Month: March 2024

Section 1: The Guardian Newspaper’s Travel Photography Competition

Questions 1-8: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 1: This is the first year that The Guardian has run a travel photography competition.

Keywords for this question: first year, has run, a travel photography competition, 

In the first paragraph, the writer of the text says, “The photo competition is back, giving you another chance to win an incredible trip to Swedish Lapland.”  

Here, The photo competition is back, giving you another chance = this is NOT the first year, there has been such competition before, 

So, the answer is: FALSE 

Question 2: Any photograph for the competition must have been taken on an overseas trip.   

Keywords for this question: any photograph, must have been taken on, overseas trip,         

In the second paragraph the writer says in lines , “ . . … .. . It’s an opportunity for you to capture the essence of the journeys you make, whether far afield or close to home, and for us to showcase your work online. .. . .. .” 

Here, whether far afield or close to home = can be taken on an overseas trip OR can be taken anywhere close to home, 

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 3: The end-of-year exhibition in London is free for the public to attend.

Keywords for this question: end-of-year exhibition, London, free for the public, to attend,  

In paragraph no. 2, in lines 4-7, the writer says, “ . .. .. . . .. The winner of each month’s competition will also see their shot mounted and displayed in the end-of-year exhibition for the public at The Guardian ‘s offices in London. Once the exhibition is finished, each monthly winner will receive a framed copy of their shot to place with pride on their own wall.” 

Here, we DO NOT FIND any information on whether the end-of-year exhibition in London is free for the public to attend or not. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 4: The judging panel is made up of a group of journalists and a professional photographer. 

Keywords for this question: judging panel, made up of, a group of journalists and a professional photographer,       

Paragraph no. 3 has the answer to this question as the writer says here, “There will be a different theme for each month. Members of The Guardian travel writing team, and photographer Michael Ryan of Fotovue.com will judge the monthly entries and the overall winner.” 

Here, Members of The Guardian travel writing team, and photographer Michael Ryan = a group of journalist and a professional photographer, 

So, the answer is: TRUE 

Question 5: The trip to Swedish Lapland will only be offered to one winner. 

Keywords for this question: trip to Swedish Lapland, will only be offered, to one winner, 

The first lines of paragraph no. 5 say, “The overall winner (chosen from the 12 monthly winners) will go on an amazing four­ night trip to Swedish Lapland. .. .. .” 

Here, The overall winner = one winner, will go on an amazing four­ night trip to Swedish Lapland = the trip to Swedish Lapland, 

So, the answer is: TRUE 

Question 6: Every activity on the trip is focused on improving photography techniques. 

Keywords for this question: every activity, trip, focused on, improving, photography techniques,         

In the fifth paragraph, the final lines say, “ . .. . .. . Each day has a specific focus. The trip includes: winter light photography workshops, an image editing workshop, a night photography course, and an action photography workshop.” 

Here, the phrases photography workshops & editing workshop suggest that all the activities on the trip are focused on how to improve photography techniques. 

So, the answer is: TRUE 

Question 7: Anyone going on the trip may take some of the cold weather clothing home at the end of the trip. 

Keywords for this question: anyone going on the trip, may take, cold weather clothing, home, end of the trip, 

In the sixth paragraph, the writer says, “ .. .. .. Included in the prize: return flights from the UK, four nights’ accommodation with full board, cold weather clothing for the duration of the trip – thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, hats and woollen socks – fully qualified wilderness guides, and instructors.”

Here, Included in the prize & cold weather clothing for the duration of the trip means NOT some BUT all of the cold weather clothing can be taken home as a prize. 

So, the answer is: FALSE 

Question 8: Articles written about the trip may be changed before being published.  

Keywords for this question: articles, written about the trip, may be changed, before being published,  

The writer also says in the final paragraph, “ . . .. . . . . The Guardian reserves the right, however, to modify your report and photos as necessary. .. . …”

Here, The Guardian reserves the right .. . . .. . to modify = The Guardian authority can change the articles when necessary, 

So, the answer is: TRUE 

Running headphones

Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 9: These headphones would suit someone who doesn’t mind spending a lot to get good quality.  

Keywords for this question: would suit, doesn’t mind spending a lot, to get good quality,  

In the description of Powerbeats 2, the writer says in the beginning, “If money is not an issue, then these are definitely worth considering. .. . . .” 

Here, If money is not an issue = would suit someone who doesn’t mind spending a lot,  

So, the answer is: G (Powerbeats 2) 

Question 10: The battery on these headphones has a surprisingly long life. 

Keywords for this question: battery, has, surprisingly long life, 

In the description of Plantronics Backbeat Fit, the writer says in the final lines, “ . . .. … As well as providing reasonably clear sound they will also last a remarkable eight hours on a single charge.” 

Here, last a remarkable eight hours on a single charge = the battery . …  has a surprisingly long life, 

So, the answer is: A (Plantronics Backbeat Fit) 

Question 11: It is possible to keep in contact with other people while using these headphones.

Keywords for this question: possible, keep in contact with other people, while using, 

In the description of Sennheiser CX685 Sports, the writer says in the middle, “ . .. . .. have a handy remote and a mic for phone calls. .. … .”

Here, have a handy remote and a mic for phone calls = possible to keep in contact with others while using these headphones, 

So, the answer is: B (Sennheiser CX685 Sports) 

Question 12: Although these headphones are cheaper than most, music sounds quite good through them.

Keywords for this question: although, cheaper than most, music, sounds quite good,  

In the description of Betron B7505, the writer says, “If you’re on a tight budget, it can always feel risky buying a bottom of the market pair of headphones, but with these you needn’t worry. Not only do they provide fair sound quality,. .. .. . .” 

Here, If you’re on a tight budget .. . .. you needn’t worry = these headphones are cheaper than most, they provide fair sound quality = music sounds quite good through them, 

So the answer is: E (Betron B7505) 

Question 13: These headphones are very strong and do not require gentle handling.  

Keywords for this question: very strong, do not require, gentle handling,   

In the description of Plantronics Backbeat Fit, the writer says in the beginning, “These headphones are really tough so you don’t need to worry about just throwing them into your bag before or after a workout. .….. .” 

Here, really tough so you don’t need to worry about just throwing them into your bag = very strong and do not require gentle handling, 

So the answer is: A (Plantronics Backbeat Fit) 

Question 14: These headphones allow users to move around their playlist of music easily while they are exercising. 

Keywords for this question: allow users, move around, playlist of music, easily, while, exercising,    

In the description of Happy Plugs, the writer says, “ . .. . . . They also come with a handy remote built into the cable to skip and pause songs with while you work out.” 

Here, a handy remote built into the cable to skip and pause songs with while you work out = allow users to move around their playlist of music easily while they are exercising, 

So the answer is: F (Happy Plugs) 

Section 2: A Case Study of a risk assessment for general office cleaning

Questions 15-21: Completing FLOW-CHART with ONE WORD ONLY: 

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE WORD ONLY to complete some notes on the given flow-chart. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word. 

[TIPS: Here, scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Title of the flow chart: Stages followed by manager in carrying out risk assessment

Question 15: He talked to health and safety ____________ about the risks.

Keywords for this question: talked to, health and safety, about the risks,    

In the second paragraph, the author of the text says, “To identify the hazards, the cleaning service manager visited the office complex and walked through the areas where cleaning staff would be working, noting things that might pose potential risks. Following this, he consulted the health and safety representatives of the cleaning service about these risks, taking into account the needs of any particular staff members, such as whether they were pregnant or aged under 18.”

Here, consulted = talked to, 

So, the answer is: representatives

Question 16: At a meeting, he talked to the client company about

• the policy of the company regarding ____________  (e.g. clear walkways)   

Keywords for this question: a meeting, talked to, client company, about, policy, e.g. clear walkways, 

In paragraph no. 3, take a look at lines 1-4, “In order to gather further information, he then had a meeting with the client company during which a number of issues were discussed. These included the client company’s own standard of housekeeping, such as the immediate clearing up of spills and keeping walkways clear, . .. . .. . ” 

Here, had a meeting with the client company = talked to the client company, client company’s own standard = the policy of the company, keeping walkways clear = e.g. clear walkways, 

So, the answer is: housekeeping 

Question 17:

• procedures to be followed in case of a ____________

Keywords for this question: procedures, to be followed, in case of, a, 

Take a look at lines 2-4 in paragraph no. 3, “ . . .. . .. .  These included the client company’s own standard of housekeeping, such as the immediate clearing up of spills and keeping walkways clear, as well as the action to be taken if a fire broke out. .. . .. . ”. . .” 

Here, action to be taken if = procedures to be followed in case of,   

So, the answer is: fire 

Question 18: 

• facilities available to cleaners (e.g. space available for ____________ )

Keywords for this question: facilities available, to cleaners, e.g. space available,  

Lines 5-7 of the third paragraph say, “ . . . .. He also established what facilities and equipment would be available to the cleaners, including the amount of storage space available, as well as the availability of sinks and taps, etc.. .. .” 

So, the answer is: storage 

Question 19: 

• a way of ____________  risks and hazards.

Keywords for this question: a way of, risk and hazards,   

The final few lines of paragraph no. 3 say, “.. . .. and agreed on a method of reporting near-miss accidents and risks discovered by cleaners (e.g. damaged floor tiles).” 

Here, a method of = a way of, near-miss accidents and risks = risks and hazards, 

So, the answer is: reporting 

Question 20: 

He compared these to information that the HSE provided on its ____________ .

Keywords for this question: compared, these, to information, HSE provided, on its,      

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4. Here, in the final lines, the author of the text writes, “ .. . . .. The manager then compared these to the good practice guidance set out on the HSE’s website and identified any areas where improvement was needed.” 

Here, The manager then compared these = He compared these, to the good practice guidance =  to information, set out on = provided on, 

So, the answer is: website  

Question 21: 

He displayed a copy of the risk assessment inside a ___________  available to all cleaning staff.

Keywords for this question: displayed, a copy of, risk management, inside, a, available, all cleaning staff, 

In the final paragraph, the writer of the text says in the final lines, “ . .. .. Finally, to ensure that all the cleaning staff had access to a copy of the risk assessment, the manager pinned a copy in the cupboard where cleaning equipment was kept.”  

Here, the manager pinned a copy = He displayed a copy, all the cleaning staff had access = available to all cleaning staff, 

So, the answer is: cupboard 

Preparing for a virtual job interview  

Questions 22-27: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY: 

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE WORD ONLY to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word. 

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.] 

Question 22: Some companies prefer to interview job applicants digitally because of lower ________ .

Keywords for this question: Some companies, prefer, interview job applicants, digitally, because, lower,   

In paragraph no. 1, the writer says in the first lines, “Businesses are always looking for new ways to increase efficiency and profits. For example, organisations often reduce costs by conducting virtual job interviews. .. ..” 

Here, organisations = some companies, reduce = lower, conducting virtual job interviews = prefer to interview job applicants digitally, 

 So, the answer is: costs 

Question 23: As with the standard recruitment process, virtual recruitment opens with __________ . 

Keywords for this question: As with, standard recruitment process, virtual recruitment, opens with, 

In the ‘How a virtual interview is the same’ section, the first lines of the first paragraph say, “The typical interview process usually entails multiple steps. First, there is screening, lasting about thirty minutes. .. … .”

Here, The typical interview process = the standard recruitment process, First = opens with, 

So, the answer is: screening 

Question 24: Applicants should read any details about the advertised post carefully and pick out important _____________ which they can discuss if necessary.

Keywords for this question: Applicants, should read, any details, advertised post, carefully, pick out, important, which, can discuss, if necessary, 

Again, in the ‘How a virtual interview is the same’ section, the first lines of the second paragraph say, “Virtual interviews follow the same steps so you’ll need to focus on the same core topics. Identify what the critical topics are based on the job description and prepare to talk about them. If you can, gather inside information so you can impress interviewers with your knowledge.”

Here, Identify = pick out, critical = important, prepare to talk about them = they can discuss if necessary, 

So, the answer is: topics  

Question 25: It is a good idea for applicants to check if they can be clearly understood when they use a ______________ . 

Keywords for this question: a good idea, for applicants, check, if they can be clearly understood, when, use a, 

In the ‘How a virtual interview is different’ section, the first lines in the second paragraph say, “Modern technology is great when it works, but a pain when it doesn’t. So, it’s wise to check you can operate your webcam, especially if you don’t use it often. Test the headset too and find out how intelligible your voice sounds.”

Here, Test = check, find out how intelligible your voice sounds = to check if they can be clearly understood, 

So, the answer is: headset   

Question 26: Applicants may not be familiar with the ___________ that the person conducting the interview will use, so they should try it out.

Keywords for this question: Applicants, may not be familiar with, the person, conducting, interview, will use, so, should try it out, 

Again in the ‘How a virtual interview is different’ section, the final lines in the second paragraph say, “ .. .. .. . It’s also wise to establish what software the interviewer is going to work with and give it a trial run.”

Here, interviewer = the person conducting the interview, is going to work with = will use, give it a trial run = should try it out, 

So, the answer is: software 

Question 27: It is very useful to go through a _____________ of the interview, with someone playing the part of the interviewer.

Keywords for this question: very useful, go through, a, of the interview, with someone playing, part of the interviewer, 

In the ‘How a virtual interview is different’ section, the fourth paragraph says, “The most important part of your preparation is to run through everything first as best you can. Have a friend conduct a rehearsal with you before the big day. This will help you know how to behave in front of the camera.”

Here, a friend = someone playing the part of the interviewer, run through = go through, This will help you know how to behave in front of the camera = it is very useful, 

So, the answer is: rehearsal  

Section 3:Tuning up your leadership skills  

Questions 28-33: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 28: a summary of the different aspects of leadership that are covered in the study

Keywords for this question: different aspects of leadership, covered in the study, 

The answer can be found in the second paragraph of section B. Here, the writer says, “The research focused on the way that these jazz greats created and ran their musical enterprises. In particular, Ucbasaran and Lockett focused on three specific areas of leadership activity: team formation, team coordination and team turnover.” 

Here, focused on three specific areas of leadership activity = different aspects of leadership that are covered in the study, 

So, the answer is: B 

Question 29: a description of how band leaders sometimes passed on their leadership skills to others

Keywords for this question: how, band leaders, sometimes passed on, leadership skills, to others, 

In section E, the first few lines in the second paragraph say, “A common reason for the jazz musicians leaving was that they felt sufficiently qualified to go and run another band. The three band leaders were understanding about this, particularly as it was a process they had also been through. In some cases, in particular with Art Blakey, they actively encouraged and coached team members to become leaders. . .. .

Here, they = band leaders, actively encouraged and coached team members to become leaders = sometimes passed on their leadership skills to others, 

So, the answer is: E

Question 30: a summary of the backgrounds of the band leaders chosen for the study

Keywords for this question: backgrounds of the band leaders, chosen for the study,    

In section B, the first paragraph provides short background information of the band leaders chosen for the study, “The authors decided to focus on three of the best known names in jazz – Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Art Blakey. American composer Duke Ellington was a pioneering jazz orchestra leader from the 1920s through to the 1970s. Trumpet player Miles Davis was instrumental in the development of a number of new jazz styles, including bebop and jazz fusion. Jazz drummer Arthur  ‘Art’ Blakey became famous as the leader of his band the Jazz Messengers.” 

Here, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Art Blakey = the band leaders chosen for the study, 

So, the answer is: B

Question 31: examples of ways in which one band leader encouraged his musicians to be more creative

Keywords for this question: ways, one band leader, encouraged, his musicians, to be more creative,    

In section D, lines 3-7 of the second paragraph gives a description of how Miles Davis encouraged his musicians to be more creative, “ . .. .. As Ucbasaran and Lockett note, Miles Davis discouraged band members from rehearsing in case it led to musical cliches from over-practice. Similarly, he often asked his musicians to play a piece in an unusual key, so they did not rely on learned fingering patterns. The performers were not left entirely to their own devices though. .. ..” 

Here, Miles Davis = one band leader, discouraged band members from rehearsing in case it led to musical cliches from over-practice = encouraged his musicians to be more creative, 

So, the answer is: D 

Question 32: an overview of the main similarities between the work of business people and jazz musicians

Keywords for this question: main similarities between, the work of business people and jazz musicians, 

In section A, the author of the text mentions in the second paragraph, “ . .. .. For a start, jazz bands are synonymous with creativity, improvisation and innovation, all essential ingredients for entrepreneurship. Jazz groups and their members often operate in uncertain and dynamic environments, characterised by rapid change. Yet through collective endeavour many jazz bands find their own structure and harmony and become profitable enterprises – both creatively and commercially.” 

Here, jazz bands are synonymous with creativity, improvisation and innovation, all essential ingredients for entrepreneurship = main similarities between the work of business people and jazz musicians, 

So, the answer is: A 

Question 33: a description of two contrasting ways of leading a team

Keywords for this question:  two contrasting ways, leading a team,  

In section D, we find two paragraphs. The final lines of the first paragraph and the opening lines of the second paragraph give a short description of two contrasting ways of leading a team. 

“ .. . . .. . . . .. . . The team leader can assume a number of different roles when helping the team achieve its objectives. Some leaders are very directive, detailing what tasks they want team members to perform, and how they want them to go about those tasks. (One way)

But that was not the approach Ellington, Davis and Blakey adopted. Instead, these leaders acted more as facilitators, empowering the musicians to collectively coordinate their behaviour and action to produce the desired outcome. (contrasting way).. . .. . . .. . . .”

So, the answer is: D 

Questions 34-36: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 34: The study by Ucbasaran and Lockett was the first to compare the worlds of music and business. 

Keywords for this question: the study, Ucbasaran and Lockett, was the first, compare the worlds of music and business,  

In section A, have a look at the first paragraph. “Ever since management expert Peter Drucker compared the job of Chief Executive Officer to that of an orchestra conductor, the business world has been exploring comparisons and inspirations from the world of music. Now Warwick Business School Professors Deniz Ucbasaran and Andy Lockett are hitting all the right notes with their study of famous jazz musicians , Leading Entrepreneurial Teams: Insights From Jazz, providing some essential insights for entrepreneurial team leaders.”

Here, management expert Peter Drucker compared the job of Chief Executive Officer to that of an orchestra conductor = Peter Drucker was the first to compare the worlds of music and business, 

So, the study by Ucbasaran and Lockett was NOT the first to compare the worlds of music and business.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 35: One reason why jazz musicians were chosen for the research is because the setting in which they work is unpredictable. 

Keywords for this question: one reason, why jazz musicians were chosen, for the research, because, the setting in which they work, unpredictable,   

The answer can be found in section A, in paragraph no. 2. Here, the writer says in lines 1-5, “Ucbasaran and Lockett (together with Durham Business School Professor Michael Humphries) chose jazz for a number of reasons. For a start, jazz bands are synonymous with creativity, improvisation and innovation, all essential ingredients for entrepreneurship. Jazz groups and their members often operate in uncertain and dynamic environments, characterised by rapid change. .. .. . . .. .”

Here, Jazz groups and their members often operate in uncertain and dynamic environments, characterised by rapid change = the setting in which they work is unpredictable, 

So, the answer is: TRUE 

Question 36: The researchers decided to cover only certain aspects of leadership.

Keywords for this question: the researchers, decided to cover, only certain aspects of leadership, 

The answer lies in section B, paragraph no. 2. The writer of the text says here, “The research focused on the way that these jazz greats created and ran their musical enterprises. In particular, Ucbasaran and Lockett focused on three specific areas of leadership activity: team formation, team coordination and team turnover.”

Here, three specific areas of leadership activity = only certain aspects of leadership, 

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 37-40: Multiple choice questions 

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question 37: When assembling their teams, the band leaders all prioritised players

Keywords for this question: when assembling, teams, the band leaders, all prioritised players, 

The answer is found in section B in paragraph no. 3, as the writer explains here, “There were strong similarities in the processes the band leaders used to assemble their diverse teams of talent. In particular, they looked for musicians with a different sound or way of playing, one that was unique to that band member and would improve the overall sound of the band. That feature was as much bound up with the personality of the individual musician as it was to do with their technical proficiency.” 

Here, the band leaders used to assemble their diverse teams of talent = assembling their teams,  

they looked for musicians with a different sound or way of playing, one that was unique to that band member = the band leaders all prioritised players who had an individual style of their own. 

So, the answer is: C (who had an individual style of their own.)

Question 38: What obstacle might jazz leaders face in reducing destructive conflict among team members? 

Keywords for this question: what obstacle, might jazz leaders face, in reducing, destructive conflict, among team members,    

In section C, the first paragraph gives the answer as the writer explains here the similarities between destructive and productive conflict, “ .. . .. . .. .. . Traditional team leadership theory suggests that to get the best team performance the leader should foster conflict that is productive in its effects, while minimising destructive conflict. But this is difficult when the sources of productive and destructive conflict are the same; that is, differences in personality and thinking. . . .. .. . .”

Here, the sources of productive and destructive conflict are the same = if destructive conflict among team members is reduced, jazz leaders may also reduce productive conflict in the process,  

So, the answer is: A (They may also reduce productive conflict in the process.)

Question 39: What approach to group coordination was shared by Ellington, Davis and Blakey?  

Keywords for this question: what approach to group coordination, was shared, by Ellington, Davis and Blakey,   

In section D, the final lines of paragraph no. 2 say, “ . .. . . . . All three leaders created a general framework within which team members could work, providing guidance but also the freedom to explore, express and make mistakes.”

Here, All three leaders = Ellington, Davis and Blakey, created a general framework = provided a structure, within which team members could work  .. . .. . . the freedom to explore, express and make mistakes = within which musicians could express themselves, 

So, the answer is: C (They provided a structure within which musicians could express themselves.)

