced by social factors (Paragraph E), and can be changed with small changes (Paragraph G).

23. notifications, fitness
Explanation: Technology uses notifications to keep users engaged and supports positive habits through fitness apps (Paragraph F).

24. behaviour, behaviour, reinforces
Explanation: Cue prompts the behaviour, routine is the behaviour, and reward reinforces the action (Paragraph B).

25. small, apps
Explanation: Strategies include starting with small changes and using apps to track habits (Paragraph G).

26. better eating, fitness
Explanation: Visible healthy snacks promote better eating habits (Paragraph D), and friends who exercise encourage fitness habits (Paragraph E).

27. constant, exercise
Explanation: Notifications encourage constant checking, and fitness apps support exercise habits (Paragraph F).

28. Cue
Explanation: The habit formation process starts with a cue (Paragraph B).

29. routine
Explanation: To change a habit, the routine is replaced while keeping the cue and reward (Paragraph C).

30. 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
Explanation: The habit loop consists of cue, routine, and reward, as described in Paragraph B.

31. B
Explanation: Positive habits, like exercise, can reduce stress (Paragraph H).

32. True
Explanation: The passage mentions mindfulness meditation as a habit that can help manage anxiety (Paragraph H).

33. No
Explanation: The passage states that habits are automatic and do not require conscious effort (Paragraph A).

34. H
Explanation: Paragraph H discusses the role of habits in mental health, including stress reduction and anxiety management.

35. i
Explanation: Paragraph A introduces the importance of habits in human behaviour.

36. A-2, B-1
Explanation: Social contagion refers to adopting behaviours from others (Paragraph E), and neural pathways make habits automatic (Paragraph C).

37. social circle
Explanation: The passage suggests choosing one’s social circle carefully to influence habits (Paragraph E).

38. 40, layout
Explanation: Habits account for 40% of daily actions (Paragraph A) and are influenced by the layout of homes or workplaces (Paragraph D).

39. screen time, productivity
Explanation: Negative habits like excessive screen time can harm health and productivity (Paragraph C).

40. 1-A, 2-B
Explanation: The strategies for changing habits include tiny habits and self-monitoring (Paragraph G).