IELTS Reading Section 3: Mastering Complex Texts with Confidence

Welcome to Section 3 of the IELTS Reading Test

Well done on reaching the final section! Section 3 is often the most challenging part of the IELTS Reading test — but with the right strategy and mindset, you can handle it confidently.

What makes Section 3 different?

• The passage is longer and denser — usually around 800 to 900 words.
• The topic is general interest — no specialist knowledge is required.
• The writing style is more academic — expect detailed explanations and sometimes opinions or processes.

Common sources include:

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Books
• Online articles

Important Reminder: Always transfer your answers carefully. Spelling and grammar must be accurate — one small mistake can cost you marks!

How to Approach Section 3

• Skim the passage first — spend about 2–3 minutes getting the general idea.
• Underline key words — especially names, dates, or technical terms.
• Read the questions carefully — note if you’re matching a paragraph or filling a gap.
• Scan for synonyms — IELTS loves to paraphrase ideas.
• Work quickly but carefully — stick to the strategy!

Section 3 Reading Passage

Urban Gardening: A Growing Trend

Urban gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a range of benefits to city dwellers, from improving physical health to fostering a sense of community. Urban gardening refers to the practice of growing food within a city, often in small spaces such as rooftops, balconies, or unused plots of land. This practice has gained momentum as people look for sustainable ways to grow their own food, reduce food waste, and reconnect with nature.

A) Urban gardening can contribute to a healthier lifestyle by providing access to fresh, organic produce. Growing one’s own food can encourage healthier eating habits and lower the environmental impact associated with transporting food over long distances. It also promotes physical activity, as gardening involves tasks such as digging, planting, watering, and harvesting, which can improve overall fitness. These activities help gardeners get regular exercise while spending time outdoors, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

B) Beyond personal health, urban gardening helps to reduce the carbon footprint of food production. By growing food locally, people are reducing the need for industrial-scale farming and the associated transportation of goods. Additionally, plants help to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality in densely populated urban areas. Urban gardens can also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing the temperature of the surrounding area and making cities more comfortable.

C) Gardening in urban spaces has been linked to improved mental health. The act of nurturing plants and spending time outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to a sense of relaxation and calm. Many urban gardeners report feeling a stronger connection to nature and a sense of pride in cultivating their own food. This practice provides an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a moment of tranquility. Studies have also shown that exposure to green spaces can improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.

D) Urban gardens can also foster a sense of community. In some cities, shared gardens are developed where neighbors can come together to grow food collectively. These gardens create a space for social interaction and cooperation, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and share knowledge about sustainable gardening. These community-driven gardens often serve as educational resources, teaching people, especially children, about the importance of nature, sustainability, and healthy eating.

E) Despite its many benefits, urban gardening also presents certain challenges. Limited space is a common issue, with many urban areas lacking large plots of land suitable for gardening. Additionally, soil quality can be poor in some city areas, making it difficult to grow healthy plants. Urban gardeners may also face issues such as pollution, pests, and insufficient sunlight. However, with the right tools and techniques, many of these challenges can be overcome. Urban gardeners can also make use of vertical farming techniques and container gardening to maximize the use of small spaces.

F) Urban gardening can provide financial savings by reducing the need to buy expensive produce. Growing fruits and vegetables at home can significantly lower grocery bills, especially for high-value items like tomatoes, herbs, and leafy greens. Urban gardeners can also sell surplus produce at local markets, contributing to the local economy. Moreover, the skills learned in urban gardening can be transferred to other forms of sustainable living, such as composting and preserving food, which can further reduce household expenses.

G) In recent years, technological advancements have made urban gardening more accessible. Innovations such as hydroponic systems, vertical farming, and automated irrigation systems have allowed urban gardeners to grow food in even the smallest of spaces. These technologies optimize the use of space and resources, making it easier for people to cultivate plants in areas with limited sunlight or soil quality. In fact, urban gardening is no longer limited to traditional methods, and technology has made it possible to grow food indoors, even in the heart of the city.

H) Looking ahead, urban gardening has the potential to become an integral part of future cities. As more people move to urban areas, the demand for sustainable food sources will increase. Urban gardening could help cities become more self-sufficient, reducing reliance on large-scale industrial agriculture and transportation systems. It could also lead to improved public health, reduced waste, and a more sustainable environment. Urban gardens could even become a model for eco-friendly cities, where green spaces and food production work hand in hand to create healthier, more livable environments for all.

