IELTS Reading Practice Test #17

Introduction: This passage is an original piece written and curated exclusively by IELTSix. It does not rely on copyrighted content or material commonly found online. Inspired by Passage 3s from Cambridge IELTS 20, it reflects their tone, complexity, and reasoning level.

Unlike Passage 1 texts, which often allow for surface-level scanning, Passage 3 questions typically demand deeper thinking and stronger inference skills. The question types here mirror that challenge, including summary completion with a list of options, matching sentence endings, inference-based multiple choice, and logically complex yes/no/not given tasks.

IELTS Reading Practice Test Instructions: You should aim to complete this passage and the associated questions in approximately 20 minutes. Remember, in the official IELTS exam, you will have a total of 60 minutes to read three passages, so it’s important to manage your time effectively.

IELTS Reading Free Practice Test Passage [Based on Cambridge IELTS 20]

Reassessing the Digital Native Concept in Contemporary Education

The term “digital native” has gained popularity over the last two decades, often used to describe a generation of young people who grew up surrounded by technology. Coined by educator Marc Prensky in 2001, the phrase suggests that children born into the digital age possess an intuitive understanding of modern devices and are inherently more tech-savvy than those born before themβ€”commonly labeled “digital immigrants.” This narrative has been widely embraced by educators, employers, and even parents, but research increasingly indicates that the concept of the digital native is more myth than fact.

At the heart of the digital native idea is the belief that age correlates strongly with digital competence. According to this view, a 16-year-old raised on smartphones and social media is assumed to be more capable of navigating complex software or managing online information than a 40-year-old who only adopted digital tools later in life. However, multiple studies have failed to find consistent evidence that younger people are more skilled in meaningful or critical uses of technology. While they may be fluent in using apps, playing games, or scrolling through content, this does not necessarily translate to effective online learning, evaluating credible sources, or maintaining digital security.

The digital native myth can be misleading in educational contexts. Teachers may assume that students do not need guidance with technology, when in fact many lack skills in file organization, online research methods, or software troubleshooting. Overestimating students’ abilities can lead to gaps in instruction, leaving them ill-equipped for academic or professional tasks that require digital literacy. Moreover, it can prevent schools from implementing training or support systems that would benefit all learners, regardless of age.

Another issue is that the concept tends to ignore social and economic disparities. Access to technology is not universal, and digital competence varies greatly depending on factors such as income level, educational background, and geographic location. A student with a personal laptop and high-speed internet at home has more opportunities to build digital skills than one who only accesses the internet at a public library. Labeling entire age groups as β€œdigitally fluent” obscures the role of privilege in shaping technological ability.

Even within age groups, digital skills differ based on usage patterns. Someone who uses social media daily may still be unfamiliar with basic spreadsheet functions or cloud storage platforms. Meanwhile, older adults working in technical fields may have far more expertise than their younger counterparts. What matters more than birth year is exposure, training, and the nature of digital interactions.

The persistence of the digital native myth may be due in part to its simplicity. It offers an appealing explanation for generational differences and gives the impression that younger people are inherently prepared for a digital future. However, such assumptions can hinder progress. In workplace settings, for instance, managers might expect younger employees to handle digital tasks without proper onboarding, leading to inefficiencies or errors. Similarly, older employees may be overlooked for tech roles, regardless of their actual experience or capability.

Rather than assuming digital skill based on age, many experts advocate for a more nuanced understanding of technological literacyβ€”one that takes into account individual experience, education, and motivation. Initiatives aimed at boosting digital competence should target all demographics and emphasize learning over age-based expectations. After all, being born in the digital era may influence familiarity, but proficiency comes from practice, not simply presence.

As technology continues to evolve, the limitations of the digital native label become more apparent. A person’s ability to adapt to new tools, understand digital systems, and use them critically depends on ongoing learning, not on when they were born. In that sense, we are all digital immigrants to some degreeβ€”navigating a world that requires constant adaptation, regardless of age.

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IELTS Reading Free Practice Test Passage [Based on Cambridge IELTS 20]

IELTS Reading Practice Test #17 - Reassessing the Digital Native Concept in Contemporary Education

tail spin

1 / 14

Does the following statement agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Choose
YES if the statement agrees with the information
NO if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Statement: The term β€˜digital native’ was invented in the early 2000s.

2 / 14

Does the following statement agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Choose
YES if the statement agrees with the information
NO if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Statement: Younger people always outperform older people in using technology effectively.