Question 40: Ucbasaran and her colleagues found that the high turnover of members in jazz bands  

Keywords for this question: Ucbasaran and her colleagues, found, the high turnover of members, in jazz bands, 

In section E, the first paragraph talks about the benefits of the high turnover, “The third aspect of leadership behaviour that Ucbasaran and her colleagues looked  at was managing team turnover – people joining and leaving the team. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Yet the high turnover of team members, despite the resulting loss of knowledge and skills, was seen in a positive light. That was partly because of the advantages of getting a fresh shot of knowledge, ideas and creativity when new members joined.”

Here, was seen in a positive light = was welcomed by the band leaders, 

because of the advantages of getting a fresh shot of knowledge, ideas and creativity when new members joined = for the benefits it brought, 

So, the answer is: B (was welcomed by band leaders for the benefits it brought.)

Section 1: New York Late-Starters String Orchestra

Questions 1-7: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 1: The idea behind NYLSO was based on another orchestra.

Keywords for this question: idea, NYLSO, based on, another orchestra, 

In the first paragraph, the writer of the text says in lines 1-3, “It was founded in early 2007, and grew out of a concept developed by The East London Late Starters Orchestra (ELLSO), an award-winning group in England.. .. ..”  

Here, grew out of a concept developed by The East London Late Starters Orchestra (ELLSO) = based on another orchestra,  

So, the answer is: TRUE 

Question 2: An ability to read music is essential.   

Keywords for this question: ability, read music, essential,        

In the second paragraph the writer describes the requirements to join the orchestra. Take a close look at line no.1, “Participants should have basic music reading skills and a willingness to commit to the group, .. . .. .” 

Here, should have = essential, basic music reading skills = basic ability to read music, 

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 3: The NYLSO might be unsuitable for very advanced level musicians.  

Keywords for this question: NYLSO, might be unsuitable, very advanced level musicians, 

If you look closely at paragraph no. 2, lines 3-5 say, “ . . .. …..  If you have ever been paid to play your instrument, recently graduated with a degree in performance, or have been playing continuously since elementary school, you may decide we are not the appropriate group for you.” 

Here, have ever been paid to play your instrument, recently graduated with a degree in performance, or have been playing continuously since elementary school = very advanced level musicians, we are not the appropriate group for you = might not be suitable, 

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 4: NYLSO concerts are free to members’ families and friends. 

Keywords for this question: NYLSO concerts, free, members’ families and friends,       

In paragraph no. 3, we find the phrase ‘friends-and-family’ in line no. 5. However, we DO NOT find any information regarding the NYLSO concert being free to members’ families and friends. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN 

Question 5: Rehearsals always involve the full orchestra playing together. 

Keywords for this question: rehearsals, always involve, full orchestra, playing together,  

Again, in paragraph no. 3, the first few lines say, “We know that New Yorkers are busy people. It is fine if you miss an entire rehearsal period when an emergency arises. Ultimately, though, too many absences disrupt the function of the group and make it difficult to perform the pieces. .. .. .” 

Here, It is fine if you miss an entire rehearsal period when an emergency arises = rehearsals DO NOT ALWAYS involve the full orchestra playing together, 

So, the answer is: FALSE 

Question 6: The conductor provides her services free to NYLSO. 

Keywords for this question: conductor, provides, her services, free, to NYLSO,        

In the fifth paragraph, the final lines say, “ . .. . .. . Payments are applied to the costs of rehearsal space, conductor’s fees, and photocopying music.” 

Here, this line suggests that the conductor takes payment for his/her services to NYLSO. 

So, the answer is: FALSE 

Question 7: The NYLSO gives advice on what instrument to purchase. 

Keywords for this question: NYLSO, advice, what instrument, to purchase,    

In the final paragraph, it is said that participants need an instrument; however there is no information regarding NYLSO’s suggestion or advice on what instrument to purchase. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN 

The 7 best running watches

Questions 8-14:  Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 8: This would be a suitable and not too expensive first watch for a runner.  

Keywords for this question: suitable, not too expensive, first watch, 

In the description of Garmin Forerunner 10, the writer says, “This is a well-priced, entry-level watch . .. . . ..” 

Here, well-priced = not too expensive, entry-level watch = suitable, first watch for a runner, 

So, the answer is: E 

Question 9: Care has been taken to make this watch very attractive to look at.  

Keywords for this question: care, to make, very attractive, to look at,  

In the description of Nike Fuelband, the writer says, “ .. . . .. . this soft-touch and lightweight watch has been lovingly designed to appear more like a piece of futuristic jewellery than a running watch.

Here, has been lovingly designed to appear more like a piece of futuristic jewellery = Care has been taken to make this watch very attractive to look at, 

So, the answer is: F 

Question 10: This watch can be programmed to let the runner know when it is time to get some refreshment. 

Keywords for this question: can be programmed, let the runner know, when, time, get some refreshment,   

In the description of Timex Run Trainer 2.0, the writer says in the final lines, “ . . .. … Alerts remind you when it’s time to hydrate or top up the nutrition.

Here, Alerts remind you = can be programmed to let the runner know, time to hydrate or top up the nutrition = it is time to get some refreshment, 

So, the answer is: D

Question 11: This watch will need recharging at frequent intervals.  

Keywords for this question: will need, recharging, at frequent intervals, 

In the description of Garmin Forerunner, the writer says, “ . .. . .. although battery life is limited.”

Here, battery life is limited = will need recharging at frequent intervals, 

So, the answer is: C 

Question 12: Both experienced and inexperienced runners will find this watch useful.

Keywords for this question: both experienced and inexperienced, will find, useful, 

In the description of Timex Run Trainer 2.0, the writer says, “The hi-res screen makes this a great watch for athletes at any level . .. .. . .” 

Here, athletes at any level = Both experienced and inexperienced runners, 

So the answer is: D 

Question 13: Runners will find all the features on this watch are useful.  

Keywords for this question: will find, all the features, useful,  

In the description of Soleus FIT 1.0, the writer says, “Soleus claims this has everything you need and nothing you don’t. . . . .. ….. .” 

Here, everything you need and nothing you don’t = Runners will find all the features on this watch are useful, 

So the answer is: A 

Question 14: People who do most of their running in cities may find this watch is not appropriate for them. 

Keywords for this question: people, do most of, running, in cities, may find, not appropriate,   

In the description of Suunto Ambit2 S HR, the writer says, “This is better suited to off-roaders rather than urban runners and

Here, rather than urban runners = who do most of their running in cities may find this watch is not appropriate, 

So the answer is: G 

Section 2: Employees’ health and safety responsibilities

Questions 15-22: Completing notes 

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Headline of the notes: Health and Safety at Work

Question 15: 

Employees’ rights

• are established by ___________ and include the following:

Keywords for this question: employees’ rights, established by, include, following, 

In the ‘Your rights’ section of the text, the first lines say, “Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are set down in law and generally can’t be changed or removed by your employer.. . … .”  

Here, Your rights = employees’ rights, set down in = established by, 

So, the answer is: law 

Question 16: 

–  any ____________ needed for employees to work safely should be free

Keywords for this question: any, needed, to work safely, should be free, 

In the ‘Your rights’ section of the text, the second bullet point says, 

“• to be given any personal protective and safety equipment without being charged for it”  

Here, without being charged = should be free, 

So, the answer is: equipment 

Question 17: 

– employees may inform management of any ____________ they have relating to health and safety  

Keywords for this question: may inform management, any, relating to health and safety, 

In the ‘Your rights’ section of the text, the fourth bullet point says, 

“• to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have”

Here, tell your employer = may inform management, any health and safety concerns = any concerns they have relating relating to health and safety, 

So, the answer is: concerns  

Question 18: 

– employees are entitled to some ______________ while they are working 

Keywords for this question: employees are entitled to, some, while, working,      

In the ‘Your rights’ section of the text, the sixth bullet point says, 

“• to have breaks during the time you are at work”

Here, to have = employees are entitled to, during the time you are at work = while they are working, 

So, the answer is: breaks  

Question 19: 

 Employees’ responsibilities

– to avoid putting colleagues and others at ____________

Keywords for this question: employees’ responsibilities, take off jewellery and dress, appropriately, particular work, avoid, putting, colleagues and others,         

In the ‘Your responsibilities’ section of the text, the fourth bullet point says,  

“• to take reasonable care not to expose fellow employees and members of the public to risk by what you do or don’t do in the course of your work” 

Here, take reasonable care not to expose fellow employees and members of the public = to avoid putting colleagues and others, 

So, the answer is: risk  

Question 20: 

– to do any ___________ that the employer offers

Keywords for this question: do any, employer offers, 

In the ‘Your responsibilities’ section of the text, the fifth bullet point says,  

“• to co-operate with your employer, making sure you complete the training that is provided and that you understand and follow the company’s health and safety policies”

Here, to co-operate with your employer/ that is provided = the employer offers, making sure you complete = to do, 

So, the answer is: training    

Question 21: 

– to inform the employer of any ___________ received while working

Keywords for this question: inform, employer, any, received, while working, 

In the ‘Your responsibilities’ section of the text, the seventh bullet point says,  

“•  to report any injuries you suffer as a result of doing your job – your employer may then need to change the way you work.” 

Here, to report = to inform, you suffer as a result of doing your job = received while working, 

So, the answer is: injuries 

Question 22: 

– to make sure the employer knows of any _____________ you are taking that might affect performance.

Keywords for this question: make sure, employer knows, any,taking, that might affect performance,      

The final paragraph says, “If you drive or operate machinery, you have a responsibility to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you feel sleepy. If you do, they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do.” 

Here, you have a responsibility to tell your employer = to make sure the employer knows, makes you feel sleepy = might affect performance, 

So, the answer is: medication 

 

 

Our company notices 

Questions 23-27: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 23: Staff are needed to work on internal communications. 

Keywords for this question: staff, needed to work, internal communications, 

In the ‘New opportunity’ section of the text, the writer says, “Dev Patel will cease to be part-time content editor of the company intranet at the end of April, as his new role in Marketing leaves him no time for it. We’re looking for two people to take over. If you’re interested, and can work an extra three or four hours a week (for extra pay, of course!), contact Maggie Campbell on 2146.” 

Here, will cease to be = will leave the post, company intranet = the internal communications part of a company, We’re looking for two people to take over = staffs are needed,  

So, the answer is: F 

Question 24: People are needed to help improve an internal system. 

Keywords for this question: people, needed, to help improve, internal system,   

In the ‘Quality control’ section of the text, the writer says in lines 1-2, “Because of recent concerns about product quality, we’re setting up a team to consider ways of raising quality and making recommendations for changes. . .. .. ..”

Here, setting up a team = people are needed, to consider ways of raising quality and making recommendations for changes = help improve an internal system,  

So, the answer is: E 

Question 25: Staff are asked if they want to take part in an internal competition. 

Keywords for this question: staff are asked, if, want to take part in, internal competition, 

In the ‘And finally’ section of the text, the writer says, “We hope to re-start the company tennis championship, which hasn’t taken place for the last three years. If this is something for you, talk to Bill Sinclair on extension 2371. You don’t need to be a star player!” 

Here, the company tennis championship = an internal competition,  If this is something for you, talk to Bill Sinclair = staffs are asked if they want to take part, 

So, the answer is: G 

Question 26: Volunteers are asked to work overtime for a limited period.

Keywords for this answer: volunteers, asked to work overtime, for a limited period, 

In the ‘We’re doing well!’ section of the text, the writer says, “ . . . … . … we’ll need to run the production line for an additional three hours each evening throughout the week beginning 13 March. Any production workers willing to do this shift in addition to their normal work should speak to the Production Manager asap.” 

Here, we’ll need to run the production line for an additional three hours = volunteers are asked to work overtime,  throughout the week beginning 13 March = for a limited time, 

So, the answer is: D

Question 27: Staff will be told where to work temporarily.

Keywords for this answer: Staff will be told, where to work, temporarily, 

In the ‘Advance warning’ section of the text, the writer says in lines 2-3, “ . . . … Staff based in that building will be individually notified of where they’ll work for that time. .. .. . .” 

Here, Staff .. ..  will be individually notified = staff will be told, where they’ll work for that time = where to work temporarily, 

So, the answer is: A 

Section 3: Vanilla – the most wonderful flavour in the world    

Questions 28-31: Matching statements with correct countries

[The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the keywords and read around different countries carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same nationality in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions will not follow any sequential order.] 

Question 28: The vanilla that is grown here was created from more than one type of vanilla plant.  

Keywords for this question: vanilla, grown here, created from, more than one type of vanilla plant,  

In the ‘Tahiti’ section of the text, the writer says in lines 3-6 of the first paragraph, “ … .. . However, Tahiti differs in the species of vanilla that is most common: Vanilla tahitensis Moore. This is the hybrid of two vanilla species introduced in the 1800s. . .. .. ..” 

Here, hybrid of two vanilla species = created from more than one type of vanilla plant,  

So, the answer is: C (Tahiti) 

Question 29: This vanilla is often mixed with other types of vanilla. 

Keywords for this question: often, mixed with, other types,  

In the ‘Indonesia’ section of the text, the writer says in the final lines of the final paragraph, “ … .. . Indonesian vanilla works well when blended with vanillas from other regions and, because it’s more economical, it makes the end product more affordable.” 

Here, blended with vanillas from other regions = mixed with other types of vanilla, 

So, the answer is: D (Indonesia) 

Question 30: Some people claim that this country produces the finest vanilla. 

Keywords for this question: some people claim, this country, produces, finest vanilla,   

In the ‘Madagascar’ section of the text, the writer says in the final lines of the second paragraph, “ … . .. . .. Assisted by the climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country’s skilled farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world’s top vanilla producer in quantity and, many would argue, quality.

Here, to become the world’s top vanilla producer in quantity and, many would argue, quality = some people claim that this country produces the largest amount and finest quality of vanilla,  

So, the answer is: B (Madagascar) 

Question 31: This vanilla goes well with both sweet and savoury ingredients.

Keywords for this question: goes well with, both, sweet, savoury ingredients,   

In the ‘Mexico’ section of the text, the writer says in the final paragraph, “Vanilla from Mexico has a flavor that combines creamy tones with a deep, spicy character, making it a delicious complement to chocolate, cinnamon and other warm spices. It also works wonderfully in tomato sauces.” 

Here, chocolate = sweet ingredients, 

cinnamon and other warm spices tomato sauces = savory ingredients, 

So, the answer is: A (Mexico) 

Questions 32-34: Multiple choice questions 

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question set is found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question 32: What prevented countries, apart from Mexico, from growing vanilla in the 17th and 18th centuries?

Keywords for this question: what, prevented countries, apart from Mexico, growing vanilla, in, 17th and 18th centuries, 

In the ‘Mexico’ section of the text, the writer says in the second paragraph, “However, Mexico remained the sole grower of vanilla for another 300 years. The particular relationship between the vanilla orchid and an indigenous bee called the Melipone was crucial. It was responsible for pollinating the flowers, resulting in fruit production.” 

Here, Mexico remained the sole grower of vanilla for another 300 years = prevented countries, apart from Mexico from growing vanilla in the 17th and 18th centuries, an indigenous bee called the Melipone was crucial. It was responsible for pollinating the flowers = Melipone bee could only be found in Mexico, this bee could not be found in other countries, 

So, the answer is: B (the lack of the most suitable pollinating insect)

Question 33:  What does the writer suggest was the main reason for the success of vanilla cultivation on Madagascar?

Keywords for this question: what, was the main reason, success of vanilla cultivation, Madagascar, 

In the ‘Madagascar’ section of the text, the writer describes the ‘hand pollination technique’ in the first paragraph, “ . . …. . . . For almost 50 years, the production of vanilla struggled. The vines grew successfully with beautiful blossoms but vanilla pods were infrequent. Without the Melipone bee, the flowers weren’t being fertilized beyond occasional pollination by other insects. It wasn’t until 1836 that Charles Morren, a Belgian botanist, discovered the pollination link between bee and plant. And then in 1841, Edmond Albius of Reunion developed an efficient method for fertilizing the flower by hand. Now, growers could choose the best flowers to pollinate, resulting in a healthier and higher quality vanilla pod.” 

Here, developed an efficient method for fertilizing the flower by hand = adoption of a particular agricultural technique (hand pollination method),  

So, the answer is: A (the adoption of a particular agricultural technique)

Question 34: The writer believes that Madagascan vanilla is so popular because

Keywords for this answer: the writer believes, Madagascan vanilla, so popular, because, 

In the ‘Madagascar’ section of the text, the writer says in the second paragraph, “ . . … .. . Assisted by the climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country’s skilled farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world’s top vanilla producer in quantity and, many would argue, quality.” 

Here, Madagascar to become the world’s top vanilla producer in quantity and, many would argue, quality = the taste of Madagascan vanilla is widely considered to be the best quality / the standard taste of vanilla, 

So, the answer is: C (its taste is widely considered to be the standard taste of vanilla.) 

Questions 35-40:  Summary completion

[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: How vanilla pods are cured in Tahiti

Question 35: Tahitian farmers start by leaving the pods to turn __________ all over. They then wash them quickly before the main stage of the curing process begins.

Keywords for this answer: Tahitian farmers, start by leaving the pods, turn, all over, then, wash, quickly, before, main stage, curing process 

The second paragraph of the ‘Tahiti’ section talks about the curing process of vanilla pods. Let’s  have a look there. 

Here, lines 1-6 say, “The curing process also differs from other countries’. Mature pods are first stacked in a cool place until they are completely brown (five to ten days) and then rinsed briefly in clear water, a unique characteristic of the method used in Tahiti. 

Here, Mature pods are first stacked in a cool place until = leaving the pods, are completely brown = turn brown all over, 

So, the answer is: brown

Question 36: They place the pods in the ___________ during the early part of the day.

Keywords for this question: they place the pods, during, early part of the day, 

In lines 7-8 of the second paragraph in the ‘Tahiti’ section, the writer says, “ . .. . . .. For the next month, growers expose the pods to the gentle morning sunlight. . .. . . ..” 

Here, growers expose the pods  = they place the pods, morning = early part of the day, 

So, the answer is: sunlight  

Question 37: Cloths are then wrapped round them and they are left in boxes overnight. This procedure encourages ______________.  

Keywords for this question: cloths, wrapped round them, left in boxes, overnight, this procedure encourages, 

In lines 9-11 of the second paragraph in the ‘Tahiti’ section, the writer explains, “ . .. .. . .. In the afternoon, they bind the pods in cloths and store them in crates until the next morning, to promote transpiration. .. . . .” 

Here, store them in crates = left in boxes, until the next morning = overnight, promote = encourages, 

So, the answer is: transpiration  

Question 38: Gradually, the __________ of the individual pods starts to decrease.

Keywords for this question: gradually, of the individual pods, start to decrease, 

In lines 11-13 of the second paragraph in the ‘Tahiti’ section, the writer goes on explaining, “ . .. .. . .. Little by little, the vanilla pods lose weight and shrink. . .. ..” 

Here, Little by little = gradually, lose .. .. and shrink = starts to decrease, 

So, the answer is: weight  

Question 39: While this is happening, the farmers continue to work on the pods. They use their ____________ to flatten them out.

Keywords for this question: while this is happening, farmers, continue, work on the pods, they use, their, to flatten them out,  

In lines 13-15 of the second paragraph in the ‘Tahiti’ section, the writer keeps explaining, “ . .. .. . .. Throughout this phase, the workers carefully smooth and even out the pods with their fingers. . . .. ..” 

Here, Throughout this phase = while this is happening, the workers = the farmers, smooth and even out the pods = flatten them out, 

So, the answer is: fingers   

Question 40: For the last stage in the curing process, the pods are kept in a cool place which is open to the air, so that the amount of ___________ within them is reduced.

Keywords for this question: last stage, curing process, the pods, are kept in, cool place, open to the air, so that, amount of, within them, reduced,     

The answer to this question can be found in the final lines of paragraph no. 2 in the ‘Tahiti’ section, “ . .. . . Then after a month, the final step is to leave the pods in a shaded and well-ventilated spot for 40 days to lower their moisture content.”  

Here, the final step = the last stage, leave the pods in a shaded and well-ventilated spot = the pods are kept in a cool place which is open to the air, lower = reduced, 

So, the answer is: moisture  

Section 1: Online roommate finder: Toronto

TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 1: The room available has two beds.

Keywords for this question: two beds,       

In paragraph no. 1, take a look at the first line, “I have one room available in a large apartment located just off Queen and Bathurst in Toronto. The room is fully furnished with a double bed, desk, shelf and wardrobe.”

Here, a double bed = one bed with a space for two people, NOT two beds,

So, the answers are: FALSE

Question no. 2: The Australian in Sasha’s apartment is a musician.

Keywords for this question: the Australian, Sasha’s apartment, musician,

In paragraph no. 2, Sasha explains the Australian in lines 4-5, “ . .. …. The third room is occupied by Simon, who is from Australia. He works part-time in a music shop downtown and is a great drummer. . .. . .”

Here, is a great drummer = is a musician,

So, the answer is: TRUE       

Question no. 3: Sasha does all the cleaning in the apartment.

Keywords for this question: Sasha, does, all the cleaning,    

Lines 6-8 of paragraph no. 2 say, “ . . .. We both like keeping the place neat and tidy – I actually enjoy cleaning in my spare time and sometimes we do it together as a roommate team (we make it fun!) . .. ..”

Here, sometimes we do it together = she doesn’t do all the cleaning by herself; she takes help,

So, the answer is: FALSE                 

Question no. 4: Sasha likes being in the open air.

