Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #186

A. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology for cellular networks, designed to be a significant leap forward from its predecessor, 4G. It promises not just faster mobile internet, but a more robust and versatile network capable of supporting a vast array of new applications and services. The key capabilities of 5G are its dramatically higher speeds, significantly lower latency (the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction), and a much greater capacity to connect a massive number of devices simultaneously.

B. These advancements are achieved through the use of new technologies and a wider range of radio frequencies. 5G can operate on low-band, mid-band, and high-band (millimetre wave) frequencies. High-band frequencies offer incredible speeds but have a short range and are easily blocked by obstacles. Low-band frequencies offer broad coverage but with speeds that are only modestly faster than 4G. The ideal 5G network will involve a blend of all three bands to provide both speed and coverage.

C. The potential impact of 5G extends far beyond faster smartphone downloads. Its low latency and high reliability are critical for applications that require real-time responses, such as autonomous vehicles, which need to communicate with each other and with road infrastructure instantly. It is also a key enabler for the Internet of Things (IoT), providing the capacity to connect billions of smart devices in our homes, cities, and industries.

D. The rollout of 5G networks is a massive undertaking, requiring significant investment in new infrastructure, including a dense network of small cell antennas. There have also been public concerns and misinformation regarding the potential health effects of 5G''s radio waves, though the overwhelming scientific consensus is that they are safe and fall well within established safety guidelines. As 5G becomes more widespread, it is expected to be a transformative platform for innovation, underpinning the next wave of technological development in a hyper-connected world.