CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage & Practice Questions

Did You Know? Only 1 in 4 IELTS test takers score Band 7 or above in the Academic Reading section. With just 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, time pressure, not language skill, is often the biggest hurdle. Practicing focused topics like CCTV Surveillance helps you build both speed and accuracy.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is taken by over 3.5 million candidates annually across 140 countries, making it the world's leading English proficiency exam for academic, professional, and migration purposes. 

The IELTS Reading section, lasting 60 minutes, features three passages and 40 questions, with average band scores worldwide hovering around 6.0 for academic test-takers. Notably, only about 15% of candidates achieve a band score of 7.0 or higher in reading, highlighting the section's challenging nature.

A passage on CCTV surveillance is particularly relevant, as it explores real-world issues like public safety, privacy, and technological innovation, frequently discussed in academic and societal contexts. 

This blog provides a focused guide on CCTV surveillance IELTS reading passage, practice questions, and expert insights to help you sharpen your comprehension skills.

What to Expect in CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage

The IELTS Reading section consists of three passages sourced from academic books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, designed to reflect issues encountered in educational or professional contexts.

The total word count for the section ranges from 2,150 to 2,750 words, and each correct answer is awarded one mark, contributing to a final IELTS reading band score from 1 to 9.

The section evaluates language proficiency through various reading skills, including skimming for gist, scanning for specific information, and reading for detail to understand logical arguments, opinions, and the writer’s purpose.

For a passage on CCTV surveillance, you can expect a variety of question types such as: 

Question Type	Significance	Description
Multiple Choice	Tests comprehension and ability to identify specific details	Choose the correct answer from the options based on passage details.
Matching Headings	Assesses understanding of main ideas and paragraph structure	Match headings to sections/paragraphs reflecting main themes.
True/False/Not Given / Yes/No/Not Given	Evaluates the ability to distinguish between factual information and opinions	Decide if statements agree with the passage, contradict, or are not stated.
Matching Information	Checks skill in locating specific information within the text	Match statements to sections where information is found.
Sentence/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion	Measures the ability to summarize and extract key information	Complete sentences with words from the passage.
Short Answer Questions	Tests the ability to provide concise, accurate responses from the passage	Answer questions briefly using information from the passage.
Diagram Label Completion	Measures the ability to interpret and transfer information	Label diagrams based on passage content

Now that you understand the structure and question types of the IELTS Reading section, let’s explore a sample passage on CCTV surveillance, IELTS Reading Passage. 

CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage: Sample Passage

Each passage in the IELTS reading section tests various skills, including scanning for details, identifying main ideas, and understanding logical arguments. 

To achieve a band score of 7, test-takers typically need at least 30 correct answers out of 40, yet the global mean for IELTS Academic Reading hovers around 6.26, underscoring the challenge of this section for most candidates.

Below is a detailed sample passage on CCTV surveillance:

CCTV Surveillance: Watching Over Society

Paragraph A

Installing CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras has become a defining feature of modern urban landscapes across the globe. In the United Kingdom alone, over four million CCTV cameras are installed in public spaces, private businesses, and residential areas, making it one of the most heavily surveilled countries worldwide. The primary justification for this widespread deployment is preventing crime and enhancing public safety, as authorities believe that visible cameras can deter potential offenders. However, despite their ubiquity, the effectiveness of CCTV in significantly reducing crime rates remains a subject of ongoing debate among policymakers, law enforcement officials, and academic researchers. Some argue that cameras may help post-crime investigations, but their role in actual crime prevention is unclear.

Paragraph B

Numerous studies have investigated the real impact of surveillance cameras on deterring criminal activity. While some research reports suggest that CCTV cameras contribute to a measurable reduction in specific crimes such as car theft, shoplifting, and vandalism, other studies indicate that criminals often adapt by simply relocating their illegal activities to areas not covered by cameras, a phenomenon known as crime displacement. For example, an internal police report from London revealed a striking statistic: only one crime was solved for every 1,000 cameras installed across the city. This finding has raised serious questions about the cost-effectiveness and overall value of maintaining such extensive surveillance networks, especially given the high financial and logistical resources required for their operation and monitoring.