Keywords for this question: Sasha likes, being, open air,      

The final lines of paragraph no. 2 say, “ . .. . . I love watching movies, exploring, getting out of the city and into the outdoors, and listening to music.

Here, exploring, getting out of the city and into the outdoors = Sasha like being in the open air,

So, the answer is: TRUE                   

Question no. 5: The room available would be suitable for someone who likes to be quiet.

Keywords for this question: would be suitable, likes to be quiet,      

In the third paragraph the writer explains in lines 3-5, “ . . .. . The bedroom is a long way from the living room, so it shouldn’t disturb you if people come round and besides, we are certainly very respectful. … . ..”

Here, the lines suggest that no one is going to disturb and the room will be quiet.  

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 6: Sasha thinks her apartment is in the best part of Toronto.

Keywords for this question: Sasha thinks, apartment, the best part of Toronto,     

In the final paragraph of the text, the writer says in lines, “ . .. . . . (it’s a great neighborhood – lots of character and plenty to do). . .. ..”

However, there is NO MENTION of whether it is the best part of Toronto or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Question no. 7: Sasha has never had a roommate from Canada.

Keywords for this question: Sasha, never had, roommate, from Canada,    

Again, in the final paragraph of the text, the writer says, “ . .. . .. That said, we’re certainly interested in living with Canadians too! . .. . .”

However, this DOES NOT CLARIFY whether Sasha had never had a roommate from Canada or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Smartphone fitness apps    

Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 8: This app can be used for more than one sport.

Keywords for this question: can be used, more than one sport,       

In the description of ‘Impel’, the writer of the text says in lines 3-4, “ ….. .. If you’re ever not sure where to run or cycle you can find user-created routes on the app, or share your own. .. … .”

Here, run or cycle = more than one sport,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 9: You have to pay if you want this app to suggest where you can go.

Keywords for this question: have to pay, if, want this app, to suggest, where, can go,     

In the description of ‘Fast Track’, the writer says in lines 5-6, “ .. … . .. If you can afford the ‘pro’ version, you can add possible routes, voice coaches, …. .. .. .”

Here, If you can afford the ‘pro’ version = you have to pay if you want, add possible routes = suggest where you can go,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 10: This app has well-presented visuals.

Keywords for this question: well-presented visuals,  

Again, in the description of ‘Fast Track’, the writer says in line no. 3, “ . .. ..  the free release gets you GPS tracking, a nicely designed map view, . .. … .”

Here, a nicely designed map view = well-presented visuals,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 11: You do not have to pay for any of the features on this app.

Keywords for this question: do not have to pay, any of the features,      

Take a look at the first few lines of the description of ‘Pacer’. The writer says here, “Although they were previously split into ‘pro’ and ‘free’ versions, Pacer’s developer now generously includes all the features in one free app. That means you can spend no money,  . . . … ..”

Here, includes all the features in one free app = do not have to pay for any of the features on this app,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 12: You can pay to download true stories on this app.

Keywords for this question: can pay, to download, true stories,       

The final lines in the description of ‘Beat2’ say, “ . .. . .. . Or if you fancy something different, the app also has In-App Purchases, including tales of past sporting heroes you can listen to while you run.”

Here, In-App Purchases = you can pay to download, tales of past sporting heroes = true stories,

So the answer is: B

Question no. 13: You can get ideas about where to go from other people on this app.

Keywords for this question: can get ideas, where to go, from other people,     

In the description of ‘Impel’, have a look at these lines, “ . . . .. . If you’re ever not sure where to run or cycle you can find user-created routes on the app,  . . .. . .”

Here, find user-created routes = get ideas about where to go from other people,

So the answer is: C

Question no. 14: This app gives you details of the energy you have used.

Keywords for this question: gives you details, energy, you have used,    

Right above the ‘GIFT VOUCHERS’ section, there’s a small note that says,

In the description of ‘Pacer’, take a look at the final line, “ . .. . .. . and examine details of your pace and calories burned.”

Here, details of your pace and calories burned = details of the energy you have used,

So the answer is: A

Section 2: Why you should delegate tasks to team members

Questions 15-20: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum ONE WORD to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 15: Ensure team members are aware of any __________ there are regarding how the work should be presented.

Keywords for this question:ensure, aware, any, how the work, should be presented  

In the second paragraph, take a look at lines 1-2 and 4-5, “When you give someone a project task to do, make sure that they have all the information they require to actually get on and do it. . .. . .. …. It also means informing them of any expectations you have, such as delivering it as a spreadsheet rather than a Word document.”

Here, make sure = ensure, they have all the information = team members are aware, delivering it as a spreadsheet = how the work should presented,

So, the answer is: exceptions

Question 16: Make sure support is made available if any _________ exist as to the team member’s ability to do the work.

Keywords for this question:make sure, support, made available, if any, exist, team member’s ability,

In the third paragraph, the author says in lines 1-2, “If you have concerns that someone doesn’t have the skills to do a good job (or they tell you this outright), make sure that you offer some help. . … . .”   

Here, you offer some help = support is made available, someone doesn’t have the skills to do a good job = concerns exist as to the team member’s ability to do the work,

So, the answer is: concerns

Question 17: Ask the team member to detail how the work is developing, for example by providing a regular __________.

Keywords for this question:ask, to detail, how, work, developing, for example, providing a regular,  

Lines 1-2 of paragraph no. 4 say, “Once you have given the task to someone, let them get on with it. Tell them how you expect to be kept informed, like through a report once a week. . .. . .. . .”

Here, Tell them how you expect to be kept informed = ask the team member to detail how the work is developing, like = for example, through = by providing, once a week = regular,

So, the answer is: report

Question 18: Don’t delegate administrative tasks simply because they are __________.

Keywords for this question:don’t delegate, administrative tasks, simply because,

In the fifth paragraph, line no. 3 says, “ . .. . don’t delegate tasks such as dull administrative ones, just because you don’t want to do them… .. .”

So, the answer is: dull

Question 19: Managers can ask a team member to check on the achievement of __________ at fixed intervals.

Keywords for this question:managers, can ask, team member, to check, achievement, fixed intervals,  

In the sixth paragraph, lines 1-3 say, “One way to free up your time to spend on the more strategic and leadership parts of project management is to delegate things that are regular, like noting whether weekly targets have been met. .. .. .. .”

Here, weekly = at fixed intervals, whether.. .. . targets have been met = target achievement,

So, the answer is: targets

Question 20: If you _________ you risk delaying the whole project.

Keywords for this question:if, you risk, delaying, whole project,

Take a close look at the final paragraph, “So in summary, be clear, supportive, and don’t micromanage. Don’t become the problem on your project that prevents progress just because you’re afraid to leave people alone to get on with their jobs. .. . .. ..”

Here, Don’t become the problem on your project that prevents progress just because you’re afraid to leave people alone to get on with their jobs means you risk delaying the whole project.

So, the answer is: micromanage

Choosing the right format for you CV

Questions 21-27: Completing notes

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Title of the note: CV formats  

Question 21:

Chronological
– very common
– gives _________ in most cases

Keywords for this question: chronological, very common, gives, most cases,     

In the ‘Chronological’ section, the author of the text says in lines 2-3, “It provides flexibility because it works in almost all circumstances, .. .. .”

Here, in almost all circumstances = in most cases,

So, the answer is: flexibility  

Question 22:

– perhaps inappropriate if there are periods where _________ is not easy to explain

Keywords for this question: chronological, perhaps, inappropriate if, periods where, not easy to explain,     

In the ‘Chronological’ section, the author of the text says in lines 2-3, “ . .. . . . the exception being if you have blocks of unemployment that are difficult to account for. .. .. .”

Here, the exception = perhaps inappropriate, difficult to account for = not easy to explain,

 So, the answer is: unemployment   

Question 23:

Functional
– appropriate for people who intend to follow a new _________ in their career

Keywords for this question:functional, appropriate for people, intend to follow, new, their career,   

Lines 3-4 in the ‘Functional’ section say, “It also suits those who want to go in a different direction work-wise and change industry. … .. ..” 

Here, suits = appropriate for, who want to go in a different = who intend to follow a new, work-wise = career,

So, the answer is: direction   

Question 24:

– can create _________ in recruiters, so is best used with caution

Keywords for this question: Functional, can create, recruiters, best used with caution,

Again, in the ‘Functional’ section, the writer says in the second paragraph, “Because this format is often used to cover a patchy employment history, some interviewers may view such CVs with suspicion, so be very careful should you choose it.”

Here, interviewers = recruiters, be very careful should you choose it = best used with caution,

So, the answer is: suspicion   

Question 25:

Achievement
– focuses mainly on what the person has achieved
– may be advisable if the person has no __________ in the area

Keywords for this question: achievement, focuses mainly on, what the person has achieved, may be advisable, if, person has no,    

In the ‘Achievement’ section, the writer says in lines 2-3, “This can help show your suitability for a role if you lack direct experience of it.”

Here, This can help = may be advisable, if you lack = if the person has no,

So, the answer is: experience    

Question 26:

Non-traditional
– enables use of attractive __________ to present data

Keywords for this question: non-traditional, enables, use of attractive, present data,    

In the ‘Non-traditional’ section, lines 2-3 say, “. . . . You can present information through graphics, which can be more visually engaging and turn out to be an unusual but winning option. . .. ..” 

Here, more visually engaging = attractive,

So, the answer is: graphics    

Question 27:

– suits applications for jobs in marketing or ___________

Keywords for this question: non-traditional, suits, applications, jobs in marketing, or,   

Again, in the ‘Non-traditional’ section, the final few lines say, “. . .. a highly creative CV format is only really appropriate for creative and artistic sectors, such as those involving promoting products, though it would also work for the media too.”

Here, promoting products = marketing, though = or,

So, the answer is: media

Section 3: DINOSAURS AND THE SECRETS THEY STILL HOLD   

Questions 28-32: Summary completion

[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: The discovery of Tongtianlong

Question 28: This species of dinosaur has only recently been found in an area of China. Scientists believe that it was bird-like in appearance and probably no bigger than a ___________.  

Keywords for this question: this species, only recently been found, an area of China, Scientists believe, was bird-like, probably, no bigger than,

Have a look at the first paragraph as the writer explains here in lines 1-5, “I was recently part of a team of palaeontologists that discovered a new dinosaur. Living in what is now China, the species would have resembled a strange bird. It was about the size of a sheep and covered in feathers, .. .. .. .”

Here, discovered a new dinosaur = This species of dinosaur has only recently been found, the species would have resembled a strange bird = Scientists believe that it was bird-like in appearance, was about the size of a = probably no bigger than a,

So, the answer is: sheep

Questions 29 & 30: It is thought to have eaten 29. ___________ and it used its 30. ___________ to get through their hard exterior.

Keywords for this question: thought to have eaten, used its, get through, hard exterior, 

Again, in the first paragraph, the writer says in lines 5-7, “ . . .. .. . .. It was about the size of a sheep and covered in feathers, with a sharp beak that it probably used to crack open shellfish. . .. . . .. .”

Here, with a sharp beak that it probably used to crack openshellfish means that the animal was thought to have eaten shellfish and used its beak to get through the shellfishes’ hard exterior.

So, the answers are:

29. shellfish
30. beak

Questions 31 & 32: The fossil of Tongtianlong was found surrounded by 31. _________ under the ground where the foundations of a new 32. _________ were being dug.

Keywords for this question: fossil of Tongtianlong, found, surrounded by, under the ground, foundations of, new, were being dug,   

Lines 7-15 of the first paragraph say, “ . .. .. . It was given the formal scientific name Tongtianlong, but we called it ‘Mud Dragon’ because its skeleton was discovered in rock that had hardened from ancient mud. It seems that the creature got trapped in the mud and died. Then its fossil remains were found a few months ago when workmen were excavating a site in order to build a school.”

Here, its skeleton was discovered in = the fossil was found surrounded by, when workmen were excavating a site in order to build a school = where the foundations of a new school were being dug.

So, the answers are:

31. rock
32. school

Questions 33-37: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is set found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question 33: What does the writer suggest about finding new dinosaurs?

Keywords for this question: writer suggest, finding, new dinosaurs,

The answer can be found in the second paragraph, in lines 1-9, where the writer talks about the commonness or frequency of finding new dinosaurs, “It is every dinosaur-obsessed child’s dearest wish to discover and name a completely new species. In fact what my colleagues and I did wasn’t that unusual. New dinosaurs are appearing everywhere these days – about 50 each year. And this pace shows no signs of slowing, as different areas continue to open up to fossil hunters and a fresh generation of scientists comes of age. . .. . … .. .”

Here, New dinosaurs are appearing everywhere these days – about 50 each year = It is becoming relatively common to dig one up,

So, the answer is: D (It is becoming relatively common to dig one up.)

Question 34: In the fourth paragraph, what does the writer suggest about palaeontologists?

Keywords for this question: fourth paragraph, writer suggest, palaeontologists,    

In the fourth paragraph, the writer of the article says, “Some discoveries in the 1970s, like the agile and strangely bird-like Deinonychus, proved that dinosaurs were far more dynamic and intelligent than previously thought. Some palaeontologists even proposed that they were warm-blooded creatures like modern birds with a constant high body temperature that they controlled internally, rather than from warming themselves by lying in the sun. A few decades later opinions are still mixed. The problem is that dinosaurs can’t be observed. Palaeontologists must rely on studying fossils. Some results are convincing: we know from studying their bones that dinosaurs had rapid growth rates, just like modern, warm-blooded animals. Other palaeontologists, however, use the same fossils to suggest that dinosaurs were somewhere between cold-blooded reptiles and warm-blooded birds. More studies are needed to provide more clarity.”

Here, the writer suggests that whatever the theories about the description of dinosaurs are, all the theories provided by palaeontologists are based on evidence that can be taken to understand or interpreted in different ways.

Here, opinions are still mixed = the theories are based on evidence of dinosaur fossils that can be interpreted in different ways.

So, the answer is: B (Their theories are based on evidence that can be interpreted in different ways.)

Question 35: When describing the theory of how dinosaurs began to fly, the writer is

Keywords for this question: describing, theory of how dinosaurs began to fly,       

Take a look at lines 17-26 of paragraph no. 5, “. … .. These feathers were probably for display: to attract mates or scare off rivals. They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. Such creatures were too large to fly. Flight may actually have come about by accident when smaller winged dinosaurs began jumping between trees or leaping in the air, and suddenly found that their wings had aerodynamic properties. This is one of the most stimulating new notions about dinosaurs and a fascinating area for further investigation.”

Here, Such creatures were too large to fly. Flight may actually have come about by accident = theory of how dinosaurs began to fly,

This is one of the most stimulating new notions about dinosaurs and a fascinating area for further investigation = the writer feels it is exciting that the different possibilities in future research regarding flight of dinosaurs,

So, the answer is: C (excited by the different possibilities it holds for future research.)

Question 36: One significance of melanosomes is that they

Keywords for this question: one significance, melanosomes,     

We find discussion about melanosomes in paragraph no. 6. Here, take a look at these lines, “ . …. .. If you look at modern bird feathers under a microscope, you can see tiny blobs called melanosomes. These structures contain melanin, one of the main colour-producing pigments in animals. Some are round, others are egg-shaped, etc. And that’s important, because different shapes contain different colour pigments. So if you can identify the shape, you can identify the colour. A few years ago, some palaeontologists realised that you could find melanosomes in particularly well-preserved fossil feathers. They discovered that different dinosaurs had different melanosomes, which meant they had a variety of colours. Dinosaurs, therefore, probably came in a rainbow of colours – yet another thing that links them to modern birds.”

Here, yet another thing that links them to modern birds = provide further evidence of where modern birds evolved from,

So, the answer is: A (provide further evidence of where birds evolved from.)

Question 37: Which of the following best summarises the writer’s point in the final paragraph?

Keywords for this question: best summarises, writer’s point, final paragraph,       

The answer lies in these lines, “ . . .. .  Although palaeontologists still like to argue about what part the asteroid played in the dinosaurs’ extinction, there really isn’t much of a mystery left. The asteroid did it and did it quickly. There are few signs that dinosaurs were struggling before the impact. None survived except a few birds and some small furry mammals. They found themselves in an empty world, and as the planet started to recover, they evolved into new creatures, including the first apes, and so the long journey began to the beginning of humankind.”

Here, the lines suggest that when the asteroid hit the earth, most of the dinosaurs died instantly. The few remaining dinosaurs could not cope with the new and evolved earth’s climate and environment. So, they got extinct eventually.

So, the answer is: D (The effects of the asteroid strike killed most dinosaurs.)

Questions 38 – 40: Matching statements with list of animals

[In this type of question, candidates need to relate statements which are given by or links to animals in the passage. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the animal and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same animal in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.]

Question 38: It may have used its feathers to frighten off members of the same species.

Keywords for this question: may have used, feathers, to frighten off, members of the same species,      

Have a close look at paragraph no. 5 where the writer mentions ‘Ornithomimosaur’. Here, in lines 16-19,the writer mentions, “ . … . These feathers were probably for display: to attract mates or scare off rivals. They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. .. . . .”

Here, scare off rivals = frighten off members of the same species,

So, the answer is: D (Ornithomimosaur)

Question 39: This species resembles a large flightless bird that exists today.

Keywords for this question: resembles, a large flightless bird, exists today,

Again, the answer remains in paragraph no. 5 in lines 18-19, “ …. . .. . They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. . ….”

Here, ostrich-like = like an ostrich (a modern, large, flightless bird)

So, the answer is: D (Ornithomimosaur)

Question 40: Finding this species made scientists revise their opinion of the brain power of dinosaurs.

Keywords for this question: finding this species, made scientists revise, opinion, brain power of dinosaurs,   

In paragraph no. 4, take a look at the first few lines, “Some discoveries in the 1970s, like the agile and strangely bird-like Deinonychus, proved that dinosaurs were far more dynamic and intelligent than previously thought. . ….. ..”

Here, inside the shell = in the fake shell,

So, the answer is: C (Deinonychus)

Section 1: THE BEST SUITCASES

Questions 1-7: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 1: This suitcase is for those who wish to purchase expensive luggage.  

Keywords for this question: wish to purchase, expensive luggage,    

In the description of ‘Mulberry Scotchgrain’ suitcase, the first lines say, “ . … . .. this bag from the renowned fashion house is a truly indulgent buy. . . .. .”

Here, a truly indulgent buy = luxurious or expensive,

So, the answer is: B

Question 2: This suitcase is the right one for people who like to follow the latest fashion.   

Keywords for this question: like to follow, latest fashion,        

In the description of ‘Herschel Parcel’ suitcase, the final lines say, “ . … . .. stylish, and up to date as they come.”  

Here, stylish, and up to date = the latest fashion,

So, the answer is: F                

Question 3: It is easy to choose one of these suitcases to match most clothing.  

Keywords for this question: match most clothing,   

In the description of ‘Tripp Holiday’ suitcase, lines 2-3 say, “ . … . .. They also come in a huge range of cheerful colours that should go with anything you choose to put on,  .. . .. . .”  

Here, should go with anything you choose to put on = match most clothing,

So, the answer is: D   

Question 4: The manufacturer is confident that this suitcase will last a long time.  

Keywords for this question: manufacturer, confident, last a long time,  

In the description of ‘Eastpack Tranverz Holdall’ suitcase, lines 2-3 say, “ . … . .. the bag is guaranteed for 30 years. .. .. ..”  

Here, guaranteed for 30 years = confident that this suitcase will last a long time,

So, the answer is: E   

Question 5: Items in this suitcase will not be affected if it gets wet.  

Keywords for this question: items, will not be affected, if it get wet,  

In the description of ‘Briggs and Riley Weekender’ suitcase, line no. 2 says, “ . … . .. The strong nylon outer fabric is water and abrasion resistant,  .. . . .. .”

Here, water .. . .. . resistant = will not be affected if it gets wet,   

So, the answer is: A

Question 6: This suitcase is of a useful, medium size.  

Keywords for this question: useful, medium size,   

Again, in the description of ‘Eastpack Tranverz Holdall’ suitcase, lines 1-2 say, “For those who want something in between an annual holiday suitcase and a weekend bag, this is a fantastic compromise. . .. ..”

Here, in between an annual holiday suitcase and a weekend bag = useful, medium size,

So, the answer is: E

Question 7: Those who want to be reminded of an earlier age of travel will like this suitcase.  

Keywords for this question: want to be reminded, earlier age of travel,  

In the description of ‘The Diplomat’ suitcase, lines 1-2 say, “Travel in style with this beautiful suitcase that goes back to the days when trains ran on steam and air travel was leisurely. .. .. ..”

Here, goes back to the days when trains ran on steam and air travel was leisurely = reminded of an earlier age of travel,

So, the answer is: G

THE OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA

Questions 8-14: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 8: Students can begin the one-year course without any previous involvement in acting.   

Keywords for this question: can begin, one-year course, without, any previous involvement, acting,   

The answer can be found in the first paragraph, where the writer says, “This is an intensive course which is designed for those who have completed their academic studies and have some theatre or film experience already. .. .”

Here, have some theatre or film experience already = previous involvement in acting is a requirement here,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 9: Students will act in a performance in front of their classmates at the end of the first term.   

Keywords for this question: will act, performance, in front of, classmates, end of, first term,  

Take a look at the paragraph named ‘Term One’.  The final lines say, “. .. . The term finishes with an internal production given for tutors and students.”

Here, an internal production given for tutors and students = Students will act in a performance in front of their classmates and teachers,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 10: Family members may attend a performance during the second term.   

