Author: theieltsbridge

  • IELTS Cambridge 11 Test 2: GT READING ANSWERS

    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 conditionsyou 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 questionhow 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 questioncategories 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 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 breathingSlow 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: (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: (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

  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE 11 Test 1: GT READING ANSWERS

    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 questionswimming 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 questionpart 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

  • IELTS Cambridge 10 Test B: GT READING ANSWERS

    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 2nd and 4th 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: (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: (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: (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: (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: (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: (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: (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: (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: (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

  • IELTS Cambridge 10 Test A: GT READING MODULE

    Section 1:Smoke alarms in the home

    Questions 1-7 (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 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 1: All new houses in Australia must have smoke alarms.

    Keywords for this question: all new houses, must have, smoke alarms

    The answer is in the first paragraph in lines 2-3. The writer says here, “Smoke alarms. . .. . in Australian homes and are required by the National Building Code in any recently built properties.” So, the lines clearly indicate that all recent properties must have smoke alarms according to the code or law.

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 2: Photoelectric smoke alarms cost less than ionization smoke alarms.

    Keywords for this question: photoelectric, cost less than, ionization

    The first few lines of the second paragraph give us the answer. Here, in lines 1-2, the author says, “There are two principal types of smoke alarms. Ionization alarms are the cheapest…. .”. Then, in line no. 5 we find the mention of photoelectric alarms. So, the given statement contradicts the information in the passage.

    So, the answer is: FALSE                 

    Question 3: It takes a short time to fit most smoke alarms.

    Keywords for this question: short time, fit,  

    Paragraph no. 3 talks about how to install different smoke alarms by home owners. But it does not discuss how much time it needs to install smoke alarms.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

    Question 4: Any hard-wired smoke alarm must be fitted by a specialist technician.

    Keywords for this question: hard-wired smoke alarm, must be, fitted, specialist

    The answer is in paragraph 3, lines 2-4. The lines say, “. .. . For the installation of hard-wired smoke alarms, powered from the main electricity supply, however, you will need the services of a licensed professional.” This means hard-wired smoke alarms must be installed by an expert technician.

    So, the answer is: TRUE                   

    Question 5: You should get in touch with your local council before placing any ionization smoke alarms in household rubbish.

    Keywords for this question: get in touch, local council, before placing, ionization alarms, rubbish

    The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer mentions, “… If you have fewer than ten ionization alarms to get rid of, you may put them in your domestic waste. If you have more than ten to dispose of, you should contact your local council.” These lines suggest that when disposing of more than ten ionization alarms, contacting the local council is necessary. But in the statement, it says ‘any ionization alarm’.

    So, the answer is: FALSE     

    Question 6: Smoke alarms give a warning sound to indicate that battery power is low.

    Keywords for this question:  warning sound, indicate, power, low 

    We can find the answer in paragraph no. 5. Here, in lines 1-2, the writer states, “Your battery-powered smoke alarm will produce a short beep every 60 second to alert you when the battery is running out and needs replacing.”

    Here, the words beep and alert means warning sound.

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 7: Old smoke alarms need to be checked more than once a month.

    Keywords for this question:  Old smoke alarms, checked, more than once  

    There is NO MENTION of old smoke alarms in this passage.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Questions 8-14:

    Sydney Opera House Tours

    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. This question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time if you are not very good at 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 8: discounts available to younger visitors

    Keywords for this question: discounts, younger visitors

    To find the answer to this question, look for synonyms of the word discount. Can you guess some synonyms?
    Here, are some synonyms of the word ‘discount’: reduction, concession,

    Now, let’s have a look and see if we can find words like discount, reduction, concession etc. in the sections. Quickly go through the lines. In section B, we can find the word ‘discount’ in the last line. Now, we have to find if the discount is applicable for younger visitors. There is no such information. So, we need to look further.

    In section C, we find the word ‘Concessions’ in line no. 4. Let’s see if the concession or discount is applicable for younger visitors.

    “Concessions: Australian seniors and pensioners;

    Students and children of 16 and under

    $24.50.”

