Certainly! Here’s an example of a reading passage with questions that you might find in the IELTS Reading test:

Passage: The History of Tea

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The history of tea dates back to ancient China, almost 5,000 years ago. According to legend, in 2737 B.C., Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. He was immediately interested in the pleasant scent and decided to taste the infusion. This resulted in what is now known as tea.

For centuries, tea was primarily used as a medicinal beverage in China. It wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (618–907 A.D.) that tea became a popular drink, spreading to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The Japanese, in particular, developed a complex tea culture, symbolized by the tea ceremony, which has been practiced for hundreds of years.

Tea was introduced to Europe by Portuguese priests and merchants in the 16th century. It became widely popular in Britain, where it was initially a luxury item. The British East India Company played a major role in importing and popularizing tea, leading to the establishment of tea plantations in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Asia.

In the 18th century, the British love for tea led to the infamous Boston Tea Party in America. This protest against British taxes on tea was one of the catalysts of the American Revolution. Despite this, tea continued to be a beloved drink in many parts of the world, and its popularity only grew over time.

Today, tea is not just a drink but a global cultural phenomenon, with different regions adding their unique touches to the way tea is prepared and consumed. From English afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream to the elaborate Japanese tea ceremonies, tea remains an integral part of many cultures.

Questions:

1. According to the passage, who is traditionally credited with discovering tea?
A) Emperor Shen Nong
B) The Tang Dynasty
C) Portuguese merchants
D) British East India Company

2. Which of the following statements is true about the spread of tea?
A) Tea was first popular in Europe before it spread to Asia.
B) The Tang Dynasty made tea a popular drink in China.
C) The Japanese were the first to develop a tea culture.
D) Tea was initially popularized in America by the British.

3. What was the significance of the Boston Tea Party mentioned in the passage?
A) It marked the introduction of tea to America.
B) It was a protest against British taxes on tea.
C) It led to the first tea plantations in India.
D) It was an event that popularized tea in Britain.

4. In which century did tea become widely popular in Britain?
A) 16th century
B) 17th century
C) 18th century
D) 19th century

5. How does the passage describe the role of tea in modern times?
A) Tea is mainly consumed as a medicinal beverage.
B) Tea has lost its popularity in many cultures.
C) Tea remains a popular and culturally significant beverage.
D) Tea ceremonies are now only practiced in Japan.

Answers:

1. A) Emperor Shen Nong
2. B) The Tang Dynasty made tea a popular drink in China.
3. B) It was a protest against British taxes on tea.
4. B) 17th century
5. C) Tea remains a popular and culturally significant beverage.

This example mirrors the style of the IELTS Reading section, which typically includes passages followed by a set of questions designed to test comprehension, information retrieval, and critical analysis.