Keywords for this question: family members, may attend, performance, second term,

Have a look at the paragraph named ‘Term Two’.

We find no mention of family members here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 11: Students are required to make a film on their own in the last term of the course.    

Keywords for this question: required, make a film, on their own, last term,  

Have a look at the paragraph named ‘Term Three’. Here the final lines say, “ . . .. . .. and the chance to act a short film recorded on location by a professional crew.”

Here, recorded . . . . by a professional crew = students DO NOT HAVE TO make a film on their own,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 12: In their first audition, candidates perform speeches they have worked on in advance.   

Keywords for this question: first audition, candidates, perform speeches, have worked on, in advance

In the ‘How to Apply’ section, take a look at third paragraph. Here, in lines 1-2, the writer says, “For your initial audition, you will need to prepare two contrasting speeches from plays,  . . . .”

Here, will need to prepare = have worked on in advance,

So the answer is: TRUE

Question 13: The Oxford School of Drama will send candidates details of local accommodation.   

Keywords for this question: The Oxford School of Drama, will send, candidates, details, local accommodation,

We do not find any information regarding local accommodation here.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 14: Overseas candidates can do all their auditions via a digital link.

Keywords for this question: Overseas candiates, can do, all their auditions, via, digital link,  

In the ‘How to Apply’ section, take a look at final paragraph. It says, “If you are applying from overseas, you will be able to submit your first audition by means of DVD, YouTube or link to a secure website. You will be invited to submit this once we have received your application form and audition fee. If you are successful in your first audition, you will be invited to attend future auditions here at the school. . . ..”

Here, If you are successful in your first audition, you will be invited to attend future auditions here at the school means that overseas candidates CANNOT do ALL their auditions via a digital link; they have to come to the school for future auditions.

So the answer is: FALSE

Section 2: BORDER CROSSING FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Questions 15-20: Completing FLOW-CHART with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS to complete some notes on the given flow-chart. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here, scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.

Question 15:

Before setting off:

To speed up the border crossing, use PAPS.

For this, send your __________ details and current vehicle inspection documents.

Keywords for this question: before setting off, speed up, PAPS, send, details, current vehicle inspection documents,     

Take a look paragraph no. 2 where the author says, “Your first point of contact at the border consists of Primary Inspection. The best way to clear customs at Primary Inspection is to make sure Customs gets information about your shipment before you set off, using the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS). When using this you need to provide information about your shipment, and you also need to send proof of a current annual inspection for your vehicle, tractor and trailer.”

Here, Customs gets information about = send your . .. . details,

before you set off = before setting off,

proof of a current annual inspection for your vehicle = current vehicle inspection documents,

So, the answer is: shipment

Question 16:

Before arriving at the border

Check that documents such as ___________ and birth certificate/passport are ready for inspection.

Keywords for this question: before, arriving at the border, check, documents, birth certificate/passport, ready for inspection,   

In lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 3, the writer of the text says, “Before you arrive at the border, make sure you have all your paperwork up to date and ready to present at Primary Inspection. You’ll need a photo ID in addition to your birth certificate or passport. .. … .”

Here, Before you arrive at the border = Before arriving at the border,

make sure =  check,

all your paperwork = documents,

ready to present at Primary Inspection = ready for inspection,

So, the answer is: photo ID

Question 17:

Make sure the __________ are on inside the vehicle.

Keywords for this question: before, arriving at the border, make sure, on, inside the vehicle,     

Again, in paragraph no. 3, line no. 3 says, “ . .. .. Drivers must also turn on interior cab lights . . ..”

Here, Drivers must = make sure, interior = inside,

So, the answer is: (cab) lights

Question 18:

Check that the __________ in the vehicle can be easily seen.   

Keywords for this question: before, arriving at the border, check, in the vehicle, can be easily seen,

In paragraph no. 3, lines 3-4 say, “. .. . open all interior drapes or blinds to sleeper areas for easy inspection..”  

Here, open all interior drapes or blinds = check that . . .. . . can be easily seen,

So, the answer is: sleeper areas  

Questions 19 & 20:

At the border (Primary Inspection)

This may be the only stop if paperwork is in order.

Non US/Canadian citizens must have a visa, and go to the 19_________ area to complete an I-94 card (there is a small 20 ________ for this) and to receive verbal clearance.

Keywords for this question: Primary Inspection, may be, only stop, if, paperwork, in order, Non US/Canadian citizens, must have, visa, go, area, complete, I-94 card, small, receive verbal clearance,         

In paragraph no. 4, the writer says in lines 4-7, “ .. .. .. Drivers who clear customs at Primary Inspection will be instructed to report to immigration to fill out the I-94 card and receive verbal clearance from a US official to proceed into the United States. The charge for the I-94 card is $6.”

Here, fill out = complete, $6 = small charge,

So, the answer are:

1. immigration
2. charge

Appendix: Dealing with absence in the workplace

Questions 21-27: Completing notes

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Question 21:

Employees’ rights:

help with issues related to disabilities, e. g. provision of a suitable _________

Keywords for this question: Employees’ rights, help, issues related to disabilities, provision, suitable,   

The answer can be found in lines 1-5 of the second paragraph, “The organisation should be aware of the rights of employees and in particular the requirements of the Equality Act 201O when making any decisions about absences of employees who are disabled. In these cases, the employer should consider what reasonable adjustments could be made in the workplace to help the employee. This might be something as simple as supplying an appropriate chair for the use of the employee. . .. .”

Here, the rights of employees = Employees’ rights, employees who are disabled = disabilities, supplying = provision, appropriate = suitable,

So, the answer is: chair

Question 22:

provision of arrangements to deal with any work-related ___________

Keywords for this question: Employees’ rights, regular, provision of arrangements, deal with, any work-related,  

Lines 6-7 in the second paragraph says, “. .. . . In cases where an employee suffers from an allergy caused by something in the workplace, the employer should consider remedial action or a transfer to alternative work.”

Here, caused by something in the workplace = work-related,

remedial action or a transfer to alternative work = provision of arrangements,

So, the answer is: allergy

Question 23:

time off work to deal with short-term problems of ___________

Keywords for this question: Employees’ rights, time off, deal with, short-term problems,

The answer can be found in the third paragraph where the writer says in the beginning, “If the absence is because of temporary difficulties relating to dependants, the employee may be entitled to have time off under the provisions of the Employment Rights Act 1996. .. .. . .”

Here, absence = time off work, temporary difficulties = short-term problems,

So, the answer is: dependants

Question 24:

possibility of arrangements that are ________ to help with domestic responsibilities

Keywords for this question: Employees’ rights, possibility of arrangements, to help with, domestic responsibilities,

In lines 3-6 of the third paragraph, the author of the text says, “ . . … . .  In cases where the employee has difficulty managing both work and home responsibilities, employees have the right to request flexible ways of working, such as job-sharing, and employers must have a good business reason for rejecting any such application.”

Here, home responsibilities = domestic responsibilities, employees have the right to request = possibility of arrangements,

So, the answer is: flexible

Question 25:

Recommendations to employers

make it clear that absence is a possible reason for __________

Keywords for this question: Recommendations to employers, make it clear, absence, possible reason,

In the final paragraph of the text, the writer says in the beginning in lines 2-5, “ . . .. . ..  In order to show both the employee concerned and other employees that absence is regarded as a serious matter and may result in dismissal, it is very important that persistent absence is dealt with firmly and consistently. . .. . ..”

Here, it is very important that persistent absence is dealt with firmly and consistently = make it clear that absence is a possible reason,

So, the answer is: dismissal  

Question 26:

ask employees for consent before contacting their _________

Keywords for this answer: Recommendations to employers, ask employees, consent, before contacting,

In lines 7-9 of the final paragraph, the writer says, “ . . . .. . If the employer wishes to contact the employee’s doctor for more information about a medical condition, he or she must notify the employee in writing that they intend to make such an application and they must secure the employee’s consent in writing. . . . … ..”

Here, he or she must notify the employee & must secure the employee’s consent = ask employees for consent,

So, the answer is: doctor  

Question 27:

identify employees affected by ________  and provide support

Keywords for this answer: Recommendations to employers, identify, employees, affected by, provide support,  

In the final few lines of the final paragraph, the author says, “ . .. . . Consideration should be given to introducing measures to help employees, regardless of status or seniority, who may be suffering from stress. The aim should be to identify employees affected and encourage them to seek help and treatment.”

Here, suffering from = affected by, encourage them to seek help and treatment = provide support,

So, the answer is: stress

Section 3: A visit to Oymyakon, the world’s coldest town

Questions 28-36:  List of headings

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph that will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

Tips to answer this question: Don’t read the list of headings first. Have a quick look at the questions, and go straight to the first question and start reading the paragraph associated with it. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly, and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question 28: Paragraph A  

In paragraph A, the final few lines talk about the positive sides of Oymyakon which is better than its known reputation of a hard place to live in, “ . .. . …  Siberia isn’t known for its pleasant appearance. It’s always billed as a place of hardship. But for hour after hour, the wintry wonderland was bathed in a crisp, clean sunshine, presenting a continuous panorama of conifer trees wreathed in silence and snow.”

Here, Siberia isn’t known for its pleasant appearance = its reputation, presenting a continuous panorama of conifer trees wreathed in silence and snow = better than its reputation,

So, the answer is: ix (Better than its reputation)

Question 29: Paragraph B

In paragraph B, have a look at lines 3-5, “ . . .. . . Down in a valley, we stopped to look at a hot spring beside the road. It was immediately obvious against the snow – a spot shrouded in heavy mist. . .. .. .”

Here, a hot spring . .. .. . immediately obvious against the snow = a clear contrast in the landscape,

So, the answer is: iv (A contrast in the landscape)

Question 30: Paragraph C

The first half of paragraph C describes the extremely dangerous effects of going outside, “ . .. . . its reputation for hardship hit me every time I climbed out of the vehicle. Within less than a minute, the skin all over my face began to feel as if it were burning. If I wasn’t wearing my two sets of gloves, I rapidly lost the feeling in my fingertips. I learned very quickly not to draw too deep a breath because the shock of the cold air in my lungs invariably set me off on an extended bout of coughing. . … .”

Here, climbed out of the vehicle = going outside,

So, the answer is: ii (The effects of going outside)

Question 31: Paragraph D

Paragraph D talks about the present and the past of Oymyakon.  

“Oymyakon is a quiet little town – the world’s coldest – of about 550 inhabitants, with its own power station, a school, two shops and a small hospital. It probably originated as a seasonal settlement where reindeer herders spent the summer on the banks of the Indigirka River.”

Here, Oymyakon is a quiet little town = the present,

It probably originated as a seasonal settlement = the past,

So, the answer is: iii (Oymyakon past and present)

Question 32: Paragraph E

In paragraph D, the writer talks in detail about the extreme weather affected Oymyakon due to its location.

“ . .. . . A number of factors combine to explain Oymyakon’s record low temperatures. It is far from the ocean, with its moderating effect on air temperature. In addition, the town sits in a valley, below the general level of the Oymyakon Plateau, which, in turn, is enclosed on all sides by mountains up to 2,000 metres in height. As the cold air sinks, it accumulates in the valley, with little wind to disturb it. Oymyakon’s average temperature in January is -50°C. … . . .”

So, the answer is: vi (How Oymyakon is affected by its location) 

Question 33: Paragraph F  

In paragraph F, have a look at line no. 2, “ . .. There are hardly any modern household conveniences.. .. .. .”

Here, the hardly any modern household conveniences = very few facilities in buildings,

So, the answer is: x (Very few facilities in buildings) 

Question 34: Paragraph G

In paragraph G, the writer describes how people stay warm or keep out the cold in Oymyakon. Take a look at these lines, “The power station provides winter heating in the form of hot water, but many houses lie outside its range and rely on their own wood-burning stove. . .. .”

“ . … . . Everybody in Oymyakon owns good boots, a hat made of animal fur and fur-lined mittens. The boots are usually made from reindeer hide, which is light but keeps your feet very warm .. . . ..”

So, the answer is: vii (Keeping out the cold) 

Question 35: Paragraph H

In paragraph H, have a close look at the first few lines, “Oymyakon’s two shops keep a decent stock of basic foods in tins and packets, but locals also have do-it-yourself options, including hunting, trapping, ice-fishing, reindeer-breeding and horse-breeding. . .. . ..”

Here, basic foods in tins and packets, . . .. . . hunting, trapping, ice-fishing, reindeer-breeding and horse-breeding = various sources of supplies,

So, the answer is: i (Various sources of supplies) 

Question 36: Paragraph I

Paragraph I talks about another challenging time of the year, the summer time, “ . .. … In the summer Oymyakon can be uncomfortably hot. Much of the forest becomes boggy, so mosquitoes are a constant presence. .. … .”

This means winter isn’t the only challenging time of the year in Oymyakon; summer time can be equally challenging.

So, the answer is: viii (Not the only challenging time of the year)

Questions 37-40:  Summary completion

[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: Why Oymyakon gets so cold

Question 37: Oymyakon is a long way from any __________ which would prevent the temperature from falling so low.  

Keywords for this question: Oymyakon, long way from, any, would prevent, temperature, falling so low,  

The answer can be found in paragraph E where the writer details the reasons behind the extreme cold temperature of Oymyakon.

Here, lines 2-3 say, “ . .. . A number of factors combine to explain Oymyakon’s record low temperatures. It is far from the ocean, with its moderating effect on air temperature. . . .”

Here, far from = a long way from,

So, the answer is: ocean  

Question 38 & 39: The town is located in a _________ within a plateau surrounded by __________.   

Keywords for the questions: town, located in a , within a plateau, surrounded by,

In lines 3-5 of paragraph E, the writer mentions, “ . .. In addition, the town sits in a valley, below the general level of the Oymyakon Plateau, which, in turn, is enclosed on all sides by mountains up to 2,000 metres in height. . .. . . .”

Here, the town sits in = the town is located in, below the general level of the Oymyakon Plateau = within a plateau, enclosed on all sides by = surrounded by,

So, the answers are:

• valley
• mountains

Question 40: Because there is not much _________, cold air collects in the town.   

Keywords for this question: because, not much, cold air, collects,

In paragraph E, in lines 5-6, the writer explains, “ … . .. As the cold air sinks, it accumulates in the valley, with little wind to disturb it. . .. .”     

Here, little = not much,

As the cold air sinks, it accumulates = cold sir collects,

So, the answer is: wind  

Section 1: This text about ‘different festivals’ has no title.

Questions 1-8: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 1: Visitors can help to make one particular event a success at this festival.  

Keywords for this question: visitors, help, make, one particular event, success,    

In paragraph G (Bath International Dance Festival), the writer says in lines 2-3, “ . . .. . the festival promises toe-tapping action, including a world record attempt, where everyone is invited to join in.”

Here, a world record attempt, where everyone is invited to join in = Visitors can help to make one particular event a success,

So, the answer is: G

Question no. 2: People can listen to local musicians here.   

Keywords for this question: people, can listen, local musicians,        

In paragraph D (Wychwood Music Festival), the author of the text says in lines 2-3, “ .. .. . – many featuring artists from around the Wychwood area – .. . . .”

Here, featuring artists from around the Wychwood area = local musicians,

So, the answer is: D                

Question no. 3: At this festival, people can listen to music in lots of different places.  

Keywords for this question: people, can listen, lots of different places,   

In paragraph B (The Great Escape), lines 1-2 say, “ .. .. . more than 300 bands will perform to around 10,000 people in 30-plus venues,  .. .”

Here, 30-plus venues = lots of different places,

So, the answer is: B   

Question no. 4: It is not necessary to pay for one of the events here.  

Keywords for this question: not necessary, to pay, one of the events,  

In paragraph A (Bath International Music Festival), the author says in line no. 2 “ . . .. Starting with a great night of free music, .. . . ..”

Here, free music = not necessary to pay,

So, the answer is: A   

Question no. 5: It is possible to stay overnight at this festival.  

Keywords for this question: possible, stay overnight,  

In paragraph F (The 3 Wishes Faery Festival), the author writes in lines 2-3, “ . .. . .. If you don’t fancy taking a tent, some local residents usually offer to put visitors up.”

Here, some local residents usually offer to put visitors up = possible to stay overnight,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 6: Children will enjoy this festival.  

Keywords for this question: children, will enjoy,   

Again, in paragraph D (Wychwood Music Festival), the writer says in the beginning, “Right nominated for the best family festival award every year since it began in 2005, .. .. ..”

Here, best family festival = children will enjoy,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 7: Visitors can get advice here.  

Keywords for this question: visitors, can get advice,  

In paragraph E (Love Food Festival), lines 1-2 say, “ . .. . .. this festival aims to educate visitors about how food should be produced and where it should come from, .. .. .”

Here, aims to educate visitors = visitors can get advice,

So, the answer is: E 

Question no. 8: People can watch craftspeople at work here.   

Keywords for this question: can watch, craftspeople, at work,   

The answer can be found in paragraph C (Springwatch Festival), where the writer says in line no. 2, “ . .. .. wood carving demonstrations, .. . . .”

Here, wood carving demonstrations = People can watch craftspeople at work,

So, the answer is: C

BIG ROCK CLIMBING CENTRE  

Questions 9-14:  TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 9: When climbing at the Big Rock Centre, it is compulsory to be attached by a rope.

Keywords for this question: climbing, Big Rock Centre, compulsory, be attached, rope,  

Take a look at the first paragraph, in lines 5-6, where the author of the text explains, “ . . . . Or experience the thrills of climbing without any harness in our special low-level arena, . . .. ..”  

Here, climbing without any harness = NOT compulsory to be attached by a rope,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 10: People who just want to watch the climbing can enter the Centre without paying.    

Keywords for this question: people, just want to watch, can enter, without paying,  

In the final lines of paragraph no. 2 (Who is Big Rock for?), the writer says, “ . .. . If you are visiting the friends or family but not climbing, or just fancy coming to look, please feel free to relax in our  excellent cafe overlooking the climbing areas.”

However, NO information is given about payment.  

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Question no. 11: People can arrange to have a climbing session in their own garden if they wish.  

Keywords for this question: people, can arrange, have, climbing session, their own garden, if they wish,  

In the ‘Mobile Climbing Wall’ section, the first few lines say, “Available on a day hire basis at any location, the big Rock Mobile Climbing Wall is the perfect way to enhance any show festival or event . The mobile wall can be used indoors or outdoors .. .. . .. .. .”

Here, Available on a day hire basis at any location = People can arrange to have a climbing session in their own garden if they wish,

So, the answer is: TRUE  

Question no. 12: A certain item of clothing is forbidden for participants.

Keywords for this question: certain item, clothing, forbidden, participants,   

In lines 7-8 of the ‘Mobile Climbing Wall’ section, the author says, “ . . .. When considering what to wear, we have found that trousers and t-shirts are ideal. We will however, ask people to remove scarves. .. .”

Here, remove scarves = A certain item of clothing is forbidden,

So the answer is: TRUE  

Question no. 13: The Mobile Climbing Wall can only be used in dry, calm weather.

Keywords for this question: Mobile Climbing Wall, only, be used, dry, calm weather,

In lines 9-10 of the ‘Mobile Climbing Wall’ section, the author says, “ . . .. The mobile wall is very adaptable and can be operated in light rain and winds up to 50 kph. . .. .”

Here, very adaptable and can be operated in light rain and winds = The Mobile Climbing Wall can be used in dry, calm weather as well as wet weather,

So the answer is: FALSE  

Question no. 14: It is inadvisable for children who are afraid of heights to use the Mobile Climbing Wall.

Keywords for this question: inadvisable, children, afraid of heights, use, Mobile Climbing Wall,

In the ‘What about hiring the mobile climbing wall for my school or college?” section, the writer says in lines 3-6, “ . . .. If you are connected that some children may not want to take part because they feel nervous if they climb, then please be assured that our instructors will support them up to a level which they are comfortable with. . .. .”

Here, the lines suggest that it is advisable for children who are afraid of heights to use the Mobile Climbing Wall.

So the answer is: FALSE

Section 2: Marketing advice for new business

Questions 15-20: Completing sentences

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE WORD ONLY to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 15: Some _________ will help you to discover the most effective places to advertise.   

Keywords for this question: will help, discover, most effective places, to advertise,     

Take a look at the ‘Know where your customers look’ section, where the author says, “Your customers aren’t necessarily where you think they are. So if you’re advertising where they’re just not looking, it’s wasted money. That’s why it pays to do a bit of research. Every time someone contacts your company, ask them where they found out about you. And act on this information so you’re advertising in the right places.”

Here, it pays = will help you, a bit of = some, advertising in the right places = the most effective places to advertise,

So, the answer is: research  

Question 16: A __________ of your customers will show you how they feel about your company.

Keywords for this question: of your customers, will show, how, they feel, your company,   

In the ‘Always think like a customer’ section, the author says, “What makes your customers tick? …. A simple phone or email survey of your own customers, politely asking why they use you, what they really like and what they don’t, is invaluable.”

Here, What makes your customers tick? = how they feel about your company,

So, the answer is: survey

Question 17: A ________ of forms of advertising will make it more likely that potential customers will find out about you.   

Keywords for this question: forms of advertising, will make, more likely, potential customers, will find out, about you,     

In the ‘Make sure customers know you’re there’ section, the writer says, “If a customer can’t see you, they can’t buy from you. There are loads of opportunities to promote your business – print, press, direct mail, telemarketing, email and the internet – and using a mix of these increases your chances of being seen (and remembered). . . ..”

Here, a mix of these = a mix of forms of advertising, increases your chances of being seen = make it more likely that potential customers will find out about you,

So, the answer is: mix  

Question 18: If you can, provide customers with useful _________ about your business.  

