Duolingo English Test Interactive Reading Practice #3 — Intermediate Level

Free DET (Duolingo English Test) Interactive Reading practice #3 — Intermediate level. Just DET Reading & Vocabulary questions, no grading — solve it yourself and check the answer or model response.

How to practice: This set collects only the Interactive Reading question type from the real DET (Duolingo English Test) — DET Reading & Vocabulary questions. No grading, no timer — solve it yourself, then tap each question to reveal the answer or model response.

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and has a significant impact on local economies. When travelers visit a destination, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and souvenirs. This spending creates jobs and generates income for local businesses and governments. In many developing countries, tourism is one of the primary sources of foreign income and plays a critical role in reducing poverty.

However, the economic benefits of tourism are not always evenly distributed. In some cases, large international hotel chains and tour operators take most of the profits, leaving local communities with very little. This is sometimes called 'economic leakage,' where money flows out of the local economy rather than staying within it. To address this issue, many experts encourage travelers to choose locally owned accommodations and businesses whenever possible.

Tourism also affects local culture. On the positive side, it can help preserve traditional arts, crafts, and festivals by creating a market for them. Local artisans can sell their work to visitors, keeping cultural traditions alive. On the other hand, some argue that tourism can lead to the commercialization of culture, where traditions are simplified or altered to meet tourist expectations, losing their original meaning.

Another significant concern is the environmental impact of mass tourism. Popular destinations like Venice, Barcelona, and Bali have experienced serious problems caused by too many visitors. Overcrowding damages historical sites, pollutes natural environments, and reduces the quality of life for local residents. In response, some cities have introduced visitor limits or entry fees to manage tourist numbers and protect their heritage.

Despite these challenges, sustainable tourism offers a promising path forward. By encouraging responsible travel behavior, supporting local economies, and minimizing environmental damage, sustainable tourism aims to ensure that both visitors and local communities benefit from travel in the long term.

Q1 · Multiple Choice
According to the passage, what is 'economic leakage' in the context of tourism?
  1. A. When tourists spend less money than expected
  2. B. When profits flow out of the local economy to international companies
  3. C. When the government collects taxes from tourists
  4. D. When local businesses fail to attract visitors
Show Answer
Correct: When profits flow out of the local economy to international companies
Q2 · True / False
According to the passage, tourism can help preserve local culture by creating a market for traditional arts and crafts.
Show Answer
Correct: True
Q3 · Multiple Choice
What does the passage say is the main benefit of sustainable tourism?
  1. A. It makes travel cheaper for tourists
  2. B. It ensures both visitors and local communities benefit in the long term
  3. C. It eliminates all negative impacts of tourism
  4. D. It focuses only on protecting the environment
Show Answer
Correct: It ensures both visitors and local communities benefit in the long term
Q4 · Highlight
Highlight the phrase that explains what can happen to local traditions when tourism commercializes culture.
Show Answer
Correct: traditions are simplified or altered to meet tourist expectations, losing their original meaning
Q5 · Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a problem caused by too many tourists?
  1. A. Damage to historical sites
  2. B. Pollution of natural environments
  3. C. Increased crime rates
  4. D. Reduced quality of life for residents
Show Answer
Correct: Increased crime rates

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