    This means students and children (younger visitors) can get a discount.

    So, the answer is: C

    Question 9: the need for suitable footwear

    Keywords for this question: footwear

    The word ‘footwear’ means ‘shoes’ which can be found at the end of section E.

    “Flat, rubber-soled shoes must be worn”

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 10: the opportunity to pretend you are taking part in a concert

    Keywords for this questionpretend, taking part, concert

    We can see the word ‘concert’ section D. Here, lines 5-8 say, “You might even get to stand on the concert hall stage, take up a conductor’s baton in the orchestra pit and imagine you are leading the performance.”

    Here, ‘imagine you are leading the performance’ matches with ‘pretend you are taking part in a concert’.

    So, the answer is: D

    Question 11: a restriction on the number of participants 

    Keywords for this question: restriction, number of participants

    The word ‘restriction’ means ‘limitation’ or ‘limited’ which can be found in section E.

    “To purchase: Bookings are essential.

    Limited to 8 people per hour.”

    This means the tour is restricted to only 8 people each time.

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 12: a reduction that applies to purchases using the internet

    Keywords for this questionreduction, internet

    In section C, we find a price structure:

    “Prices: Adults $35 / Online $29.75”

    This means if any adult books online or on the internet, he/she gets $5.25 as discount or reduction

    So the answer is: C

    Question 13: the need to book your ticket in advance

    Keywords for this question: book ticket, in advance

    In section E, there is a line which says, “Online sales expire at 4.30pm two days prior.”

    Here, ‘prior’ means ‘earlier’. So, the booking needs to be made earlier or in advance.

    So the answer is: E

    Question 14: the length of one of the tours

    Keywords for this question: length

    The word ‘length’ means ‘duration’. Only one section in this text includes the length or duration.

    In section G, it is mentioned,
    “Duration: 1.5 hours”

    So the answer is: G

    Section 2:Using Direct Mail to Sell Your Product

    Questions 15-21: (Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS):

    In this type of question, candidates are asked to write 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: Sales letters should be sent to the __________ in a company.

    Keywords for this question: sales letters, sent to

    The answer is in the second paragraph. Here, line no. 4 says, “.. . .. it is important to address the letter to the decision maker, …… ..”

    Here, address the letter to = sent to

    So, the answer is: decision maker

    Question 16: You letter should make as much __________ as possible.

    Keywords for this question: should make, as possible

    The answer is in the third paragraph. Line no. 2 says, “. . .. you also need to gain the maximum impact from your sales letter.”

    Here, need to gain maximum = make as much as

    So, the answer is: impact

    Question 17: The reader’s attention needs to be caught by the __________ of your letter.

    Keywords for this question: attention, needs to be caught,

    The answer remains in the first bullet point in the passage. In line no. 2 and 3, the writer says, “… The opening is crucial to attract their attention.”

    Here, crucial to attract their attention = attention needs to be caught

    So, the answer is: opening

    Question 18: Letters should be sent in a __________.

    Keywords for this question: should be sent in 

    The answer remains in the second bullet point in the passage. In line no. 1 the writer says, “Try to send each mailing in a white envelope.”

    So, the answer is: white envelope

    Question 19: It is best to print the __________ in two or more colours.

    Keywords for this question: best to print, two or more colours 

    Bullet point three provides the answer to this question. Line no. 1 and 2 say, “Include a brochure. Depending on the volume and on whether you can afford the cost, try to use at least two-colour printing for this.” This means the brochure should be printed in two or more colours.

    So, the answer is: brochure

    Question 20: Consider sending a _________ as this is more effective than a picture.

    Keywords for this question: consider, more effective than a picture 

    Again, the answer is found in bullet point three. Here, line 3 says, “. .. .it may be worth enclosing a free sample – this is a much greater incentive than photographs.” (photographs = picture)

    So, the answer is: (free) sample

    Question 21: You should calculate the ______ to your letter.