Keywords for this question: if you can, provide customers, useful, about your business,       

Lines 3-4 of the ‘Ignore your customers and they’ll go away’ section say, “. .. . Follow up a transaction to check they’re happy with the service and, if possible, send them updates that are helpful, informative and relevant.”  

Here, if possible = if you can, send them = provide customers with, helpful, informative and relevant = useful . .. . about your business,

So, the answer is: updates  

Question 19: Measuring the effects of your advertising can give you __________ that will improve your business.

Keywords for this question: measuring, effects, your advertising, can give, that will improve, business,

In the ‘Know what works (and what doesn’t) section, the writer says, “Do what the professionals do, and measure all your advertising. That’ll tell you what you’re doing right – and where there’s room for improvement. You never know, it might just throw up some information that could change your business for the better.”

Here, measure all your advertising = Measuring the effects of your advertising, could change your business for the better = will improve your business,

So, the answer is: information  

Question 20: Success in finding new customers largely depends on your _______.

Keywords for this question: success, finding new customers, largely depends on,   

In the ‘Remember word-of-mouth: the best advertising there is’ section, the writer says, “A recent survey found that consumers are 50% more likely to be influenced by word-of-mouth recommendations than by TV or radio ads. So your reputation is your greatest asset. .. .”

Here, greatest asset = success in finding new customers largely depends on,

So, the answer is: reputation      

Working Time Regulations for Mobile Workers

Questions 21-27: Completing notes

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Question 21:

These apply to people working on lorries, buses, etc.

They don’t apply to _________ workers.

Keywords for this question: apply to, lorries, buses, don’t apply to, workers,   

The answer can be found in the second paragraph, “Those defined in the Regulations as being self-employed are currently not covered by the Regulations.”

Here, not covered by the Regulations = don’t apply to,

So, the answer is: self employed/ self-employed  

Question 22:

Maximum working hours: 60 hours a week, provided the ________ is no more than 48 hours.

Keywords for this question: maximum working hours, 60 hours a week, provided, no more than 48 hours,  

The second bullet point of the ‘What are the limits’ section says,

• In any single week, up to 60 hours can be worked so long as the 48-hour average is maintained.

Here, In any single week up to 60 hours = 60 hours a week, so long as = provided, no more than 48 hours = 48-hour average is maintained,

So, the answer is: average

Question 23:

Night work can be more than 10 hours with the _________ of the workers.

Keywords for this question: night work, more than 10 hours, with, of the workers, 

The third bullet point of the ‘What are the limits’ section says,

• Night work is limited to 10 hours per night, unless there is a workplace agreement to work longer.

Here, limited to 10 hours per night, unless = can be more than 10 hours, agreement of the workers = workplace agreement,

So, the answer is: agreement  

Question 24: Work includes driving, loading and unloading, and carrying out various _______ of the vehicle.  

Keywords for this question: work includes, driving, loading and unloading, carrying out, various, of the vehicle,

In the ‘What counts as work?’ section, have a look at the first paragraph, “In general, any activities performed in connection with the transport operation count as work, for example, driving, loading/unloading, and those checks that are the responsibility of drivers, such as checking lights, brakes etc.”

Here, checking lights, brakes etc. = various checks,

So, the answer is: checks

Question 25:

Periods of availability include:

            going on a _________ or other form of transport with a vehicle.

Keywords for this question: period of availability, going on, or, other form of transport, with a vehicle,

In the ‘What counts as work?’ section, take a look at the second paragraph. It says here in the third bullet point,

• Accompanying a vehicle being transported, for example by train.

Here, Accompanying = going on,

So, the answer is: train

Question 26:

A period at the workstation when the driver has some ________ might count as a period of availability.

Keywords for this answer: a period at the workstation, when, the driver has, some, might count as, a period of availability,  

In the ‘What counts as work?’ section, take a look at the third paragraph. It says here, “A period of availability can be taken at the workstation. Providing the worker has a reasonable amount of freedom (e.g. they can read and relax) for a known duration, this could satisfy the requirements of a period of availability.”

Here, Providing the worker has = when the driver has, a reasonable amount of = some,

So, the answer is: freedom  

Question 27:

Periods of availability exclude:

            time spent stopping and starting the vehicle when _______ causes delays being in a queue, e.g. in order to load or unload. 

Keywords for this answer: periods of availability exclude, time spent, stopping and starting, vehicle, when, causes delay, in a queue, load, unload, 

In the ‘What counts as work?’ section, take a look at the fourth paragraph. It says here,

“Situations when a period of time should not be recorded as a period of availability:

• Hold-ups due to congestion, because the driver would be stopping and starting the vehicle.

Here, should not be recorded as a period of availability = Periods of availability exclude, Hold-ups = delays,

So, the answer is: congestion  

Section 3: A brief history of automata

 Questions 28-30:  Summary completion

[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: Automata and the ancient Greeks

Question 28: The ancient Greeks had a number of ________ concerning automata. According to one, the god Hephaestus created two assistants made of gold.   

Keywords for this question: ancient Greeks, a number of, concerning automata, god Hephaestus, created, two assistants, gold,

In paragraph no. 1, take a look at lines 3-6, “ . .. . . Several myths show that the ancient Greeks were interested in the creation of automata. In one, Hephaestus, the god of all mechanical arts, was reputed to have made two female statues of pure gold which assisted him and accompanied him wherever he went. … .. .”   

Here, several = a number of, interested in the creation of automata = concerning automata,

So, the answer is: myths

Question 29: The Greeks probably also created real automata; it seems most likely that the mechanism which controlled them consisted of ________ which were worked by human operators.

Keywords for this question: Greeks, probably, also created, real automata, most likely, mechanism, controlled them, consisted of, human operators,   

In lines 6-8 of paragraph no. 1, the writer of the text says, “ … . .. . As well as giving automata a place in mythology, the Greek almost certainly created some. There were probably activated by levers and powered by human action, although there are descriptions of steam and water being used as sources of power. . .. ..”

Here, the Greek almost certainly created some = The Greeks probably also created real automata, probably = mostly likely, activated by = controlled them consisted of, powered by human action = worked by human operators,

So, the answer is: levers

Question 30: Some automata were designed to be _________ with an educational purpose.  

Keywords for this question: some automata, designed to be, with, educational purpose,  

The final lines of paragraph no. 1 say, “ . . .. . .. . Automata were sometimes intended as toys, or as tools for demonstrating basic scientific principles.”

Here, intended = designed to be, for demonstrating basic scientific principles = with an educational purpose,

So, the answer is: tools  

Questions 31-35:  Matching statements with list of people

[In this type of question, candidates need to relate statements that are given by or links to people in the passage. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.]

Question 31: created an automation that represented a bird in water, interacting with its surroundings   

Keywords for this question: created, automation, represented, bird in water, interacting with, surroundings,

We find reference to ‘a bird in water which interacts with its surroundings’ in paragraph no. 6. Let’s read it.

“In another well-known piece, Merlin’s sliver swan made in 1773, the swan sits in a stream consisting of glass rods where small silver fish are swimming. When the clockwork is wound, a music box plays and the glass rods rotate, giving the impression of a flowing stream. The swan turns its head from side to side. It soon notices the fish and bends down to catch and eat one, then raises its head to the upright position. The mechanism still works.”

Here, sliver swan … sits in a stream = a bird in water,

So, the answer is: F (Merlin)

Question 32: created an automation that performed on a musical instrument

Keywords for this question: created, automation, performed on, musical instrument,  

The answer lies in paragraph no. 5. Here, take a look at lines 6-9, “  . .. . . Vaucanson produced a duck made of gilded copper which ate, drank and quacked like a real duck. He also made a life-size female flute player. Air passes through the complex mechanism, causing the lips and fingers of the player to move naturally on the flute, opening and closing holes on it. This automation had a repertoire of twelve tunes.”

Here, female flute player = automation that performed on a musical instrument,

So, the answer is: E (Vaucanson)

Question 33: produced documents about how to create automata

Keywords for this question: produced documents, how to create, automata,

The answer can be found in the first lines of paragraph no. 3, where the writer says, “Much later, Arab engineers of the ninth and thirteenth centuries wrote detailed treatises on how to build programmable musical fountains, mechanical servants, and elaborate clocks. . . .. . .. .”

Here, wrote detailed treatises = produced documents,

how to build programmable musical fountains, mechanical servants, and elaborate clocks = how to create automata,

So, the answer is: B (Arab engineers)

Question 34: created automata which required a human being to operate the mechanism  

Keywords for this question: created automata, required, human being, operate, mechanism,  

Again, the answer can be found in paragraph no. 5, as lines 4-6 say, “ . .. ..  Maillardet made extensive use of gearing and cogs to produce automata of horses, worked by turning a handle. . . .. ..”

Here, produce automata = created automata, worked by turning a handle = required a human being to operate the mechanism,

So, the answer is: D (Maillardet)

Question 35: used air and water power  

Keywords for this answer: used, air and water power,  

In the second paragraph, the writer says in lines 1-3, “ . …. In Egypt, Ctesibius experimented with air pressure and pneumatic principles. One of his creations was a singing blackbird powered by water. .. . .. .”

Here, with air pressure & powered by water = used air and water power,

So, the answer is: A (Ctesibius)

Questions 36-40:  Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum one word to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 36: The Mechanical Theatre shows court life inside a ________.  

Keywords for this question: The Mechanical Theatre, shows, court life, inside,  

We find the reference to the Mechanical Theatre in paragraph no. 8, in the first line. Here, in lines 4-5 the writer says, “ . . . .. The figures inside a palace depict eighteenth-century court life, . . .. . ..”

So, the answer is: palace

Question 37: In the Mechanical Theatre, building workers, butchers and a barber represent various _______ of the time.  

Keywords for this question: the Mechanical Theatre, building workers, butchers, a barber, represent, various, of the time,

Section D talks about the use of pans for extracting gold.

In paragraph no. 8, take a look at lines 5-8, “ . . . .. . A total of 141 mobile and 52 immobile little figures demonstrate all manner of trades of the period: building workers bring materials to the foreman, who drinks; butchers slaughter an ox; a barber shaves a man. .. .. ..”

Here, demonstrate all manner of = represent various, of the period = of the time,

So, the answer is: trades    

Question 38: _________ provides the power that operates the Mechanical Theatre.   

Keywords for this question: provides, the power, operates, the Mechanical Theatre,

We can’t find the answer directly in the passage. However, if you closely look at the final lines of paragraph no. 8, the writer says here, “  . . .. . The theatre shows great skill in clock making and water technology, consisting of hidden waterwheels, copper wiring and cogwheels.”  

Here, hidden waterwheels, copper wiring and cogwheels indicate that the theatre was run by water power.

So, the answer is: water

Question 39: New _______ that developed in the nineteenth century reduced the cost of the production of automata.   

Keywords for this question: new, developed, nineteenth century, reduced, cost of the production, automata,      

In the final paragraph, take a look at the very first lines, where the author of the text says, “During the nineteenth century, mass production techniques meant that automata could be made cheaply and easily, . . .. ..”

Here, mass production techniques = new techniques that developed,

automata could be made cheaply = reduced the cost of the production of automata,

So, the answer is: techniques  

Question 40: During the nineteenth century, most automata were intended for use by _________.   

Keywords for this question: during, nineteenth century, most automata, intended for, use by,

Again, take a close look at lines 1-3 of the final paragraph, “During the nineteenth century, mass production techniques meant that automata could be made cheaply and easily, and they became toys for children rather than an expensive adult amusement. . .. ..”

Here, they became toys for = most automata were intended for use by,

So, the answer is: children  

Section 1: Visitor attractions in southern England

Questions 1-7: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 1: Visitors can look at animals from another part of the world.

Keywords for the question: look, animals, another part of the world,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site E (Canford Wildlife Centre). The writer says here in line no. 2, “. . . Here visitors can observe many species from the tropical island of Madagascar . .. . .”

Here, observe = look at, species = animals, the tropical island of Madagascar = another part of the world,

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 2: People can hold a business conference in this place.

Keywords for the question: hold, business conference,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site B (Withney Wetland Centre). The author says in the last line, “ .. . The visitors’ centre may also be hired for private or corporate events.”

Here, corporate events = business conference,

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 3: Visitors can find out what toys were used in the last century.

Keywords for the question: find out, toys, used, last century,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site F (Oakwell Museum). The writer says in the last line, “ . .. . a hundred years ago. They can also enjoy the popular games and wooden animals of that period.” 

Here, popular games and wooden animals = toys, a hundred years ago . . .. .. that period = last century,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 4: Activities are available all year round here.

Keywords for the question: Activities, available, all year round,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site B (Withney Wetland Centre). The author says in the beginning, “Visitors will enjoy a visit to Withney whatever the season. .. .”

Here, whatever the season = all year round,

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 5: You can buy light meals here.

Keywords for the question: buy, light meals,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site A (Blackthorn Castle). Take a look at the last sentence, “ .. . . Homemade snacks are on sale.”

Here, snacks = light meals, on sale = buy,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 6: Visitors can see how food was prepared in the past.

Keywords for the question: see, how food was prepared, the past,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site C (Headley Hall). The author writes in lines 3-4, “. … and visit the huge kitchen complete with period equipment – demonstrations are given at weekends.”

Here, visit the huge kitchen = visitors can see how food was prepared,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 7: You can visit modern imitations of old buildings here.

Keywords for the question: visit, modern imitations, old buildings,

The answer can be found in the description of Attraction site A (Blackthorn Castle). The writer says in the first lines, “This famous, historically accurate, reconstructed castle and village enables visitors to travel back in time.” 

Here, reconstructed castle = modern imitations of old buildings,

So, the answer is: A

Paragliding in Australia

Questions 8-14: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 8: A paraglider is more comfortable than a parachute.

Keywords for the question: paraglider, more comfortable, parachute,

The answer can be found in the last sentence of the ‘What is paragliding?’ section. The writer says here, “ . … and they report that it outperforms a parachute in terms of comfort.”

Here, outperforms a parachute in terms of comfort = more comfortable than a parachute,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 9: Most paragliding schools are situated by the sea.

Keywords for the question: most paragliding schools, situated, by the sea,

The answer to this question is found in the first line of the ‘Where do I learn?’ section. The writer says, ‘There are lots of schools, mainly based inland by appropriate hills or mountains, . ..”

Here, mainly based inland = most paragliding schools are situated near the hills or mountains.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 10: Learners must pass a theory test in order to get their licence.

Keywords for the question: Learners, must pass, theory test, to get, licence,

There is information about ‘theory sessions’ and ‘licence’ in the ‘Where do I learn?’ section. However, nowhere does it say anything about learner must pass a theory test to get a licence or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 11: Learners are able to paraglide unaccompanied after a week’s course.

Keywords for the question: learners, able to paraglide, unaccompanied, after, a week’s course,

Take a look at the last lines in the ‘Where do I learn?’ section, “. . .. It takes about seven days to get your basic licence; then you’re free to fly independently at sites across Australia.”

Here, about seven days = a week’s course, fly independently = paraglide unaccompanied,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 12: It is advisable to purchase some equipment before you do training.

Keywords for the question: advisable, purchase, some equipment, before, do training,

The answer can be found in the last lines in the ‘What do I need’ section where the writer advises the readers not to purchase equipments before the course. The writer says, “However, you’ll probably want to buy your own more sophisticated equipment, which you’ll be able to choose much better once you’ve tried some out on your course.”

Here, once you’ve tried some out on your course = you should try equipment on your course first, and then you should think about buying your own equipment.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 13: Fit people of any age can take up paragliding.

Keywords for the question: fit people, any age, can, take up, paragliding,

The answer can be found in the ‘Who can do it?’ section. The author says here in the beginning, “There’s no upper age limit provided your instructor deems you capable, but the youngest anybody can paraglide is 14.”

Here, the youngest anybody can paraglide is 14 = nobody under 14 can paraglide,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 14: The preliminary uphill walk may strain some of your muscles.

Keywords for the question: preliminary uphill walk, may strain, some, muscles,

The answer can be found in the ‘Who can do it?’ section in lines 4-6, “ .. . .You’ll probably experience pain in some muscles you didn’t know you had whilst learning, but many of those will be due to the walk up the training hill to launch.”

Here, experience pain in some muscles = strain some of your muscles, due to the walk up the training hill to launch = due to the preliminary uphill walk,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Section 2: How to prepare for an interview

Questions 15-21: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write one word only to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question no. 15: By preparing for an interview, you will gain ________ which will help you present yourself well.

Keywords for the question: preparing for, interview, gain, help you, present, yourself, well,  

The answer can be found in the ‘Why prepare?’ section. The writer talks about three points here. Take a close look at point no. 2, “If you’re well prepared, you will have more confidence and this will affect the way you come across.”

Here, have = gain, this will affect the way you come across = will help you present yourself well,

So, the answer is: confidence

Question no. 16: Read through any documents you have received about the company and also go to their ________.

Keywords for the question: read through, documents, received, about, company,

The answer can be found in the ‘What to prepare?’ section. The author says in the very beginning,

“Find out about the organisation:

• Visit the website and read any materials that you have been sent. . … . . .”

Here, read = read through, materials that you have been sent = any documents you have received, visit = go to,  

So, the answer is: website

Question no. 17: Check the job description to find out what ________ are involved in the post you have applied for.  

Keywords for the question: check, job description, find out, involved, post, you, applied for,

Again, in the ‘What to prepare?’ section, go through carefully the following lines,

“Find out about the job:

• Ask for a job description or specification. This will tell you the duties that go with the job.”

Here, ask for = check, go with = involved in,

So, the answer is: duties

Question no. 18: Interviewers may be interested to hear about any unpaid help you have given to a _________.  

Keywords for the question: interviewers, may be interested, hear, about, unpaid help, you, given to,  

The answer can be found in the ‘What to prepare?’ section. Here, take a close look at the following lines in the point ‘Find out what the employer is looking for:’,

“Add in a few ‘lesson learned’ – what you did and how you might have done it better. You can also outline any voluntary work you have done for a charity, or any experience of paid work in an unrelated sector.”

Here, you can also outline = interviewers may be interested to hear about, voluntary work you have done = unpaid help you have given,   

So, the answer is: charity

Question no. 19: Be ready to talk about your ________ for the development of your career.  

Keywords for the question: be ready, talk about, development, your career,

In the ‘What to prepare?’ section, take a look at the point named ‘Preparing for other kinds of questions’, “Interviewers are also looking for someone who is likely to stay with the organisation and progress within it. Prepare to answer questions about your ambitions for the future.”

Here, prepare to answer questions = be ready to talk about, progress = development,

So, the answer is: ambitions

Question no. 20: Explain any ________ that there are in your work record and clarify how you used the time to improve your skills.  

Keywords for the question: explain, your work record, clarify, how, used, time, improve, skills,  

Again, in the ‘What to prepare?’ section, take a look at the point named ‘Preparing for other kinds of questions’ and read these lines, “You may also be asked to account for gaps in your career history, if you have any. Be positive and accentuate the learning or experience you gained during these periods.”

Here, account for = explain, career history = work record, learning or experience you gained during these periods = how you used the time to improve your skills,

So, the answer is: gaps

Question no. 21: Questions about _______ should be delayed until a later stage.  

Keywords for the question: questions about, should be delayed, until, later stage,

The answer can be found in the ‘What to prepare?’ section. Here, go to the very end and find the point named ‘Preparing your own questions’ and read carefully, “Don’t ask about salary unless you have been offered the job.”

Here, Don’t ask = questions. . .. should be delayed, unless you have been offered the job = until a later stage,

So, the answer is: salary

Setting up your own business

Questions 22-27: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY:

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write one word only to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question no. 22:

Step 1: Decide who you are going to sell to and compare yourself with the _________ you are going to have.

Keywords for the question: step 1, decide, who, going to sell to, compare yourself, going to have,  

The answer can be found in the ‘Know your market’ section. The writer says in the first paragraph, “. .. . . Start by thinking about who your target customers are. Are they people who live locally? Are they a particular group of people?”

Here, Start by thinking about who your target customers are = Decide who you are going to sell,

Then in the second paragraph of the same section the writer says, “Now look at your competitors. What is different about what you will be doing and how will you persuade people to come to you instead of going to someone who is already established?”

The last lines (the italic lines) here suggest that if you want to sell perfectly, you need to compare yourself with your competitors.

So, the answer is: competitors

Question no. 23:

Step 2: Consider how you will market your product and your method of _________.

Keywords for the question: step 2, consider, how, market, product, method of,  

In the ‘How will you reach the customers?’ section, the writer asks this question, “Will you promote your products by phoning people, or visiting local traders, or advertising in magazines or online? Will your delivery system be direct or through shops?”

Here, promote your products = market your products, system = method,

So, the answer is: delivery

Question no. 24:

Step 3: Decide if you will have to find _________ to work in, or buy equipment.  

Keywords for the question: step 3, decide, if, will have to find, work in, buy equipment,  

In the beginning of the ‘How will your business work?’ section the writer says, “Now think about what your business needs to succeed. Do you need to look for premises or can you work from home? Do you need to invest in manufacturing equipment to start with?”

Here, look for = find, invest = buy,

So, the answer is: premises

Question no. 25:

Step 5: Make sure you deal with the accounts and other essentials in accordance with the ________.

Keywords for the question: step 5, make sure, deal with, accounts, other essentials, in accordance with, 

Again, at the end of the ‘How will your business work?’ section the writer says, “The law regulates how companies are run and you need to set aside the time to see that this is done properly, in relation to issues like accounting, insurance and tax.”