Paragraph C

Technological advancements in recent years have significantly expanded the capabilities and applications of surveillance systems. Police forces in various countries have begun experimenting with helmet-mounted cameras worn by officers during patrols, providing real-time footage that can be used for evidence and accountability. Additionally, deploying drones, such as the Microdrone, has introduced a new dimension to surveillance. These small, remote-controlled flying devices can hover discreetly above large crowds at events like rock festivals, football matches, and public demonstrations. Equipped with high-resolution video cameras and infrared night vision capabilities, these drones enable continuous monitoring even in low-light conditions. The footage captured is often stored alongside millions of images collected from automated number plate recognition cameras, contributing to the vast databases used by law enforcement agencies to track suspects and analyze patterns.

Paragraph D

Despite the potential benefits of surveillance technology, its rapid proliferation has sparked widespread concerns regarding privacy and the risk of misuse. Critics argue that the omnipresence of cameras in public and private spaces may infringe upon individual freedoms and civil liberties, creating a society where people feel constantly watched and monitored. Some experts suggest that non-technological improvements, such as better street lighting and increased community policing, could be equally effective in reducing crime without compromising privacy. Furthermore, there are significant worries about who has access to advanced surveillance technologies. For instance, there is resistance to allowing private security firms to operate sophisticated surveillance drones, due to fears that such access could lead to abuse or unauthorized data collection.

Paragraph E

Beyond their traditional role in crime prevention, surveillance technologies are increasingly being adapted for various applications. Fire brigades, for example, use drones to assess the scale and impact of fire and flood scenes, allowing for safer and more efficient emergency response. Environmental agencies are exploring the use of drones to monitor illegal dumping, pollution, and wildlife conservation efforts. Innovative tools such as smart water DNA tagging are being introduced, which involve marking suspects with traceable DNA tags that can be detected later, aiding in criminal investigations. These developments exemplify the rapid evolution and expanding utility of surveillance tools available to authorities, raising both opportunities and new ethical considerations.

Paragraph F

As surveillance becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life, society faces critical questions about balancing the need for security with protecting individual privacy. While many citizens accept the use of high-tech tools to combat crime, terrorism, and public disorder, there is widespread unease about the potential for these systems to be misused, whether through unauthorized monitoring of ordinary citizens, data breaches, or government overreach. The ongoing debate over CCTV surveillance reflects broader tensions between technological progress and civil liberties, highlighting the need for clear regulations, transparency, and public dialogue to ensure surveillance serves the public interest without undermining fundamental rights.

Now that you have explored the sample passage, it’s time to put your skills to the test with targeted practice questions of CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage

CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage: Practice Questions and Answers

Approach each question by carefully reading the instructions, underlining keywords, and referring back to the relevant section of the passage. Remember, there are typically 13–14 questions per IELTS reading passage, totaling 40 for the entire section.

Focus on answering in the correct format, managing your time, and using scanning and skimming techniques to locate information quickly.

Let's break down and understand all 13 questions for the IELTS reading answers: "CCTV Surveillance"

Questions 1–6: Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are a core part of the IELTS Reading section, typically making up 4–6 questions per passage. Each MCQ presents either a direct question or an incomplete sentence with three or four possible answers, and you must select the single correct option (A, B, C, or D).

Let's have a look at some of the MCQ questions: 

Question 1:

1. According to the passage, what is the main reason authorities install CCTV cameras in urban areas?

A) To collect data on citizens

B) To enhance public safety and deter crime

C) To monitor traffic congestion

D) To reduce surveillance costs

Focus: Identifying the primary purpose

Strategy: Skim Paragraph A for explicit statements about the main reason for installation

Impact: Ensures you recognize the author’s stated intent, not inferred or secondary reasons.

Answer: B) To enhance public safety and deter crime Explanation: Paragraph A states, "The primary justification for this widespread deployment is preventing crime and enhancing public safety, as authorities believe that visible cameras can deter potential offenders."

Question 2:

What do some studies suggest about the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in reducing crime?

A) They eliminate all types of crime

B) They are only effective in rural areas

C) They may reduce certain crimes, but can lead to crime displacement

D) They are universally effective regardless of location

Focus: Understanding research findings.

Strategy: Scan Paragraph B for outcomes and limitations of CCTV effectiveness.

Impact: Tests ability to interpret nuanced research results.

Answer: C) They may reduce certain crimes, but can lead to crime displacement Explanation:  Paragraph B notes, "Some research reports suggest that CCTV cameras contribute to a measurable reduction in specific crimes…other studies indicate that criminals often adapt by simply relocating their illegal activities to areas not covered by cameras, a phenomenon known as crime displacement."

Question 3:

Which technological advancement is mentioned as expanding surveillance capabilities?

A) Satellite imaging

B) Microdrone deployment

C) Biometric passports

D) Smart streetlights

Focus: Recognizing specific technological innovations.