    Keywords for this question: calculate,  

    In bullet point five, the writer says, “When you receive your replies, assess your response rate and monitor the sales.” Here, assess is synonymous to calculate.

    So, the answer is: response rate

    Job Specification: Communications Manager

    Here, to raise = to improve, international = around the world,

    So, the answer is: profile Questions 22-27: (Completing notes 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 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: Summary of role: to improve IFCES’s _________ around the world

    Keywords for this question: summary, improve, around the world  

    In the Job Summary section, the answer is in the very first line. “To raise the international profile of IFCES.”

    Question 23: writing for a number of ________ , produced for both IFCES and a wider readership

    Keywords for this question: writing, both IFCES, wider readership

    The answer can be found in the Key Responsibilities section. Here, bullet point no. 3 says, “Write and edit copy for publications intended for internal and external use… .. .”

    Here, write = writing, internal = IFCES, external = wider readership,

    So, the answer is: publications

    Question 24: making sure the _________ contains current information

    Keywords for this question: making sure, current, information, 

    Again, the answer is in Key Responsibilities section, in bullet point no. 8. The writer says here, “Ensure website content is up to date and consistent.”

    Here, ensure = making sure, content = information, up to date = current

    So, the answer is: website

    Question 25:

    • high level skill in writing appropriately
    • for the _________ to read

    Keywords for this question: skill, writing, read,

    The answer can be found in Employee Specification (Essential) section. Here, bullet point no. 3 Says, “Excellent copy writing skills with strong attention to detail, a keen sense of audience… . .”

    Here, high level skill in writing = strong attention,

    Keen sense of audience means that the writer must have a clear idea about the audience of the writings, that is the readers.

    So, the answer is: audience

    Question 26: to achieve a specific _________

    Keywords for this answer: achieve, specific

    This answer can also be found in Employee Specification (Essential) section. Here, bullet point no. 3 Says, “Excellent copy writing skills with strong attention to detail, a keen sense of audience and an ability to tailor writing to its particular purpose.”

    Here, ability to tailor writing means guide writing to achieveparticular means specific

    So, the answer is: purpose

    Question 27: relevant qualification at a _______ level

    Keywords for this answer: relevant qualification, level  

    This answer can be found in Employee Specification (Desirable) section. Here, bullet point no. 1 Says, “Recognised post-graduate qualification in public relations / journalism / marketing communications.”

    So, the answer is: post-graduate

    Section 3:

    The headline of the passage: KAURI GUM – a piece of New Zealand’s history

    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. 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 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 28: an example of a domestic product made of high-quality gum

    Keywords for this answer: domestic product, made of, high-quality,

    The first line of section E gives us the clue for the answer. “The first major commercial use of kauri gum was in the manufacture of high-grade furniture varnish, a kind of … .. . .”

    Here, manufacture = made of, domestic product = furniture varnish (furniture varnish is referred here as domestic product), high-quality = high-grade

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 29: factors affecting gum quality

    Keywords for this answer: factors, affecting, quality

    In section A, paragraph no. 3 gives us the answer. In lines 3-5 the writer says, “.. .. . This gum came in a bewildering variety of colours, degree of transparency and hardness, depending on the length and location of burial, as well as the health of the original tree and the area of bleedingHighest quality gum was hard and bright and was usually found at shallow depth on the hills.”
    Here, depending on = affecting,

    The followings are the factors:

    • length and location of burial
    • the health of the original tree
    • the area of bleeding
    • usually found at shallow depth on the hills

    So, the answer is: A

    Question 30: how kauri gum is formed

    Keywords for this answer: how, formed

    In section A, paragraph no. 2 gives us the answer. In lines 1-4 the writer provides a detailed description on how the gum forms, “After running from rips or tears in the bark of trees, the sap hardens to form the lumps of gum which eventually fall to the ground and are buried under layers of forest litter. The bark often splits where branches fork from the trunk, and gum accumulates there also.”

    So, the answer is: A

    Question 31: how gum was gathered

    Keywords for this answer: how, gathered

    In section B, lines 3-4 provide us the answer. “In Maori and early European times up until 1850, most gum collected was simply picked up from the ground, but, after that, the majority was recovered by digging.”