Here, you need to set aside the time to see = make sure you deal with, issues like accounting, insurance and tax = the accounts and other essentials,

So, the answer is: law

Question no. 26:

Step 6: Calculate all the ________ involved in your business when deciding how much to charge.

Keywords for the question: step 6, calculate, all, involved in, business, when deciding, how much, to charge,

The answer can be found in the ‘The money’ section. The writer says here in the first paragraph, “As you are working out the prices for your products, you need to make sure you build in all your costs.”

Here, working out the prices for your products = deciding how much to charge, build in = calculate,

So, the answer is: costs

Question no. 27:

Step 8: Consider if you require any ________ to start your business, and where to find it.

Keywords for the question: step 8, consider, if, require, any, start, business, where to find it,   

The answer can be found in the ‘The money’ section. The writer says here in the second paragraph, “. .. .. . If you think you will need to find some funding to help get the business off the ground, how much will you need and who will you approach to get it?”

Here, If you think you will need to find = consider if you require, to help get the business off the ground = to start your business,

So, the answer is: funding

Section 3: Understanding hares

Questions 28-33: List of headings:

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph that will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you finish each sentence. Most importantly, try to read the first and last few lines.]

Question no. 28: Paragraph A

Just read the last lines of paragraph A, “ . .. . and this could be the key to turning round the current decline in hare populations.”

Here, could be the key to turning round = possible solution, decline = falling, populations = numbers,

So, the answer is: v (A possible solution to falling numbers)

Question no. 29: Paragraph B

If you skim the paragraph, you will find out that the paragraph gives details about brown hares’ physical characteristics. Take a look at some phrases used to describe them, ‘a number of physical adaptations’ (line no. 1), ‘exceptionally large ears’ (line no. 2), ‘large golden eyes’ (line no. 4), ‘greatly enlarged heart’ and ‘higher volume of blood’ (line no. 6).

So, the answer is: ix (Useful physical features)

Question no. 30: Paragraph C

Paragraph C gives details about reproduction of brown hares. We find words and phrases like ‘birth’, ‘breeding’, ‘leverets’ (hare babies), ‘breeding season’, ‘females’, ‘pregnant’, etc.

So, the answer is: iii (Reproductive patterns)

Question no. 31: Paragraph D

Take a close look at lines 2-3, “… .. The reason is that hares have evolved such self-sufficient young. Unlike baby rabbits, leverets are born furry and mobile.” Then read line no. 4, “ .. .. and are immediately left to their own devices by their mothers.”

Here, self-sufficient, mobile, left to their own devices, all indicate to ‘lonely beginning’.

So, the answer is: vii (A rather lonely beginning)

Question no. 32: Paragraph E

First, take a look at the clause in line no. 2, ‘Hares are selective feeders at the best of times:’.

Then look at another clause in line no. 5, ‘This causes them problems . ..’

Here, selective feeders = fussy eater,

So, the answer is: ii (The problem with being a fussy eater)

Question no. 33: Paragraph F

Paragraph F is mainly divided into two parts: survival rates in the past and the present.

First, look at lines 3-5, where the writer gives information about survival of the hare in the past, “ . .. .. They certainly used to: studies show that hares evolved on the open plains and spread rapidly westward from the Black Sea after the last ice age (though they were probably introduced to Britain as a species to be hunted for the pot by the Romans).

Then, take a look at line no. 6 where the writer gives information about present survival, “ . .. But today’s hares are thwarted by the lack of rich farmland habitat.”

So, the answer is: viii (A comparison between past and present survival rates)

Questions 34-36: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]

Question no. 34: According to the writer, what is the ideal habitat for hares?

Keywords for the question: ideal habitat for hares,

In paragraph A the author says in lines 3-4, “ . .. .Wherever they live, hares appear to have a fondness for fields with a variety of vegetation, for example short as well as longer clumps of grasses.”

Here, a variety of vegetation = a range of vegetations,

So, the answer is: C (areas which include a range of vegetations)

Question no. 35: When leverets are living alone they are not visited often by their mother because –

Keywords for the question: when leverets, living alone, not visited, often, their mother, because,

We can find answer to this question in paragraph D in lines 8-9, “. .. . . This lack of family contact may seem harsh to us, but it is a strategy that draws less attention from predators.”

Here, draws less attention from predators = protect them from being eaten by other animals,

So, the answer is: A (this helps to protect them from being eaten by other animals)

Question no. 36: What does the writer suggest about the adult hares’ diet?

Keywords for the question: adult hares’ diet,  

In paragraph E, have a look at lines 4-6, “ . .. .. – they need high-energy herbs and other leaves in order to sprint. This causes them problems when faced with the smallest alterations in food availability and abundance.”

Here, this causes them problems = it is difficult for them, faced with the smallest alterations in food availability and abundance = to adapt to changes in vegetations,

So, the answer is: C (It is difficult for them to adapt to changes in vegetations.)

Questions 37-40: Summary completion (with ONE WORD only)

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Headline for the summary: Brown hares

(Paragraph B talks about ‘a number of physical adaptations’. So, answers to these questions can be found in paragraph B, but in a reverse order, which is a rare case.)

Question no. 37: The brown hare is well known for its ability to run fast, at speeds of up to 70 kph, largely due to the length of its legs as well as the unusual size of its heart. An increased amount of blood also gives it the necessary _________ to continue running fast for some time.

Keywords for the question: 70 kph, due to, length, legs, unusual size, heart, increased amount of, blood, necessary, continue running fast, some time,

The answer is found at the end of paragraph B, “. . .. .Compared to mammals of a similar size, hares have a greatly enlarged heart and a higher volume of blood in their bodies, and this allows for superior speed and stamina. In addition, their legs are longer than those of a rabbit, enabling hares to run more like a dog and reach speeds of up to 70kph.”

Here, higher volume of blood = increased amount of blood, allows for = gives it,

So, the answer is: stamina

Question no. 38: A running hare resembles the _________ more closely than its relative, the rabbit.

Keywords for the question: running hare, resembles, than, rabbit,

Again, take a look at the very last line of paragraph B, “ . .. . enabling hares to run more like a dog and reach speeds of up to 70kph.”

Here, hares to run = running hare, like = resembles,

So, the answer is: dog

Question no. 39: The hare has some other characteristics that help it to avoid capture. The first is its excellent all-round ___________. This means that predators cannot easily creep up behind it.

Keywords for the question: some other characteristics, help it avoid, capture, the first, excellent all-round, predators, cannot, easily creep up, behind,    

The answer can be found in the middle of paragraph B, in lines 3-5, “ . .. Positioned high up on their heads, the hares’ large golden eyes give them 360⁰ vision, making it hard to take a hare by surprise.”

Here, 360⁰ = all-round, hard to take a hare by surprise = predators cannot easily creep up behind it,

So, the answer is: vision

Question no. 40: Another feature is its ability to position its massive _________ separately, to sense the slightest indication of danger.

Keywords for the question: another feature, ability to position, massive, separately, sense, slightest indication, danger,

The answer can be found at the beginning of paragraph B in lines 2-3, “ . .. They have exceptionally large ears that move independently, so that a range of sounds can be pinpointed accurately.”  

Here, exceptionally large = massive, move independently = position. .. . . separately, a range of sounds can be pinpointed accurately = sense the slightest indication of danger,

So, the answer is: ears

Section 1: Summer activities at London’s Kew Gardens

Questions 1-6: Identifying information:

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 1: learning what all the different sections of a plant do

Keywords for this question: learning, what, different sections of a plant, do,

The answer can be found in paragraph F. Here, the writer explains how children can learn about different parts of a plant and their functions. Look at these lines, “ . .. As you journey through this interactive landscape, discover the functions of every part of a plant.

Here, discover the functions of every part of a plant = what all the different sections of a plant do, 

So, the answer is: F

Question 2: seeing art showing plants from a different part of the world 

Keywords for this question: seeing, art showing plants, different part of the world,    

The answer can be found in paragraph H, as the writer says here, “Visit our exciting and colourful exhibition of South American botanical paintings, which brings the continent’s exotic and lush plants to life in works from two hundred years ago and from this century.”

Here, South American botanical paintings = art showing plants from a different part of the world,

So, the answer is: H               

Question 3: the possibility of having your work exhibited

Keywords for this question: possibility, having, work, exhibited,     

At the end of paragraph E, the writer says, “. . .. . If you are in this age category and fancy yourself as a photographer, then you can enter for the next show!”

Here, you can enter for the next show = possibility of having . ..  . work exhibited,

So, the answer is: E                           

Question 4: learning about why human beings need plants

Keywords for this question: learning, why, human beings, need, plants,

At the end of paragraph G, the author says, “. . .. . Take a guided tour to discover what biodiversity means and why it matters so much.”

Here, what biodiversity means and why it matters so much = why human beings need plants,

So, the answer is: G                           

Question 5: something that happens daily at the same times

Keywords for this question: something, happens daily, at the same times,   

Paragraph D has the answer to this question. The writer says here, “An extraordinary sound installation created by Chris Watson. On the hour throughout the day, the Palm House is filled with the sound of the dawn and dusk choruses of birds that live in the Central and South American rainforests.”

Here, On the hour throughout the day = daily at the same times,

So, the answer is: D      

Question 6: learning about the relationship between various creatures, insects and plants

Keywords for this question: learning, relationship between, various creatures, insects, plants,

The last lines of paragraph C say, “. .. . . Come face-to-face with gigantic sculptures of insects, birds and bats, which will help tell the fascinating stories of how they interact with plants.”

Here, how they interact with plants = relationship between various creatures, insects and plants,

So, the answer is: C    

City Park and Ride   

TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this  – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 7: This was one of the first UK cities to introduce a Park and Ride scheme. 

Keywords for this question: one of the first, UK cities, introduce, Park and Ride scheme,     

We find the history of the Park and Ride in paragraph no. 1 but we cannot find any comparison on whether London was one of the first cities to introduce Park and Ride scheme or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 8: The amount of congestion in the city centre has fallen.

Keywords for this question: amount of congestion, city centre, fallen,

In paragraph no. 1, have a look at lines 3-5, “ . .. . . More than 3,000,000 passengers a year take a bus from a Park and Ride site into the city, reducing congestion and helping to improve the air quality in the city centre.”

Here, reducing congestion = amount of congestion . .. . . has fallen,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 9: There is a special section of the car park for heavy goods vehicles.

Keywords for this question: special section, of the car park, heavy goods vehicles,   

The answer to this question can be found in the last lines of paragraph no. 2, “ . .. Heavy goods vehicles are not permitted at the Park and Ride site at any time.”

Here, not permitted = no special section,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 10: Bus drivers do not give change so you must have the correct money for a ticket.

Keywords for this question: bus drivers, do not give change, must have, correct money, for, ticket,  

At the beginning of paragraph no. 3, the author says, “It’s simple to use. Just park your car and buy your bus ticket from the bus driver, with the correct money if possible…. .”

Here, ‘must have’ in the question means it is compulsory for passengers to have the correct money.

However, the phrase ‘if possible’ in the text means it is not compulsory.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day.

Keywords for this question: ticket prices, vary, depending on, time of day,  

Take a look at the last lines of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. . An individual adult daily return purchased prior to 12:30 hrs for use chat day costs £2.40. If purchased after 12:30 hrs it costs £2.10.”

Here, If purchased after 12:30 hrs it costs £2.10 = ticket prices vary depending on the time of day,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 12: Children under 16 travelling alone are allowed free travel.

Keywords for this question: children under 16, travelling alone, allowed, free travel,

At the beginning of paragraph no. 4, the writer states, “Up to four children under 16 travel free with an adult or concessionary pass holder.

Here, with an adult = not alone,

So the answer is: FALSE

Question 13: The space for cycles, motorcycles and scooters is close to the site office.

Keywords for this question: space for cycles, motorcycles, scooters, close to, site office,   

In paragraph no. 5 the writer mentions, “Cycle and Ride for just £1.10 a day. Just park your cycle, motorcycle or scooter in the allocated space, and buy your ticket from the site office.”

Here, the exact location of the parking area is not mentioned.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 14: People with concessionary bus passes must pay the full fare to travel at certain times.

Keywords for this question: people with concessionary bus passes, must pay, full fare, travel at certain times,   

The final paragraph (paragraph no. 6) says, “Return tickets for concessionary bus pass holders cost £1 after 09:30 Monday to Friday and any time at weekend or bank holidays (when open). At other times there is no reduction for holders of concessionary bus passes.”

Here, At other times there is no reduction for holders of concessionary bus passes. = holders of concessionary bus passes must pay the full fare to travel at certain times,

So the answer is: TRUE

Section 2: HOW TO ORGANISE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Completing notes:

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Question 15:

Venue and timing:
–    try to avoid scheduling the conference during ___________ times or when other annual conferences occur

Keywords for this question: venue and timing, try to avoid, scheduling, conference, during, or, when, other annual conference occur,

In the ‘Where and when’ section, take a look at lines 2-4, “ . .. . . when choosing the date take into account the timing of similar regular events which may clash. Also, consider holiday periods which may mean that people are away and so will not be able to attend.”

Here, take into account, consider = to try avoid, timing of similar regular events = other annual conferences, periods = times,

So, the answer is: holiday

Question 16:

• choose a place with a large hall and also _________ spaces for smaller meetings

Keywords for this question: chose a place, large hall, spaces for smaller meetings,    

In the ‘Where and when’ section, take a look at lines 6-8, “ . .. . Visit the venue personally: consider the size of the main lecture hall and whether it is big enough for the anticipated number of delegates, then look into the potential of having breakout areas for separating into a number of groups for discussions.”

Here, size of the main lecture hall . .. .. big enough = place with a large hall, a number of groups for discussions = smaller meetings,

So, the answer is: breakout

Question 17:

Speakers:
–    choose appropriate speakers
–    give the speakers as much __________ as possible

Keywords for this question: speakers, give, the speakers, as much, as possible,     

The answer can be found in the section named ‘Who’. Here, in lines 1-2, the writer says, “ . .. . The next stage is to choose the speakers and invite them, making sure you give them ample notice so they are more likely to be available.”

Here, ample = as much .. . .. .as possible,  

So, the answer is: notice

Question 18:

–    confirm individual details with speakers, check if they will need accommodation and request a _________ of their presentation

Keywords for this question: confirm, individual details, with speakers, check, if, need accommodation, request, their presentation,      

In the ‘Contacting people’ section, take a look at lines 2-5, “. . .. . At the same time, contact all the speakers again, confirming their particular topic, the audio-visual aids which will be available and finding out their accommodation requirements. Ask them to provide a written summary of their presentation for distribution to delegates at the conference.”

Here, their particular topic, the audio-visual aids = individual details, finding out their accommodation requirements = check if they will need accommodation, ask them = request,

So, the answer is: summary   

Question 19:

–   make sure each person attending receives information about the conference and a __________ for identification

Keywords for this question: make sure, each person attending, receives information, conference, for identification,        

The answer to this question is in the ‘Final arrangements’ section. Here, the writer says in line no. 4, “Prepare delegate packs to include a name badge, delegate list and programme.”

Here, delegate packs = information about conference, identification = name,  

So, the answer is: badge

Question 20:

–   use __________ to get opinions on the conference

Keywords for this question: use, get opinions on, the conference,      

In lines 5-7 of the ‘Final arrangements’ section, the author says, “ . . .. Then prepare questionnaires for all delegates to complete at the end of the conference. Their responses will enable you to gauge the success of the conference and start planning the next one!”

Here, responses = opinion,  

So, the answer is: questionnaires    

How to deal with the annual performance appraisal

Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY:

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write a maximum of one word to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 21: By learning at an appraisal what areas of work need improving, staff can improve their chances of getting ___________.

Keywords for this question: learning at an appraisal, areas of work, need improving, staff can improve, chances of getting,

The answer lies in lines 3-4 of the first paragraph, “ . .. . Knowing what areas your superiors see as your weaknesses is the most direct way of increasing the likelihood of being considered for promotion, . .. ..”

Here, increasing = improve, likelihood = chances, being considered = getting,  

So, the answer is: promotion  

Question 22: It is important to think of some ____________ that can be used during the appraisal.

Keywords for this question: important, think of some, can be used, during, appraisal,        

In the section named ‘Preparation’, take a close look at line no. 5. The writer says here, “Create a list of questions you would like to discuss during your appraisal.”

Here, create a list = important to think, would like to discuss = can be used,  

So, the answer is: questions

Question 23: The appraisal can be a good time to ask the boss for extra __________.  

Keywords for this question: appraisal, can be, good time, ask the boss for, extra,   

The answer can be found in the ‘Preparation’ section. Here, in lines 5-7, the author states, “ . .. . This one-on-one time with your boss is an excellent opportunity to ask him or her about your role in the company, request any additional responsibilities you would like and clarify your priorities.”

Here, excellent opportunity = good time, additional = extra,

So, the answer is: responsibilities

Question 24: React ________ to any criticism.  

Keywords for this question: react, any criticism,

In the ‘During the appraisal’ section, the writer says, “ . … . Avoid taking any negative assessments that are offered as a personal attack, but rather try to take them on board calmly, … .. .”

Here, negative assessments = criticism, take them on board = react,

So, the answer is: calmly

Question 25: It is helpful to identify a number of individual __________ arising from the appraisal comments.

Keywords for this question: helpful, identify, a number of individuals, arising, appraisal comments,

In the ‘After the appraisal’ section, the writer comments in the very beginning, “Create a list of personal goals based on your performance appraisal. .. .. .”

Here, personal = individual, performance appraisal = appraisal comments,  

So, the answer is: goals

Question 26: Staff can request a meeting half-way through the year to look at the ________ which has been achieved.

Keywords for this question: staff, can request, meeting, half-way through the year, look at, achieved,    

Again, in the ‘After the appraisal’ section, the writer says in line no. 4, “ … . Six months after the appraisal, ask for a mid-term review with your boss to discuss your progress.”

Here, Six months after . . .. . mid-term review = a meeting half-way through the year, to discuss = to look at,

So, the answer is: progress

Question 27: If staff act on any appraisal comments, they will demonstrate their _________ to their work.

Keywords for this question: if, staff act, appraisal comments, will demonstrate, to their work,     

Again, in the ‘After the appraisal’ section, the writer says in line no. 5-7, “ . .. . . Ask for more feedback to help you improve. Checking in with your boss helps him or her remember your dedication as far as your job is concerned, and may help remove any criticisms before they become a review point on your next formal appraisal.”

Here, Checking in with your boss = staff act on any appraisal comments,  your job = their work,

So, the answer is: dedication

Section 3: Efforts to save a special bird — the spoon-billed sandpiper

Questions 28-33:  List of headings:

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph which will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question 28: Section A  

The answer to this question can be found at the beginning of Section A, in lines 2-3, “ . .. . But it is the only one to have developed a flattened bill that flares out into a ‘spoon’ at the end, and that makes it special.”  

Here, only one & special = very unusual feature,

The unusual feature is the ‘flattened bill that flares out into a ‘spoon’ at the end’.

So, the answer is: vii (A very unusual feature of these birds)

Question 29: Section B 

Lines 6-10 of section B give us answer to this question. The writer explains the stages of the expedition here, “ … . . . The primary aim of the two-and-a-half month expedition, however, was to collect eggs from wild sandpipers; those eggs would then be hatched in captivity nearby. Later, the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) headquarters at Slimbridge in the UK, in order to establish a small, self-sustaining population there.”

Here, the main stages are:

1. collect eggs from wild sandpipers,
2. those eggs .. . be hatched in captivity nearby &
3. the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

So, the answer is: iv (The main stages of the plan)

Question 30: Section C 

In section C, take a look at the last half part of the section where the writer explains why the birds go for this long journey, “… .. . from the birds’ point of view it is worth it. Though they often arrive to find hostile, wintry weather while they are finding their mates and making their nests, there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks.”

Here, it is worth it = it is worth taking this long flight,

So, the answer is: ii (Reasons for continuing to make the long journey)

Question 31: Section D 

Section D mainly talks about the threats/ main reasons behind the rapid decline of sandpipers. The writer says in the beginning, “Two main factors are responsible for the sandpiper’s recent rapid decline: the ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds.”

The threats are ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds.

So, the answer is: vi (Increasing threats)

Question 32: Section E

Section E has two parts. In the first part, the last lines say, “. .. . … In total nine nests were found. The first one was lost to a predator, along with the female attending it. This was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of a tiny population to natural events, such as storms or predation.”

Here, In total nine nests were found = desirable outcomes, The first one was lost to a predator, along with the female attending it = disappointment,

So, the answer is: iii (A disappointment followed by desirable outcomes)

Question 33: Section F

Section F talks about the hope for the rescue of the sandpipers. Then, the last lines of Section F say, “. . .. . It’s a gamble, but when the survival of a species this special is at stake, you have to try.”

Here, gamble means you can be optimistic but there is no guarantee that it will work. So, it’s a cautious optimism.  

So, the answer is: viii (Cautious optimism)

Questions 34-37: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]

Question 34: What was the main purpose of the international expedition?

Keywords for this question: main purpose, international expedition,

The answer to this question is found in section B. The writer says in lines 5-10, “ . .. . I joined the international expedition to one of the species’ last breeding strongholds in North-East Russia. The primary aim of the two-and-a-half-month expedition, however, was to collect eggs from wild sandpipers; those eggs would then be hatched in captivity nearby. Later, the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) headquarters at Slimbridge in the UK, in order to establish a small, self-sustaining population there.”

Here, establish a small, self-sustaining population = maintain a small group of sandpipers for future generations,

So, the answer is: B (to maintain a small group of sandpipers for future generations.)

