The concept of 'digital twins' has evolved from a niche engineering tool into a cornerstone of modern infrastructure management. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process, or system, continuously updated with real-time data from sensors and IoT devices. This dynamic model allows engineers to simulate scenarios, predict failures, and optimize performance without disrupting the physical counterpart. In urban planning, digital twins of entire cities enable authorities to test the impact of new traffic flows, energy grids, or emergency response strategies before implementation. However, the reliance on vast data streams raises concerns about data security and the digital divide, as only well-resourced municipalities can afford such sophisticated systems. Critics argue that without equitable access, digital twins could exacerbate existing inequalities in urban development.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es una de las principales ventajas de utilizar gemelos digitales en la planificación urbana?
A. A. Eliminan por completo la necesidad de infraestructura física.
B. B. Permiten probar cambios sin una interrupción directa en el mundo real.
C. C. Resuelven automáticamente todos los problemas de seguridad de datos.
D. D. Son lo suficientemente económicos como para que todos los municipios puedan permitírselos.
✅ 正确答案
B. They allow testing of changes without direct real-world disruption.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first