    All these 3 words, collected, picked up, recovered, are synonymous to gathered.

    So, the answer is: B

    Question 32: the main industrial uses of the gum

    Keywords for this answer: main, industrial uses,

    In section E, both the paragraph talks about the commercial use. The first lines give us the answer. “The first major commercial use of kauri gum was in the manufacture of high-grade furniture varnish, a kind of clear paint used to treat wood.”

    Here, major = main, commercial = industrial,

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 33: recent uses of kauri gum

    Keywords for this answer: recent, uses,

    In section F, the second paragraph has the answer to this question. “In the last decades, it has had a very limited use in the manufacture of extremely high-grade varnish for violins, .. . .”

    So, the answer is: F

    Questions 34-39 (Matching references with time periods)

    (In this type of question, candidates need to relate references which are given by or link to time periods in the passage. This question is similar to matching names with statements. 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 34: Kauri gum was first used in New Zealand.

    Keywords for this answer: first used, in New Zealand,

    Take a close look at Section C, “The original inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, had experimented with kauri gum well before Europeans arrived at the beginning of the nineteenth century.” Do not confuse the answer with Section E, “The first major commercial use. .. “ The question asks for first use, not the first commercial use.

    So, the answer is: A (before the 1800s)

    Question 35: The amount of kauri gum sent overseas peaked.

    Keywords for this answer: amount, sent overseas, peaked,

    The answer is found in the last lines of paragraph no. 1 in section D. “The increasing number of diggers resulted in rapid growth of the kauri gum exports from 1000 tons in 1860 to a maximum of over 10,000 tons in 1900.”

    Here, rapid growth = peaked, export = sent overseas,

    So, the answer is: B (in 1900)

    Question 36: The collections of kauri gum supplemented farmers’ incomes.

    Keywords for this answer: collection, supplemented, farmers’ incomes,

    The answer lies in paragraph no. 2 of section D. “By the 1890s, there were 20,000 people engaged in gum-digging. Although many of these, such as farmers, women, and children, were only part-time diggers, nearly 7,000 were full-timers.” So, gum-digging or collection was a supplement for other jobs.

    So, the answer is: D (between the late 1800s and the early 1900s)

    Question 37: Kauri gum was made into jewellery.

    Keywords for this answer: made into jewellery

    To find the answer to this question, we must find the word jewellery or its synonym. Take a look at Section F. “In the time of Queen Victoria of England (1837 – 1901) some pieces were made into fashionable amber beads that women wore around their necks. The occasional lump that contained preserved insects was prized for use in necklaces and bracelets.”

    So, the answer is: E (between the 1830s and 1900)

    Question 38: Kauri gum was used in the production of string instruments.

    Keywords for this answer: production, string instruments

    The answer lies in section F, where the writer says, “In the last decades, it has had a very limited use in the manufacture of extremely high-grade varnish for violins… . .. . ”.

    Here, violins are string instruments.

    So, the answer is: I (in recent times)

    Question 39: Most of the kauri gum was found underground.

    Keywords for this answer: found underground

    In Section B, the answer is in these lines, “In Maori and early European times up until 1850, most gum collected was simply picked up from the ground, but, after that, the majority was recovered by digging.”

    Here, by digging means found underground.

    So, the answer is: G (after 1850)

    Question 40: Multiple choice question

    What was most likely to reduce the quality of kauri gum?

    A how long it was buried

    B exposure to water

    C how deep it was buried

    D exposure to heat

    Keywords for this answer: most likely, reduce, quality

    In section A, paragraph no. 3, lines 6-8 says, “Lowest quality gum was soft, black or chalky and sugary and was usually found buried in swamps, where it had been in contact with water for a long time.” These lines suggest that contact of water affects the quality of kauri gum negatively.

    So, the answer is: B (exposure to water)

  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE 9 Test B: GT READING ANSWERS

    Section 1 :The Young Person’s Railcard

    Questions 1-7 (Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS):

    In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum three 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 1: Railcard applicants over 25 need to be involved in ___________.