Strategy: Look for mentions of new tools in Paragraph C.

Impact: Assesses attention to detail and technical vocabulary. 

Answer: B) Microdrone deployment Explanation: Paragraph C describes, "deploying drones, such as the Microdrone, has introduced a new dimension to surveillance…These small, remote-controlled flying devices can hover discreetly above large crowds…"

Question 4:

What is a major concern critics have about the proliferation of surveillance technology?

A) Increased cost of urban living

B) Infringement on individual freedoms and privacy

C) Decreased police employment

D) Lack of technological innovation

Focus: Identifying key criticisms.

Strategy: Scan Paragraph D for concerns and objections.

Impact: Measures ability to distinguish between factual and opinion-based content.

Answer: B) Infringement on individual freedoms and privacy Explanation: Paragraph D states, “Critics argue that the omnipresence of cameras in public and private spaces may infringe upon individual freedoms and civil liberties, creating a society where people feel constantly watched and monitored.”

Question 5:

In addition to crime prevention, what other use of surveillance technology is described in the passage?

A) Predicting economic trends

B) Monitoring weather patterns

C) Managing environmental emergencies

D) Promoting tourism

Focus: Identifying secondary applications.

Strategy: Look for examples beyond crime in Paragraph E.

Impact: Tests comprehension of broader context and multiple functions.

Answer: C) Managing environmental emergencies Explanation: Paragraph E mentions, "Fire brigades…use drones to assess the scale and impact of fire and flood scenes, allowing for safer and more efficient emergency response."

Question 6:

What ongoing debate does the passage highlight regarding CCTV surveillance?

A) The effectiveness of CCTV in advertising

B) The potential for surveillance to replace human workers

C) The balance between security and individual privacy

D) The impact of CCTV on international relations

Focus: Recognizing central themes.

Strategy: Review Paragraph F for the main societal issue discussed.

Impact: Ensures understanding of the passage's overarching argument.

Answer: C) The balance between security and individual privacy Explanation: Paragraph F discusses, "society faces critical questions about balancing the need for security with protecting individual privacy…The ongoing debate over CCTV surveillance reflects broader tensions between technological progress and civil liberties."

Next, let's understand the TRUE/FALSE question section, which requires linking facts to the passage.

Questions 7–10: TRUE/FALSE

Before attempting TRUE/FALSE questions, it’s important to note that these require you to determine whether the statement exactly matches the information in the passage (TRUE), directly contradicts it (FALSE), or is not stated at all (NOT GIVEN). 

Let’s proceed with Questions 7–10.

Question 7:

True or False: The United Kingdom has more CCTV cameras installed than any other country in the world.

Focus: Factual comparison.

Strategy: Locate statistics about CCTV camera numbers in Paragraph A.

Impact: Tests your attention to superlative claims and data accuracy.

Answer: FALSE Explanation: Paragraph A says the UK is “one of the most heavily surveilled countries worldwide,” but does not claim it has the most CCTV cameras of any country.

Question 8:

True or False: Some studies indicate that criminals may move their activities to areas without CCTV coverage.

Focus: Understanding cause and effect.

Strategy: Scan Paragraph B for research findings about criminal behavior.

Impact: Assesses your ability to interpret research outcomes.

Answer: TRUE Explanation: Paragraph B states, “Other studies indicate that criminals often adapt by simply relocating their illegal activities to areas not covered by cameras.”

Question 9:

True or False: Microdrones used in surveillance are equipped with both high-resolution cameras and infrared night vision.

Focus: Technical details.

Strategy: Review Paragraph C for descriptions of Microdrone features.

Impact: Measures your ability to extract specific information.

Answer: TRUE Explanation: Paragraph C specifies, “These drones are equipped with high-resolution video cameras and infrared night vision capabilities.”

Question 10:

True or False: All experts agree that surveillance technology is the most effective way to reduce crime.

Focus: Recognizing consensus or disagreement.

Strategy: Look for statements about expert opinion in Paragraph D.

Impact: Tests your ability to spot absolute statements versus nuanced debate.

Answer: FALSE Explanation: Paragraph D notes that "some experts suggest that non-technological improvements…could be equally effective in reducing crime," indicating disagreement among experts.

Now that you’ve practiced with TRUE/FALSE questions, let’s strengthen your ability to locate specific information with fill-in-the-blank questions for IELTS reading answers: "CCTV Surveillance"

Questions 11–13: Fill in the Blanks

Fill-in-the-blank questions require you to find exact words or phrases from the passage to complete sentences accurately. Typically, these questions test your scanning skills and understanding of paraphrasing or summarizing information.