Question 35: What do we learn about the drop in the sandpiper population?

Keywords for this question: drop in, sandpiper population,

The answer can be traced in Section D. Here, the author states in lines 1-4, “Two main factors are responsible for the sandpiper’s recent rapid decline: the ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds. The development of new industrial cities is destroying former tidal areas, where sandpipers and other migratory birds used to rest and refuel.”

Here, rapid decline = drop, development of new industrial cities = economic growth,

So, the answer is: D (Economic growth is one of the underlying causes of the decline.)

Question 36: Which feeling did the writer express when the sandpiper chicks hatched?

Keywords for this question: feeling, sandpiper chicks, hatched,   

The answer can be found in the last lines of section E, “. .. .. But my joy was tempered by concern. Difficulties on their migration route and in their wintering areas meant that other tiny creatures like these faced immense dangers.”

Here, concern = worry, other tiny creatures like these = birds of the same species,

So, the answer is: C (worry about birds of the same species.)

Question 37: The writer describes the sandpipers’ unit at WWT Slimbridge to emphasise –

Keywords for this question: sandpipers’ unit, WWT Slimbridge, emphasise,   

Take a look at the first and last lines of section F,

“The complex rescue plan does give some grounds for hope. Young chicks were flown to WWT Slimbridge. .. ..”

“ . .. .. . It’s a gamble, but when the survival of a species this special is at stake, you have to try.”

Here, It’s a gamble, but. .. .. you have to try = the amount of care being devoted to sandpipers’ welfare,  

So, the answer is: A (how much care is being devoted to their welfare.)

Questions 38-40: Summary completion:

[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Question 38: In early spring, spoon-billed sandpipers return to their breeding grounds in Russia in the area known as __________.

Keywords for this question: early spring, spoon-billed sandpipers, return, breeding grounds, Russia, area known as,  

The answer to this question should be found in Section C where we come to know about the reasons of long flights by sandpipers. The writer says, “You might wonder why birds like the spoon-billed sandpiper travel such great distances, about 8,000 km in total, from their wintering grounds on the tropical coasts of Bangladesh, Burma and Vietnam in South-East Asia to breed on the low land, commonly called tundra, in North-East Russia, . .. .”

Here, commonly called = area known as,

So, the answer is: tundra

Question 39: Although the weather there is often very harsh, to begin with, there are obvious advantages to the sandpipers. There is above all a plentiful supply of _____________ , and this makes it possible for the sandpiper chicks to develop well. 

Keywords for this question: weather, harsh, obvious advantages, plentiful supply of, makes, possible, sandpiper chicks, develop well,   

To find this answer we have to look at section C in lines 5-8, “.. . .. Though they often arrive to find hostile, wintry weather while they are finding their mates and making their nests, there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks.”

Here, hostile, wintry weather = harsh weather, abundance of = plentiful supply of,  

So, the answer is: insects

Question 40: The lack of ___________ is another definite advantage. As a result, a good proportion of the chicks grow up to face the long flight to the South-East Asian coasts.

Keywords for this question: lack of, another, definite advantage, good proportion, chicks, grow up, face, long flight, South-East Asian coasts,   

Again, if we look at lines 6-8 of section C, the writer says, “ . .. . , there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks.”

Here, relatively few = lack of,

So, the answer is: predators

Section 1::Sustainable School Travel Strategy

Question 1: More children are injured when walking or cycling to school than when travelling by car.

Keywords for this question: children, injured, walking, cycling, to school, than travelling by car,    

There is no mention of ‘injury of children’ anywhere in the text.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 2: Children who are driven to school are more ready to learn than those who walk or cycle. 

Keywords for this question: children, driven to school, more ready to learn, than, walk or cycle,   

The answer can be found at the end of the first paragraph as the writer says here, “ . .. . It has been noted by teachers that children engaging in active travel arrive at school more alert and ready to learn.”

Here, active travel means travelling on foot or by cycle (as the body parts remain active in this way.) So, children are more ready to learn when they walk or cycle to school.

So, the answer is: FALSE                 

Question 3: Every year the Council gathers information about travel to schools.

Keywords for this question: every year, the Council, gathers information, travel to schools,    

At the beginning of the second paragraph, the writer says, “The County Council has a strong commitment to supporting and promoting sustainable school travel. We collect data annually about how pupils get to school … .. .. ..”

Here, collect data = gathers information, annually = every year, how pupils get to school = travel to schools,

This line is a clear match with the question.

So, the answer is: TRUE                   

Question 4: The Council is disappointed with the small reduction in number of cars taking children to school.

Keywords for this question: The Council, disappointed, small reduction, in number of cars, talking children to school,   

In the second paragraph of the text, the author says in lines 5-7, “ . . .. . . and we are proud that we have been able to reduce the number of cars on the daily school run by an average of 1% in each of the last three years,. .. . .”

Here, we are proud = The council is NOT disappointed, reduce the number . .. . .. by an average of 1% = the small reduction,

So, the lines clearly contradict the statement in the question.

So, the answer is: FALSE                             

Question 5: The number of children in schools has risen in recent years.

Keywords for this question: number of children, in schools, has risen, in recent years,  

The last line of paragraph no. 2 has the answer. The author says here, “. . . .. of the last three years, which is equivalent to taking approximately 175 cars off the road annually, despite an increase in pupil numbers.

Here, the last three years = in recent years, an increase in pupil numbers = the number of children in schools has risen,

This line is a clear match with the question.

So, the answer is: TRUE      

Question 6: Parents can get help with paying for their children to travel to school by public transport.

Keywords for this question: Parents, can get help, paying for, their children, to travel, to school, by public transport,   

We don’t find the mention of any suggestions that parents may get help with paying for their children to travel to school by public transport.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN    

Questions 7-14: Identifying information:

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … ..) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Flu: the facts  

Question 7: examples of people who are likely to be particularly badly affected by flu 

Keywords for this question: examples of people, likely to be, particularly badly affected, by flu,    

In section D of the text, the author writes about the potential group of people who are likely to be affected badly by flu, “ . .. Although anyone can catch flu, certain people are at greater risk from the implications of flu, as their bodies may not be able to fight the virus. If you are over 65 years old, or suffer from asthma, diabetes, or certain other conditions, you are considered at greater risk from flu and the implications can be serious.”

So, the answer is: D

Question 8: how to get a vaccination if you choose to pay for it  

Keywords for this question: how to get, vaccination, if, choose, pay for it,  

In the short section E, the writer says, “If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can still protect yourself and those around you from flu by getting a flu vaccination at a local pharmacy.”

Here, by getting a flu vaccination at a local pharmacy = by paying for a flu vaccination at a local pharmacy/chemist,

So, the answer is:E

Question 9: why new vaccines become available

Keywords for this question: why, new vaccines, available,  

In section I, we can find the answer for this question, “The influenza virus is constantly changing and vaccines are developed to predicted strains each year so it is important to get vaccinated against the latest strains.”

Here, vaccines are developed to predicted strains each year means by developing new vaccines every year the latest predictable strains of influenza virus can be fought easily.  

So, the answer is: I

Question 10: how long a vaccine remains effective

Keywords for this question: how long, vaccine, remains, effective,

The last line of section F provides the answer, “ . . .. This protection lasts about a year.”

This means the vaccination remains effective for a year.

So, the answer is: F

Question 11: reference to the possibility of catching a different type of flu from the ones in the vaccine

Keywords for this question: reference, possibility, catching, different type of flu, the ones, in the vaccine,  

In section H the author writes at the end, “. . .. . so there is a small chance you could catch a strain of flu not contained in the flu vaccine.”

Here, a strain of flu not contained in the flu vaccine = a different type of flu from the ones in the vaccine,

So, the answer is: H

Question 12:  categories of people who do not have to pay for vaccination

Keywords for this question: categories of people, do not, have to pay, for vaccination,

Take a very close look at the last lines of section D, “ . .. . If you fall into one of these ‘at-risk’ groups, are pregnant or a carer, you are eligible for a free flu vaccination.”

Here, free = do not have to pay,

So the answer is: D

Question 13: information about what a vaccine consists of

Keywords for this question: information, what, vaccine, consists of,  

In section G, the first line says, “A flu vaccination contains inactivated, killed virus strains so it can’t give you the flu.”  

Here, contains = consists of,  

So the answer is: G

Question 14: signs that you might have flu

Keywords for this question: signs, might have, flu,  

In section C, the author writes at the beginning, “Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, a dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose.”

Here, symptoms = signs of flu,

So the answer is: C

Section 2: Tips for giving an effective business presentation   

Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS:

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write a maximum two words to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 15: Practising your presentation on a ___________ or a family member is helpful.

Keywords for this question: practising, presentation, on, a family member, helpful,  

The answer can be found in the ‘Preparation’ section, paragraph no. 1 in lines 1-2. The writer says here, “. . . For example, go through your presentation in front of a colleague or relative.”

Here, go through = practicing, relative = family member,

So, the answer is: colleague

Question 16: Be prepared for a problem such as a__________ .

Keywords for this question: be prepared, problem such as,    

In the ‘Preparation’ section, the last lines of paragraph no. 3 talks about the problem, “. . .. . also have a backup plan in mind, should there be an unexpected problem like a power cut.”

Here, have a backup plan = be prepared, unexpected problem like = problem such as,

So, the answer is: power cut

Question 17: One way to overcome pre-presentation nerves is to make your _________ less rapid.

Keywords for this question: one way, overcome, pre-presentation nerves, to make, less rapid,    

In the ‘Dealing with presentation nervousness’ section, lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 1 give us the answer to this question, “The added adrenaline will keep your faculties sharp and give your presentation skills extra force. This can, however, result in tension in the upper chest. Concentrate on your breathing. Slow it right down and this will relax you.”

Here, tension = pre-presentation nerves, Slow it right down = make. . .. less rapid,

So, the answer is: breathing

Question 18: It is acceptable to do something called a ________ at the start of the presentation to reassure you.

Keywords for this question: acceptable, to do, something called, start of the presentation, to reassure,   

In the ‘Dealing with presentation nervousness’ section, paragraph no. 2, take a look as the writer says here, “It may seem an odd idea, but we seem to feel calmer when we engage in what’s referred to as a displacement activity, like clicking a pen or fiddling with jewellery. A limited amount of this will not be too obvious and can make you feel more secure at the start.”

Here, what’s referred to as = something called, make you feel more secure = reassure you,

So, the answer is: displacement activity  

Question 19: Your presentation should be like a _________ with the people who have come to hear you.  

Keywords for this question: presentation, should be like, people, who have come to hear,      

The answer can be found in the ‘Interacting with your audience’ section, paragraph no. 1 line no. 1, “Think of your presentation as a conversation with your audience.”

Here, your audience = the people who have come to hear you,

So, the answer is: conversation

Question 20: Check constantly for ___________ to the points you are making.

Keywords for this question: check constantly, points you are making,     

In the ‘Interacting with your audience’ section, paragraph no. 2 line no. 1-2, the author writes, “Engage with your present audience, not the one you have prepared for. Keep looking for reactions to your ideas and respond to them.”

Here, Keep looking for = check constantly for, your ideas = the points you are making,

So, the answer is: reactions   

Question 21: Make sure you use plenty of ___________ to communicate your message effectively.

Keywords for this question: make sure, use plenty of, communicate, message effectively,      

In lines 1-2 of paragraph no. 1 in the ‘Structuring effective presentations’, the writer says, “Effective presentations are full of examples. These help your listeners to see more clearly what you mean.”

Here, help your listeners to see more clearly what you mean = to communicate your message effectively,

So, the answer is: examples   

Question 22: To keep the presentation short, use things like _________ to provide extra details.

Keywords for this question: keep, presentation, short, use, like, provide, extra details,       

In the last lines of paragraph no. 1 in the ‘Structuring effective presentations’, the author mentions, “For any subsidiary information that you cannot present in 20 minutes, try another medium, such as handouts.”

Here, subsidiary information = extra details, you cannot present in 20 minutes = to keep the presentation short, like = such as,

So, the answer is: handouts

How to get a job in journalism   

Completing FLOW-CHART with ONE WORD ONLY:

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE WORD ONLY to complete some notes on the given flow-chart. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here, scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Title of the flow-chart: Getting a job in journalism

Questions 23 & 24: Apply for temporary 23. __________ with local papers and acquire the extra _______ you’ll need.  

Keywords for this question: apply, temporary, local papers, acquire, extra,    

In the first paragraph, the author writes in lines 4-7, “ .. . . Once you’ve done that for a while, start requesting internships in newspapers in the area. These are generally short-term and unpaid, but they’re definitely worthwhile, since, instead of providing you with money, they’ll teach you the skills that every twenty-first-century journalist has to have, like laying out articles, creating web pages, taking good digital pictures and so on.”

Here, newspapers in the area = local papers, short-term = temporary, they’ll teach you = you acquire, every twenty-first-century journalist has to have = you’ll need,

So, the answers are:

• internships
• skills

Question 25: Build up a set of _________ in a portfolio, displaying how your writing ability has progressed over time.

Keywords for this question: build up, set, portfolio, displaying, writing ability, progressed over time,

In paragraph no. 2, the writer talks about keeping record of previous writings, “Most reporters keep a copy of every story they’ve had published, from secondary school onwards. They’re called cuttings, and you need them to get a job — indeed a few impressive ones can be the deciding factor in whether you’re appointed or not. So start creating a portfolio now that will show off your developing talent.”

Here, show off your developing talent = displaying how your writing ability has progressed over time,

So, the answer is: cuttings

Question 26: Take time to do detailed__________ first, before applying for a post with a paper.

Keywords for this question: take time, do detailed, first, before applying, post, with a paper,   

The answer lies in the third paragraph as the writer says here, “It seems obvious – research is an important part of an effective job hunt. But it’s surprising how many would-be journalists do little or none. If you’re thorough, it can help you decide whether the job you’re thinking about applying for is right for you.”

Here, But it’s surprising how many would-be journalists do little or none = people do not take this seriously or give very little time to do research,

So, the answer is: research

Question 27: Once you decide to apply, make sure your CV is short, makes sense and is without __________ of any kind.

Keywords for this question: once, decide to apply, make sure, CV, short, makes sense, without,    

In paragraph no. 4 the writer discusses the importance of CV. In lines 2-4 the writer says, “. .. .. your CV is the thing that will attract an editor’s attention first, so get it right. The keywords are brevity (no more than one page), accuracy (absolutely no spelling or typing errors) and clarity (it should be easy to follow).”

Here, brevity (no more than one page) = short, clarity (it should be easy to follow), absolutely no = without,

So, the answer is: errors

Section 3: What is it like to run a large supermarket?

Questions 28-35:  List of headings:

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph that will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question 28: Section A  

The answer to this question can be found at the beginning of the section in lines 4-5, “ . . . . This involves identifying customers who might need help, greeting them, asking what they need, providing it, thanking them and leaving them in peace. . .. .. .” Then the writer goes on describing how the help is provided.

Here, identifying = noticing, might need help = need assistance,

So, the answer is: viii (Noticing when customers need assistance)

Question 29: Section B 

Lines 2-4 of section B give us the answer to this question. The writer says here, “ … . . . The store opens at 7 am, Monday to Saturday, meaning that some staff, including Perriss, have to be here at 6 am to make sure it’s clean, safe and stocked up for the morning rush. .. . . .”

This means shop managers like Perriss have to prepare themselves for their customers to arrive.

So, the answer is: ii (Preparing for customers to arrive)

Question 30: Section C 

In section C, take a look at the first lines, “Perriss has worked in supermarkets since 1982, when he became a trolley boy on a weekly salary of £76.”

This clearly indicates that the section is about how Perriss started his career.

So, the answer is: x (Perriss’s early career)

Question 31: Section D 

Section D mainly talks about showing a ‘new concept’ that . . .. all Morrisons’ managers. .. …  had to see.

Look at these lines, “ . .. he was put in charge of launching new stores and heading up a ‘concept’ store, where the then new ideas of preparing and cooking pizzas in store, having a proper florist and fruit and vegetable ‘markets’ were trialled. All Morrisons’ managers from the whole country spent three days there to see the new concept.”

Here, new concept = different way,

So, the answer is: iv (Demonstrating a different way of organising a store)

Question 32: Section E

Section E discusses how Perriss checks and makes sure that products on sale are good enough for customers. Take a look at these lines, “  .. .. He examines the baking potato shelf and rejects three, one that has split virtually in half and two that are beginning to go green. He then pulls out a lemon that looks fine to me. When I ask why, he picks up a second lemon and says: ‘Close your eyes and just feel and tell me which you would keep.’ I do and realise that while one is firm and hard, the other is going a bit squashy.”

So, the answer is: vii (Making sure the items on sale are good enough)

Question 33: Section F

Section F talks about the forecasts for sales. Take a look at lines 4-6, “ . .. . Department heads know exactly how much they’ve sold that day and how much they’re likely to sell the next, based on sales records and allowing for influences such as the weather.”

Here, exactly = accurate,

So, the answer is: v (The benefits of accurate forecasting)

Question 34: Section G

Section G of this passage is mainly on how Perriss helps his staff to develop. Have a look at these lines, “ . .. He is keen to hear what staff think. He recently held a ‘talent’ day, inviting employees interested in moving to a new job within the store to come and talk to him about why they thought they should be promoted, and discuss how to go about it.”

So, the answer is: iii (Helping staff to develop)

Question 35: Section H

The last lines of this section guide us to the answer. Perriss says, “ . . .. ‘You have to do so much and there could be something wrong with every single one, every day,’ he says. ‘You’ve got to minimise those things and shrink them into perspective. You’ve got to love the job.’”

So, the answer is: vi (Keeping everything running as smoothly as possible)

Questions 36-40: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSEIf there is no information on this  – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 36: Perriss encourages staff to offer help to all customers.

Keywords for this question: Perriss, encourages staff, offer help, all customers,  

The answer can be traced in lines 5-7 of section A, “. .. .. If they don’t look like they want help, they’ll be left alone. But if they’re standing looking lost and perplexed, a member of staff will approach them.”

The sentences suggest that staff only approaches those customers who need help. They do not help all customers.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 37: Perriss is sometimes worried that customers will arrive before the store is ready for them.

Keywords for this question: Perriss, sometimes worried, customers, will arrive before, the store, ready for them,  

To find the answer to this question, we should look at lines 4-5 of section B, “ . .. . Sometimes he walks in at 6 am and thinks they’re never going to be ready on time,. . ..”

Here, thinks they’re never going to be ready = sometimes worried that customers will arrive before the store is ready,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 38: When Perriss first became a store manager, he knew the store was going to close.

Keywords for this question: Perriss, first became, store manager, knew, the store, going to close,

The answer to this question should be found in Section C where we come to know about the early career of Perriss. However, we cannot find any such information or comment made by Perriss about the store going to be closed.  

The information is NOT GIVEN.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 39: On average, produce worth £4,200 is thrown away every week.

Keywords for this question: On average, produce worth £4,200, thrown away, every week,  

To find this answer we have to look for an amount of money. We find it in section F. Let’s read there.
In lines 2-3 of this section, the writer says, “ . .. the wastage each week is tiny: produce worth £4,200 is marked down for a quick sale, and only £400-worth is scrapped. . .. .”

Here, scrapped = thrown away,

So, products worth only £400 are thrown away each week.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 40: Perriss was surprised how many staff asked about promotion on the ‘talent’ day.

Keywords for this question: Perriss, surprised, how many staff, asked, promotion, ‘talent’ day,  

 We find information about the ‘talent day’ in section G. But nowhere in this section, it mentions about Perriss’s surprise in the number of staff asking about promotion.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Section 1:Is Your Child at School Today?

Questions 1-5 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]  

Question 1: Children must go to the school where they are registered.

Keywords for this question: children must, go to … .school, registered,  

The answer is in the first section named ‘Introduction’ in lines 3-4. The writer says here, “The law says that parents must ensure that their child regularly attends the school where he/she is registered.”

The lines clearly indicate that children must go to the school where they are registered and their parents must ensure it.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 2: All arrivals after the register has closed are recorded as ‘unauthorised’ absences.

Keywords for this question: all arrivals, after, register, closed, recorded, ‘unauthorised’ absences,  

The answer can be found in the ‘What you can do to help’ section in bullet point no.1. Here, in lines 2-4 the writer says, “ .. . . If your child arrives after the register has closed without a good reason, this will be recorded as an ‘unauthorised’ absence for that session.”  

Here, without a good reason means if the child can show a good reason for late arrival, this will not count as ‘unauthorised’ absences.

So, the answer is: FALSE                 

Question 3: If your child is absent from school, you must send the school a letter to explain why.

Keywords for this question: if, child, absent, must send, letter, explain why,   

In the ‘What you can do to help’ section in bullet point no.2, the author says,

“ • If your child has to miss school it is vital that you let the school know why, preferably on the first morning of absence. (Your child’s school will have an attendance policy explaining how this should be done.)”

However, we do not find any mention of ‘a letter’ here. This information is not given here. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

Question 4: Staff who think a child is having difficulties at school will contact the parents.

Keywords for this question: staff, think, child, having difficulties, will contact, parents,  

In the ‘What you can do to help’ section in bullet point no.3, the author says,

“ • If you know or think that your child is having difficulties attending the school you should contact the school. It is better to do this sooner rather than later, as most problems can be dealt with very quickly.”

However, we do not find any mention of ‘staff … .. will contact the parents’ here. This information is not given here. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

Question 5: Schools will contact other authorities about children who take frequent unauthorised absences.