    Keywords for this question: applicants, over 25, need, involved,  

    We can find the answer in the section ‘Who can apply?’ where we can see information about age. “Absolutely anybody between 16 and 25 can apply. You will need to provide proof that you are under 26 years of age. For this, only your birth certificate, driving licence, passport or medical card will be acceptable. Alternatively, if you are a mature student over this age but in full-time educationyou can also apply.. . .” 

    This description about age restriction says clearly that a mature student (over 25) can also apply, if he/she is in full-time education.

    So, the answer is: full-time education

    Question 2: For mature, full-time students, one of the photographs submitted must be signed and __________.

    Keywords for this question: mature, full-time students, photographs, must be signed,  

    The answer lies in section ‘Who can apply?’ in lines 4-6 where we can find the word ‘photos’, “. . . In order to prove your eligibility, you will need to get your headteacher, tutor, and head of department to sign the application form as well as one of your photosthe latter also needing to be officially stamped.

    Here, we see a phrase after ‘photos’ which is ‘the latter’. This means the thing mentioned after one other thing is mentioned. Here, the lines suggest that the person needs to get his application form signed by his/her tutor, headteacher or head of department. He/she also needs to get one of his/her photos officially stamped.

    So, the answer is: (officially) stamped                      

    Question 3: At certain times of the year, there are no __________ for railcard holders at any time of day.

    Keywords for this question: certain times, no, for railcard holders, any time of day,

    The answer can be found in section ‘Using your railcard’. Here, take a look at this line, “. . .. But if you travel before 10 am Monday to Friday (except during July and August) minimum fares will apply.”

    This means during July and August (certain times of the year) minimum fares for ticket will not apply.

    So, the answer is: minimum fares                

    Question 4: If your railcard doesn’t have your ___________, it will be impossible to use it for travel.

    Keywords for this question: railcard doesn’t have, will be impossible to use, for travel,

    The answer is in the section ‘Conditions’ at the very beginning. “In cases where a railcard does not bear the user’s signature, it will be treated as invalid.” 

    Here, invalid means it will be impossible to use it

    So, the answer is: signature              

    Question 5: The benefits of a railcard are not transferable to ___________.

    Keywords for this question: benefits, railcard, not transferable, to,

    The answer is in the section ‘Conditions’ in line no. 2. “Neither your railcard nor any tickets bought with it may be used by anybody else.” 

    Here, may be used by anybody else = transferable

    This means the railcard and the tickets bought with it can ONLY be used by the USER, not anyone else.

    So, the answer is: anybody else        

    Question 6: If you have no ticket but boarded a train at a station without any _________, you will still be eligible for a discounted ticket.

    Keywords for this question: have no ticket, but boarded, without any, will still be eligible, discounted ticket,  

    The answer can be traced in lines 3-5 in the section ‘Conditions’, “ .. . Unless there are no purchase facilities available at the station where you began your journey, you will be required to pay the full fare if you are unable to produce a valid ticket for inspection during a journey.”

    This line indicates to the fact that a railcard holder can still be eligible to pay at a discount price during inspection of tickets if he/she forgets to produce a valid ticket, if he/she boards a train at a station which doesn’t have any purchase facilities.

    So, the answer is: purchase facilities

    Question 7: If railcard holders wish to use the Eurostar network, they must pay the ____________.

    Keywords for this question: railcard holders wish, use, Eurostar network, must pay,  

    The answer is in the last lines of the section ‘Conditions’. Here, the writer says, “Reduced rate tickets are not available for first-class travel or for Eurostar links to France and Belgium. Passengers will be charged the full rate if they want to use these services.”

    Here, passengers will be charged = they must pay

    So, the answer is: full fare/rate

    Questions 8-14:

    TRAIN TRAVEL INFORMATION

    Questions 8-14 (Summary completion)

    (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 from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.)

    Question 8: An elderly person who is also studying full-time receives a concession of ___________.