Here are a few fill-in-the-blank practice questions for IELTS reading answers: "CCTV Surveillance"

Question 11:

According to the passage, the phenomenon where criminals move their activities to areas not covered by CCTV is called __________.

Focus: Identifying specific terminology.

Strategy: Scan Paragraph B for the term describing this behavior.

Impact: Tests your ability to pinpoint and recall technical vocabulary.

Answer: crime displacement Explanation: Paragraph B explicitly names this phenomenon: “…a phenomenon known as crime displacement.”

Question 12:

Some fire brigades use drones to assess the scale and impact of __________ and flood scenes.

Focus: Recognizing secondary uses of surveillance.

Strategy: Look for examples of non-crime-related applications in Paragraph E.

Impact: Measures your ability to extract supporting details.

Answer: fire Explanation: Paragraph E states, “Fire brigades…use drones to assess the scale and impact of fire and flood scenes…”

Question 13:

The passage mentions that the debate over CCTV surveillance reflects tensions between technological progress and __________.

Focus: Understanding main themes.

Strategy: Review Paragraph F for the central societal issue.

Impact: Assesses your comprehension of the passage's overarching argument.

Answer: civil liberties Explanation: Paragraph F concludes, “…the ongoing debate over CCTV surveillance reflects broader tensions between technological progress and civil liberties.”

Use the IELTS band score chart to track your progress and compare your results against the global average IELTS score.

Now that you've explored the sample question and reading passage, it's vital to equip yourself with key vocabulary frequently appearing in the CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage.

Must-Know Vocabulary Terms for CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage

Candidates with at least 3,000 academic word families are far more likely to achieve a band 7 or above. In the IELTS exam, unfamiliar technical terms can account for up to 20% of passage content, especially in science and technology topics.  

Thus, building a strong vocabulary increases reading speed and comprehension and directly impacts your ability to answer questions accurately. 

Below is a table mentioning important vocabulary terms for the CCTV Surveillance IELTS reading passage:

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
CCTV	Closed-Circuit Television: a system for video surveillance	"CCTV cameras monitor entrances to deter theft."
DVR	Digital Video Recorder: a device that records video in digital format	"The footage was saved on a DVR for later review."
NVR	Network Video Recorder: records video from IP cameras over a network	"NVRs allow remote access to surveillance footage."
IP Camera	An Internet Protocol camera transmits video over a network	"IP cameras enable real-time monitoring from any location."
PTZ Camera	Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera; can rotate and zoom remotely	"PTZ cameras are ideal for tracking moving subjects."
Motion Detection	Technology that senses movement and triggers recording or alerts	"Motion detection minimized unnecessary footage."
Frame Rate (FPS)	Frames per second: measures how many images are captured per second	"A higher frame rate ensures smoother video playback."
Resolution	The detail an image holds, measured in pixels (e.g., 1080p, 4K)	"High resolution is crucial for identifying faces in footage."
Infrared (IR)	Technology for capturing images in low light or darkness	"Infrared cameras provide clear night-time surveillance."
GDPR	General Data Protection Regulation; EU law on data privacy	"GDPR compliance is essential for surveillance systems in Europe."
CCD Sensor	Charge-Coupled Device: a light-sensitive imaging component	"CCD sensors improve image quality in low-light conditions."
RAID	Redundant Array of Independent Disks; storage system for data security	"RAID ensures recorded footage is not lost if a hard drive fails."
Alarm Receiving Centre	Facility where alerts from CCTV systems are monitored	"The alarm receiving centre dispatched security after a breach was detected."
Operational Continuity	Maintaining security and business operations during incidents	"CCTV helps ensure operational continuity after security breaches."
False Alarm	An alert triggered by non-threatening activity	"Wind caused a false alarm, but no intrusion occurred."

Having built a strong foundation with essential vocabulary, it's equally important to understand how these words naturally combine in context, through collocations and common phrases.

Collocations and Phrases

Collocations are word combinations that naturally occur together and are directly linked to IELTS Reading success. Studies show that over 50% of academic English texts, including IELTS passages, are made up of common collocations and set phrases.

Moreover, familiarity with topic-specific phrases not only aids in understanding complex passages but also helps you infer meaning and answer questions more accurately.  