Questions 29–35: Matching Information

Instructions:
The text has eight paragraphs, A–H. Which paragraph contains the following information? Choose the correct letter for each question.

• 29. The role of technology in urban gardening
• 30. Benefits of growing food for physical health
• 31. The financial advantages of urban gardening
• 32. Social interaction in gardening
• 33. The negative effects of urban gardening conditions
• 34. The environmental advantages of local food production
• 35. Positive effects on mental health from gardening

Solutions and Explanations for Questions 29–35

29. G — The role of technology in urban gardening
Strategy: Look for words like “technology” or “innovation.”
Explanation: Paragraph G explains how hydroponics, vertical farming, and automated irrigation systems help urban gardeners use space and resources better — showing how technology advances urban gardening practices.

30. A — Benefits of growing food for physical health
Strategy: Search for mentions of “health,” “fitness,” “exercise.”
Explanation: Paragraph A shows that gardening promotes physical activity, which improves fitness and reduces the risk of chronic diseases — benefits directly related to physical health.

31. F — The financial advantages of urban gardening
Strategy: Focus on money-related terms like “cost,” “save,” “sell.”
Explanation: Paragraph F talks about reducing grocery bills and selling surplus produce, helping urban gardeners save money and even make extra income.

32. D — Social interaction in gardening
Strategy: Find references to “community,” “neighbors,” “collaboration.”
Explanation: Paragraph D explains how community gardens encourage social interaction and cooperation — helping neighbors build connections and work together.

33. E — The negative effects of urban gardening conditions
Strategy: Look for words like “challenges,” “issues,” “problems.”
Explanation: Paragraph E outlines the difficulties urban gardeners face — such as limited space, poor soil quality, pollution, and lack of sunlight — all negative conditions impacting gardening in cities.

34. B — The environmental advantages of local food production
Strategy: Find references to “environment,” “carbon footprint,” “air quality.”
Explanation: Paragraph B shows that local food reduces transportation needs, thus lowering the carbon footprint and improving air quality — clear environmental benefits.

35. C — Positive effects on mental health from gardening
Strategy: Focus on terms like “mental health,” “stress,” “emotional well-being.”
Explanation: Paragraph C details how gardening reduces stress, anxiety, and helps improve cognitive function — major positive effects on mental health.

💡 Strategy Tip for Matching Information:

• Focus on synonyms — “health” could appear as “fitness,” “well-being,” or “chronic disease reduction.”
• Read the first 1–2 sentences of each paragraph — this often holds the main idea.
• Don’t panic if the exact words aren’t there — think about ideas, not just words!

Questions 36–40: Summary Completion

Instructions:
Complete the summary below. Choose no more than two words from the text for each answer.
During urban gardening’s rise in popularity, its benefits have extended beyond just food production. Urban gardeners often experience (36) __________ improvements in their lives. One of the most notable advantages is the reduction in (37) __________ associated with transportation and industrial farming. Additionally, urban gardening has been proven to help (38) __________ by reducing stress and fostering a connection to nature. It also provides a space for (39) __________, where individuals can work together and learn from one another. Despite the many benefits, gardeners often face challenges such as (40) __________ and inadequate growing conditions in the city.

Solutions and Explanations for Questions 36–40

36. mental health
Explanation: Paragraph C says gardening improves mental health through stress relief and emotional well-being.

37. carbon footprint
Explanation: Paragraph B mentions that growing food locally reduces the carbon footprint by cutting transport emissions.

38. mental health
Explanation: Again, Paragraph C explains gardening helps mental health by reducing stress and creating calm, relaxing environments.

39. sense of community
Explanation: Paragraph D emphasizes that urban gardens build a sense of community where people collaborate and share knowledge.

40. limited space
Explanation: Paragraph E identifies limited space as a key challenge for urban gardeners — along with pollution and poor soil.

• 💡 Strategy Tip for Summary Completion:
• Stick exactly to the word limit — no more than two words!
• Use words directly from the text — do not paraphrase or change forms.
• Check grammar compatibility — the missing words must fit the sentence naturally.

• Reflection Prompt
• Take a moment to reflect:
• Which part of Section 3 felt hardest — matching or completing the summary?
• What will you focus on next time — scanning for keywords, matching main ideas, or improving speed?
• With smart strategies and practice, Section 3 will become your strength! Keep practicing — you’ve got this!