3 / 14

Does the following statement agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Choose
YES if the statement agrees with the information
NO if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Statement: The belief in digital natives can lead to unrealistic assumptions in schools.

4 / 14

Does the following statement agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Choose
YES if the statement agrees with the information
NO if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Statement: Teachers often avoid using digital tools in the classroom.

5 / 14

Does the following statement agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Choose
YES if the statement agrees with the information
NO if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Statement: Digital literacy is evenly distributed across all social and economic groups.

6 / 14

Does the following statement agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Choose
YES if the statement agrees with the information
NO if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Statement: People’s professional background can influence their level of digital competence.

7 / 14

Choose the correct option (A-G) to fill in the blank for item 7.

The idea of the digital native has become widespread in education, business, and parenting circles. But studies show that simply growing up with technology does not ensure digital 7 _________. In fact, assuming all young people are digitally skilled may cause schools to overlook 8 _________ that students actually need. In addition, not everyone has equal access to technology. A student with a home computer and internet is more likely to develop strong digital skills than someone who relies on 9 _________. As experts now argue, a better strategy is to focus on 10 _________ rather than generational stereotypes.

8 / 14

Choose the correct option (A-G) to fill in the blank for item 8.

The idea of the digital native has become widespread in education, business, and parenting circles. But studies show that simply growing up with technology does not ensure digital 7 _________. In fact, assuming all young people are digitally skilled may cause schools to overlook 8 _________ that students actually need. In addition, not everyone has equal access to technology. A student with a home computer and internet is more likely to develop strong digital skills than someone who relies on 9 _________. As experts now argue, a better strategy is to focus on 10 _________ rather than generational stereotypes.

9 / 14

Choose the correct option (A-G) to fill in the blank for item 9.

The idea of the digital native has become widespread in education, business, and parenting circles. But studies show that simply growing up with technology does not ensure digital 7 _________. In fact, assuming all young people are digitally skilled may cause schools to overlook 8 _________ that students actually need. In addition, not everyone has equal access to technology. A student with a home computer and internet is more likely to develop strong digital skills than someone who relies on 9 _________. As experts now argue, a better strategy is to focus on 10 _________ rather than generational stereotypes.

10 / 14

Choose the correct option (A-G) to fill in the blank for item 10.

The idea of the digital native has become widespread in education, business, and parenting circles. But studies show that simply growing up with technology does not ensure digital 7 _________. In fact, assuming all young people are digitally skilled may cause schools to overlook 8 _________ that students actually need. In addition, not everyone has equal access to technology. A student with a home computer and internet is more likely to develop strong digital skills than someone who relies on 9 _________. As experts now argue, a better strategy is to focus on 10 _________ rather than generational stereotypes.

11 / 14

What is the main problem with assuming that all young people are digitally fluent?

12 / 14

What does the writer say about digital skill levels within the same age group?

13 / 14

According to the writer, what is one workplace consequence of the digital native myth?

14 / 14

Which of the following best summarizes the writer’s main point in the last paragraph?

Quiz Completed!

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IELTS Reading Practice Tests [With Quizzes & Answers]

IELTS Academic Reading Full List of Practice Tests

The IELTS Academic Reading section contains three academic passages and 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. It includes a range of question types such as multiple choice, matching headings, matching information, matching features, sentence completion, summary completion, short-answer questions, and True/False/Not Given. The section is designed to assess your understanding of main ideas, specific details, inferences, and the writer’s opinion or attitude.

The practice tests below are based on real exams from Cambridge IELTS 18, Cambridge IELTS 19, and Cambridge IELTS 20. Each one closely follows the original format, using authentic reading passages and official question types.

All tests are available as interactive quizzes with instant feedback and complete answer keys. These are meant to provide realistic practice and help you get used to the structure, timing, and difficulty level of the actual IELTS Reading section.

IELTS Reading Practice Test
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #3: The Timeless Craft of Mechanical Watches
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #6: Sparks of Change in a New Era
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #7: A Journey Through Tradition and Taste
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #8: The Art of Calligraphy
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #9: How the Digital Revolution is Reshaping Economies and Cultures
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #10: Understanding Black Holes and Their Role in Cosmic Phenomena
IELTS Reading Practice Passage [Based on Cambridge IELTS 19]
IELTS Reading Practice Test #11: The Rise and Fall of the Knightly Order in Medieval Europe
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IELTS Reading Practice Test #12: Zombies as Reflections of Society's Deepest Anxieties
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IELTS Academic Reading Full List of Practice Tests
Complete list of IELTS Reading Practice Tests With Quizzes & Explanations

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