Explore the table below for must-know collocations and phrases related to CCTV surveillance, along with their meanings:

Collocation/Phrase	Meaning
surveillance footage	Video recordings from security cameras
crime prevention strategy	A plan or method to reduce criminal activity
privacy concerns	Worries about the protection of personal information
law enforcement agencies	Organizations responsible for upholding and enforcing laws
public safety	The welfare and protection of the general public
technological advancement	Progress in technology that leads to new or improved devices
data storage	The method of saving and keeping digital information
facial recognition software	Technology that identifies people by analyzing facial features
unauthorized access	Entry or use without official permission
real-time monitoring	Observing events as they happen, without delay
security breach	An incident where security measures are bypassed or broken
digital evidence	Information or data stored electronically is used in investigations
deterrent effect	The prevention of unwanted behavior through fear of consequences
operational efficiency	The ability to perform tasks effectively with minimal waste
visual surveillance	Monitoring activities using visual technology like cameras

Get your IELTS band score instantly! Use the IELTS Band Score Calculator now and estimate your result. 

Next, let's understand the mistakes and strategic tips that can improve your CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage band score.

Mistakes to Avoid and Helpful Tips for CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage

IELTS data reveals that nearly 42% of candidates lose marks in the reading section due to misreading questions or overlooking key details, especially in passages with technical vocabulary like CCTV surveillance.

Here are the most frequent mistakes candidates make, each with a practical example and proven IELTS reading tips and tricks to help you avoid them:

1. Misreading Technical Vocabulary

• Many candidates confuse "infrared" and "high resolution," leading to incorrect answers.
• Tip: Highlight or note down definitions as you read, and review the vocabulary list before the test.

2. Ignoring Context in Collocations

• Over 30% of incorrect answers stem from misunderstanding collocations like "data storage" or "crime prevention strategy."
• Tip: Practice identifying collocations in sample texts and always read the surrounding sentence for context.

3. Skimming Without Scanning for Details

• Candidates who only skim the passage often miss specific data points or facts, which are crucial for True/False/Not Given and summary questions.
• Tip: Skim first for general understanding, then scan for keywords and numbers when answering questions.

4. Overlooking Question Keywords

• Many mistakes happen when candidates miss keywords that guide them to the correct passage section. For example, overlooking “economic impact” may lead them to focus on unrelated environmental issues.
• Tip: Underline or circle keywords in both the questions and the passage to stay focused.

5. Transferring Answers Incorrectly

• According to IELTS reports, up to 10% of candidates lose marks due to spelling errors or writing answers in the wrong place. For example, writing "infrared" as "infra-red" or placing the answer for Question 5 in the box for Question 6.
• Tip: Double-check spelling and answer placement before submitting your answer sheet.

Also Read: How to Get 6.5 Band in IELTS - Tips to Score 6.5 Bands in IELTS.

Before you begin practicing with sample questions, knowing which study materials deliver the best results for learning the CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage is essential.

Must-Have Study Materials for the CCTV Surveillance IELTS Reading Passage

High-quality IELTS reading materials are crucial for targeted preparation. These materials provide authentic practice passages, detailed answer keys, examiner feedback, and mock tests, ensuring you encounter the full range of question types, technical vocabulary, and time constraints in the actual exam. 

Here's a list of top practice resources: 

Resource	Focus Area	Why Use It?
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Downloadable practice materials covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections to build overall proficiency.
IELTS Reading Test	Reading skills	Practice tests focused on improving the IELTS reading section's reading comprehension and time management.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Visual learning	Engaging video lessons that explain strategies, tips, and common pitfalls across all exam sections.
IELTS Online Free Preparation Course	Structured study & feedback	Interactive, instructor-led modules with progress tracking, quizzes, and personalized feedback to systematically improve all IELTS skills.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching

To maximize your IELTS Reading score, especially on challenging topics like CCTV surveillance, using expert guidance and structured resources can make all the difference.

How upGrad Supports Your Preparation for IELTS Reading Passage

upGrad offers a data-driven, personalized approach to IELTS preparation, specifically targeting the skills needed for high-band performance in the Reading section. Each passage is accompanied by detailed explanations of the answers, examiner-style feedback, and vocabulary-building exercises tailored to the latest IELTS trends.

Additionally, upGrad's expert faculty, certified IELTS trainers, and former examiners conduct live doubt-clearing sessions, mock test reviews, and strategy workshops focused on time management and error analysis.

Increase your IELTS reading score today with personalized and proven support. Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad's IELTS experts and get a personalized roadmap for your exam success.