Keywords for this question: school will contact, other authorities, about children, take, frequent absences,

Have a look at the section named ‘Authorised and Unauthorised Absence’. The author says here, “If your child is absent and the school either does not receive an explanation from you, or considers the explanation unsatisfactory, it will record your child’s absence as ‘unauthorised’, that is, as truancy.”

This means the school authority will record a child’s absence as ‘unauthorised’ if the child is absent from school and the explanation is not given by the guardians or the explanation given by guardians is unsatisfactory.

However, we do not find any mention of ‘school will other authorities .. . ’ here. This information is not given here. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN    

Questions 6-14:

HOLIDAY APARTMENTS TO LET

Identifying information:

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … ..) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 6: It overlooks a golf course.

Keywords for this question:  overlooks, golf course,   

We can find the answer in section F. Here, in line no. 3, the writer states, “.. . .. . .. with attractive views of the golf course.”

So, the answer is: F

Question 7: It has its own parking space.

Keywords for this question: has, own, parking space,   

In section B of the text, the author writes in line no. 2, “ . .. . Private parking in front of the building.”

Here, private = own,

So, the answer is: B

Question 8: It is in the centre of a town.

Keywords for this question: in the centre, town,

Take a look at section G as the writer says in the first line, “Two-bedroom apartment in central location in the busy street with shops, restaurants etc.”

Here, central location = centre of a town,

So, the answer is: G

Question 9: The sea can be seen from it.

Keywords for this question: the sea, can be seen,

At the very beginning of section A, we find this information, “One-bedroom apartment with uninterrupted sea views.”

Here, sea views = the sea can be seen,

So, the answer is: A

Question 10: There is a swimming pool for residents of the apartment complex.

Keywords for this question: swimming pool, residents, apartment complex,

In section D, the author says in lines 1-2, “Two-bedroom apartment in a complex with its own pool and beautiful views of the national park.”

Here, a complex with its own pool = a swimming pool for residents of the apartment complex,

So, the answer is: D

Question 11: It is in a new apartment complex.

Keywords for this question: new,  apartment complex,

Take a look at section B lines 1-2, “.. .. Spacious one-bedroom apartment in a complex that has only just opened, five minutes’ walk from the sea…. .” 

Here, has only just opened = new,  

So, the answer is: B

Question 12:  It is part of an apartment complex with its own supermarket.

Keywords for this question: part of, apartment complex, with, own supermarket,

In section A line no. says, “. . .. . This is a small first-floor apartment in a well-established apartment complex containing a range of leisure facilities and a supermarket for residents.”

Here, in a well-established apartment complex = part of an apartment complex,

So the answer is: A

Question 13: It has a private outdoor area where you can sit.

Keywords for this question: private outdoor area, can sit,

In section C, there is a line that says, “. . .. .large terrace with uninterrupted views of the river and mountains. A truly peaceful location in a picturesque village.”

Here, large terrace = large private outdoor area,

So the answer is: C

Question 14: The owners will organise parking on request.

Keywords for this question: owners, will organise, parking, on request,

In section F, it is mentioned in the last line, “ . .. Garage available by arrangement with the owners.”

Here, garage = parking, by arrangements with the owners = the owners will organise . .. .on request,

So the answer is: F

Section 1: Passport Application

Question 1: A husband can fill in an application form for his wife.

Keywords for this question: fill in, application form,

The answer is found at the end of the first paragraph. The writer says here, “Your application form must be completed in your own handwriting.” So, the lines clearly indicate that no one can fill in the application form of others.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 2: Photocopies of documents are acceptable in some circumstances.

Keywords for this question: photocopies, acceptable, some circumstances,

The answer is found in lines 3-4 of the second paragraph. The writer says here, “All documents must be originals;…” So, the lines clearly mean that all documents have to be originals; so no photocopies are allowed.

So, the answer is: FALSE                 

Question 3: An incomplete application will affect processing time.

Keywords for this question: incomplete application, affect, processing time,  

Paragraph no. 3 talks about incomplete applications. Here, in lines 5-7 the author says, “Applicants should expect delays if the Passport Office receives a form with missing information.” So, incomplete application will make delays in delivery of the passport.

So, the answer is: TRUE                   

Question 4: The passport photos included with your application must be in colour.

Keywords for this question: passport photos, in colour,  

Paragraph no. 4 talks about photographs. But there is NO MENTION of colour of photos in this paragraph.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

Question 5: A witness can be a relative of the applicant.

Keywords for this question: witness, can be, relative,

The final paragraph (the big paragraph) deals with ‘the witness’. However, in this paragraph, we find NO MENTION of relatives or any relationships.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN       

Question 6: Anyone acting as a witness must have a passport.

Keywords for this question:  witness, must have, passport,   

We can find the answer in paragraph no. 5 (the final paragraph). Here, in lines 8-9, the writer states, “. . ..  .and be the holder of a valid passport.”

So, the answer is:TRUE

Question 7: The passport applicant must sign their name on the back of both photos.

Keywords for this question:  applicant, must, sign, back of, photos,    

The answer is in the last lines of the final paragraph. The writer says here, “Photos with this identifying information written in the applicant’s own handwriting will not be accepted.” This means that the applicant cannot write on the back of the photos.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Auckland International Airport Services

Questions 8-14 (List of headings)

Follow the same rules of finding answers for the List of Headings and check the first and last few lines of each paragraph. Most of the time, the answer is there for you containing some synonymous words, which match with the lists of headings. If you cannot find the answers in the first and last few lines, you may need to check the middle of the paragraphs. (This we did in other tests too.)

Question 8: Section A

The first line gives us the answer. It says, “The second floor of the International terminal offers a view of the airfield and all incoming and outgoing flights.” This line indicates that it is an observation area.

So, the answer is: ii

Question 9: Section B

Section B details the services provided for tourists who seek help with travel affairs. Look at the lines, “.. .. and provide a comprehensive service for visitors to the city.” Also, “…. Shuttle buses into the city centre are provided at a competitive price.”

So, the answer is: x

Question 10: Section C

Section C talks about medical/healthcare facilities provided at the airport. Look at the following lines, “…Passengers who require urgent medical attention should dial… .”. Also, “ .. . The airport pharmacy is located. . .. .”

So, the answer is: v

Question 11: Section D 

Section D deals with luggage/baggage service, collection and storage. Look at the 2^nd and 4^th lines. “Departing passengers can completely seal their luggage or packages .. .. ..” Also, “.. . .. Luggage storage, charged at $10… .. .”

So, the answer is: iii

Question 12: Section E

The last part of Section E gives us the answer. “….. is required to make a payment of $25 when leaving the country.” Here, when leaving the country = departure.

So the answer is: ix

Question 13: Section F

Again, the last part of section F provides us with the answer. “… .. Details of all arrivals and departures are displayed on the monitors located in the terminal halls and lounge areas.” This means passengers can get flight information from here.

So the answer is: vi

Question 14: Section G

The middle part of section G gives the answer. “… .. . has several rooms available for seminars or business gatherings. These are located adjacent . .. . .”  So, we can gather from this information that there are meeting facilities at the airport.

So the answer is: iv

Section 2: Planning a gap year

Questions 15-20: (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the account in the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]  

Question 15: For some young British people, the purpose of a gap year is to improve their academic qualification.

Keywords for this question: young British, purpose, gap year,

The answer is in the first few lines of the first paragraph. Here, the author says, “The best reason to take a gap year between school and work or higher education is to improve your CV with experience overseas. This is why some school leavers in Britain now consider a year out to be essential.” So, the lines mean that the main reason is to improve CV, not to improve academic qualifications.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 16: Shooting Star finds employment for young people in the catering industry.

Keywords for this question: Shooting Star, finds, employment, young people, catering

The answer is in the second paragraph. Lines 2-5 say, “.. .. . Magazines are full of ‘Wanted’ adverts for washing up in a restaurant. Well, we don’t do that – it’s not our idea of excitement. We offer school leavers the chance for outdoor adventure, to teach things like sailing and snowboarding. .. ”

So, this company doesn’t deal with restaurant jobs, rather they offer outdoor adventure, to teach things like sailing and snowboarding.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 17: Training with Shooting Star can be expensive.

Keywords for this question: training, expensive

In paragraph no. 2 line no. 5, we find the word ‘train’. In paragraph no. 3 line no. 4, we find the word ‘training’. But we cannot find any reference as to whether the training is expensive or cheap.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 18: New trainees find it easy to get the sort of work they want.

Keywords for this question: new trainees, easy to get, work they want,   

The answer remains in the second paragraph, where the writer talks about how the new trainees can reap the rewards from Shooting Star’s services. Look carefully, “No choice, really! In your year out you train, travel and work; you can combine work with pleasure and reap the rewards.” This line means that young students can train and get work easily.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 19: New trainees who want work experience should check out vacancies before they depart.

Keywords for this question: new trainees, work experience, check out, vacancies, before depart 

In the bullet point section, look at bullet no. 2. Here, the writer gives tips and says, “What’s more important to you – travel or work experience? You can be flexible with travel plans but you must research job opportunities in advance.”  So, the line means that work seekers need to do some checking of job vacancies in advance or before they depart.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 20: Shooting Star helps with travel arrangements.

Keywords for this question: helps with, travel arrangements   

Again, in the bullet point section, look at bullet no. 4. Here, the writer gives tips and says, “Sort out the admin in plenty of time – air tickets, visas, insurance and medical matters such as vaccinations for some destinations. These are your responsibility.” So, gap year takers are not helped by Shooting Star in regards travel arrangements like air tickets, visas, insurance and medical matters such as vaccinations.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Succeeding at Interviews

Questions 21-27: (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. This question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time if you are not very good in speed reading. You should always quickly read the first two lines or the last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.]

Question 21: the importance of good manners

Keywords for this question: good manners  

In section F, the writer talks about how to present oneself with a good manner, “Whatever the circumstances, you will give yourself an advantage by being friendly and polite… . .”

So, the answer is: F

Question 22: using your contacts

Keywords for this question: contacts  

In section B, the answer is found in lines 3-5, “… .. ask for an information pack or speak to people you know who work for the company.” Here, speak to people you know = contacts

So, the answer is: B

Question 23: giving adequate responses

Keywords for this question: adequate responses

The answer can be found in section G. Lines 6-8 say, “.. .. Don’t simply give ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers, but answer questions as fully as you can.” This means an interviewee should give proper response.

So, the answer is: G

Question 24: getting on well with colleagues

Keywords for this question: getting on well, colleagues 

The answer can be found in lines 1-4 of section H, “. .. . : it is important to show good team spirit, that you possess good people skills and that you are friendly and approachable.” This means the interviewee must show that he/she gets well with colleagues.

So, the answer is: H

Question 25: the information you may need to provide

Keywords for this question: information, need to provide,  

The answer can be found in section C. Look at the first lines, “Prepare for questions you might be asked.” Then a number of questions are also provided that interviewee may need to provide.

So, the answer is: C

Question 26: being honest with the interviewer

Keywords for this answer: being honest

This answer can also be found in section G. In lines 3-5 the writer says, “First of all, don’t exaggerate. For example, if you don’t have the exact experience the employer is looking for, say so and explain you are willing to learn.” This means the interviewee needs to be honest.

So, the answer is: G

Question 27: being punctual

Keywords for this answer: punctual   

This answer can be found in section D in the first lines. “Another important point is never to run the risk of arriving late.” Here, never to run the risk of arriving late = being punctual.

So, the answer is: D

Questions 15-20: (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the account in the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]  

Question 15: For some young British people, the purpose of a gap year is to improve their academic qualification.

Keywords for this question: young British, purpose, gap year,

The answer is in the first few lines of the first paragraph. Here, the author says, “The best reason to take a gap year between school and work or higher education is to improve your CV with experience overseas. This is why some school leavers in Britain now consider a year out to be essential.” So, the lines mean that the main reason is to improve CV, not to improve academic qualifications.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 16: Shooting Star finds employment for young people in the catering industry.

Keywords for this question: Shooting Star, finds, employment, young people, catering

The answer is in the second paragraph. Lines 2-5 say, “.. .. . Magazines are full of ‘Wanted’ adverts for washing up in a restaurant. Well, we don’t do that – it’s not our idea of excitement. We offer school leavers the chance for outdoor adventure, to teach things like sailing and snowboarding. .. ”

So, this company doesn’t deal with restaurant jobs, rather they offer outdoor adventure, to teach things like sailing and snowboarding.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 17: Training with Shooting Star can be expensive.

Keywords for this question: training, expensive

In paragraph no. 2 line no. 5, we find the word ‘train’. In paragraph no. 3 line no. 4, we find the word ‘training’. But we cannot find any reference as to whether the training is expensive or cheap.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 18: New trainees find it easy to get the sort of work they want.

Keywords for this question: new trainees, easy to get, work they want,   

The answer remains in the second paragraph, where the writer talks about how the new trainees can reap the rewards from Shooting Star’s services. Look carefully, “No choice, really! In your year out you train, travel and work; you can combine work with pleasure and reap the rewards.” This line means that young students can train and get work easily.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 19: New trainees who want work experience should check out vacancies before they depart.

Keywords for this question: new trainees, work experience, check out, vacancies, before depart 

In the bullet point section, look at bullet no. 2. Here, the writer gives tips and says, “What’s more important to you – travel or work experience? You can be flexible with travel plans but you must research job opportunities in advance.”  So, the line means that work seekers need to do some checking of job vacancies in advance or before they depart.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 20: Shooting Star helps with travel arrangements.

Keywords for this question: helps with, travel arrangements   

Again, in the bullet point section, look at bullet no. 4. Here, the writer gives tips and says, “Sort out the admin in plenty of time – air tickets, visas, insurance and medical matters such as vaccinations for some destinations. These are your responsibility.” So, gap year takers are not helped by Shooting Star in regards travel arrangements like air tickets, visas, insurance and medical matters such as vaccinations.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Succeeding at Interviews

Questions 21-27: (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. This question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time if you are not very good in speed reading. You should always quickly read the first two lines or the last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.]

Question 21: the importance of good manners

Keywords for this question: good manners  

In section F, the writer talks about how to present oneself with a good manner, “Whatever the circumstances, you will give yourself an advantage by being friendly and polite… . .”

So, the answer is: F

Question 22: using your contacts

Keywords for this question: contacts  

In section B, the answer is found in lines 3-5, “… .. ask for an information pack or speak to people you know who work for the company.” Here, speak to people you know = contacts

So, the answer is: B

Question 23: giving adequate responses

Keywords for this question: adequate responses

The answer can be found in section G. Lines 6-8 say, “.. .. Don’t simply give ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers, but answer questions as fully as you can.” This means an interviewee should give proper response.

So, the answer is: G

Question 24: getting on well with colleagues

Keywords for this question: getting on well, colleagues 

The answer can be found in lines 1-4 of section H, “. .. . : it is important to show good team spirit, that you possess good people skills and that you are friendly and approachable.” This means the interviewee must show that he/she gets well with colleagues.

So, the answer is: H

Question 25: the information you may need to provide

Keywords for this question: information, need to provide,  

The answer can be found in section C. Look at the first lines, “Prepare for questions you might be asked.” Then a number of questions are also provided that interviewee may need to provide.

So, the answer is: C

Question 26: being honest with the interviewer

Keywords for this answer: being honest

This answer can also be found in section G. In lines 3-5 the writer says, “First of all, don’t exaggerate. For example, if you don’t have the exact experience the employer is looking for, say so and explain you are willing to learn.” This means the interviewee needs to be honest.

So, the answer is: G

Question 27: being punctual

Keywords for this answer: punctual   

This answer can be found in section D in the first lines. “Another important point is never to run the risk of arriving late.” Here, never to run the risk of arriving late = being punctual.

So, the answer is: D

Section 3:Serendipity – accidental discoveries in science

Questions 28-31: (Completing sentences/sentence completion/sentence endings)

[Here, candidates have to complete sentences by matching one part of the sentence with the other. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.]

Question 28: Nobel found that adding chemicals

Keywords for this answer: Nobel found, adding, chemical

The answer is in paragraph no. 6 where we find reference to Nobel’s experiment on nitroglycerine. In lines 4-6, the writer says, “.. . .Firstly, he experimented with adding chemicals to nitroglycerine, but because the chemicals required huge amounts of resources and energy to wash out, this process was considered to be impractical.”

Here, this process was considered to be impractical = unworkable.

So, the answer is: C (made the process unworkable)

Question 29: Nobel found that adding sawdust and paper

Keywords for this answer: adding sawdust and paper,  

Again, the answer is in paragraph no. 6. Look closely at lines 6-8. “He then tried to use fibrous material such as sawdust, charcoal or paper to stabilize the explosive, but these combustible materials tended to catch fire when placed near nitroglycerine.” Here, combustible = flammable. So, the process actually did no work.

So, the answer is: F (increased the flammability of the mixture)

Question 30: Nobel found that adding brick dust

Keywords for this answer: adding, brick dust,

Once more, the answer is in paragraph no. 6. Look carefully at the last lines. “As an alternative, he added powdered brick dust to tame the explosive, as he knew that brick dust would not catch fire. However, the brick dust reduced the explosive power of the product, and so was also found to be unsatisfactory.” Here, the brick dust reduced the explosive power of the product = decreased the energy or power of the explosion.

So, the answer is: A (decreased the energy of the explosion)

Question 31: Nobel found that mixing nitroglycerine with packaging 

Keywords for this answer: mixing, nitroglycerine, packaging

We can find the answer in lines 4-8 of paragraph no. 7. The author says here, “. . . . and found that when the packaging material was mixed with nitroglycerine it could be pressed into a compact solid. This solid retained the explosive power of the liquid, but was entirely safe and reliable . . .” So, the process was made safer by mixing packaging materials with nitroglycerine.

So, the answer is: E (made the process safer)

Questions 32-37 (Matching list of options with statements)

(The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the keywords and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement provided in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order. )

Question 32: He recognized the significance of an unexpected result. 

Keywords for this answer: recognized, significance, unexpected result,  

As far as Daguerre was concerned, we find no exact synonyms, but it can be easily understood from the lines in paragraph no. 3,“…. . . and he concluded that the mercury vapour must have improved the photographic result”  that he surely recognised the significance by the amount of time and effort he spent trying to discover which chemical intensified the image.

As far as Nobel is concerned, take a look at this line, “Nobel immediately understood the importance of this discovery.” It is from paragraph no. 8 line 2.

So, the answer is: A (true of both Daguerre and Nobel)

Question 33: He depended on the help of colleagues to solve a problem. 

Keywords for this answer: depended, help, colleagues, solve a problem,  

We do not find any reference for any of the scientists about whether they got help from their colleagues.

So, the answer is: B (true of neither Daguerre nor Nobel)

Question 34: He used different methods to find a solution to the problem.

Keywords for this answer: used, different methods,  

In paragraph no. 6, we find how Nobel used different methods to find solution to the nitroglycerine process. We do not find it for Daguerre.

So, the answer is: C (true of only one of them)

Question 35: He was encouraged to do this research by his government.

Keywords for this answer: encouraged, by his government,

Again, we do not find any reference for any of the scientists on whether they were encouraged by their governments.

So, the answer is: B (true of neither Daguerre nor Nobel)

Question 36: He received an award in recognition of his scientific work.

Keywords for this answer: received, award,  

The answer lies in paragraph no. 4 in the very first line. “Daguerre’s serendipitous research effort was rewarded a year later with a medal.”

So, the answer is: C (true of only one of them)

Question 37: He worked for a long time to find a way of keeping a process under control.

Keywords for this answer: worked for a long time, keeping process under control,

The answer is in paragraph no. 2. Look at the lines no. 5-8, “Desperate after an investigation lasting several months, Daguerre placed a lightly exposed photographic… . . .. . .  To his amazement, when he removed the plate several days later, Daguerre found a strong image on its surface.”  This suggests that Daguerre worked hard for a long time to keep the process under control.

We cannot find this information for Nobel.

So, the answer is: C (true of only one of them)

Questions 38-40 (Summary completion with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)

[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing no more than ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer and candidates must maintain this condition. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Daguerre’s experiments

Question 38: Daguerre’s work illustrated the comment made by Louis Pasteur that in order to take full advantage of a lucky discovery, scientists need to have a _________.

Keywords for this answer: comment, Louis Pasteur,

The answer lies in the last lines of the first paragraph, where we find a reference to Louis Pasteur’s comment, “. .. . . . However, Louis Pasteur noted the additional requirement involved in serendipity when he said, ‘…chance favours only the prepared mind.” Here, chance = lucky,

So, the answer is: prepared mind

Question 39: He found that exposure to ____________ had the desired effect on a silver-coated photographic plate, but only to a very limited extent. To his great surprise, the image then became much clearer when it was stored in a cupboard.

Keywords for this answer: exposure, silver-coated photographic plate, limited extent, \

39. The answer lies in the last lines of the second paragraph. Look at the lines closely, “In 1838, L.J.M Daguerre was attempting to ‘fix’ images onto a copper photographic plate. After adding a silver coating to the plate and exposing it to iodine vapour, he found that the photographic image was improved but still very weak.”

So, the answer is: iodine vapour

Question 40: By a process of elimination, he discovered that collodion and alcohol were not responsible for this improvement. In fact, the removal of all the ___________ did not affect the quality of the image. It was some spilt mercury that had produced the effect.

Keywords for this answer: collodion, alcohol, not responsible, removal, did not affect, quality, image,

In paragraph no. 2, look at these lines, “Daguerre placed a lightly exposed photographic plate in the cupboard in which laboratory chemicals such as alcohol and collodion were stored. To his amazement, when he removed the plate several days later, Daguerre found a strong image on its surface.” So, he removed the chemicals on the plates.

So, the answer is: chemicals