    Keywords for this question: elderly person, studying, receives, concession,

    Take a look at the table that gives different types of tickets and discount prices. Look at ticket information at row no. 5 which says, “Senior citizens – 25% – student card must be shown.”    

    Here, senior citizens = elderly person

    So, the answer is: 25%

    Question 9: Large groups’ people who want to reserve seats should get in touch with the ___________.

    Keywords for this question: Large groups, want to reserve seats, should get in touch with,

    This question’s answer can be found in the section ‘INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO TRAVELLERS’ in bullet point no. 4, “If you like to charter a train, or make reservations for over 25 passengers travelling together, call the Sales Department.” 

    Here, over 25 passengers = large groups’ people,

    So, the answer is: Sales Department

    Question 10 & 11: If travelers cancel their trip, they will usually receive back the ticket price less 10. __________, or they may change the date of their trip by paying 11. ___________ of the original value.

    Keywords for this question: cancel, trip, usually receive back, ticket price less, may change the date, trip, by paying, original value, 

    In the section ‘CHANGES AND REFUNDS’, the writer of the text says, “Tickets may be refunded not later than 5 minutes before the departure of the train for a charge of 15% of the ticket price, or the journey may be changed to another day for a charge of 10% of the ticket price.”

    Here, 5 minutes before the departure = cancel their trip, changed to another day = change the date of their trip,

    So, the answers are:

    1. 15%
    2. 10%

    Question 12: These concessions do not apply in the case of ___________.

    Keywords for this question: concessions, do not apply, in…case of,

    In the section ‘CHANGES AND REFUNDS’, the writer of the text says in the end, “(Not applicable to same day returns.)”

    Here, Not applicable to = do not apply in the case of

    So the answer is: same day returns  

    Question 13: It is the passenger’s responsibility to make sure the ________ and __________ are correct.

    Keywords for this question: concessions, do not apply, in…case of,

    This question’s answer can be found in the section ‘INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO TRAVELLERS’ in bullet point no. 1, “When you buy your ticket it is up to you to check that the dates and times of the journey on it are exactly as you requested.”

    Here, When you buy your ticket it is up to you = the passenger’s responsibility, make sure = check,

    So the answer is: dates, timestimes, dates (in any order)

    N.B.: You cannot write the word ‘and’ with your answer. It is because

    Question 14: Travellers should ensure they are ready to board the train with at least _________ to spare.

    Keywords for this question: travellers, should ensure, ready to board the train, at least . .. .. to spare,

    This question’s answer can again be found in the section ‘INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO TRAVELLERS’ in bullet point no. 2, “Ticket control and access to each train platform will be open until 2 minutes before departure of the train.”

    This means the travellers should confirm they are ready to board the train while they have at least 2 minutes in hand.

    So the answer is: 2 minutes

    Section 2:Professional Credentials: Advice for Immigrants

    Questions 15-20: (Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS):

    In this type of question, candidates are asked to write 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: New arrivals to North America need to make sure that their academic qualifications or their _________ are accepted.

    Keywords for this question: new arrivals, North America, make sure, academic qualifications, are accepted,

    The answer is in the first paragraph. Here, the author says, “As an immigrant to North America, you will need to ensure that employers and organisations such as colleges and universities properly recognise your international credentials. These may be trade certificates, but also educational qualifications such as degrees or diplomas, that you have completed or partially-completed.”

    The lines suggest that immigrants to North America should confirm that their educational or academic qualifications or trade certificates are properly recognised or accepted.

    So, the answer is: trade certificates

    Question 16: A significant number of companies view _______ as a major requirement.

    Keywords for this question: significant number of companies, view, major requirement, 

    The answer is in the second paragraph. Lines 2-3 say, “.. .. . But at the same time, employers see formal education as very important when hiring. Education is a hiring requirement for 60% of employment opportunities… .”

    Here, 60% = significant number of,

    So, the answer is: (formal) education

    Question 17: People educated in North America may initially be offered a higher _______ than immigrants.  

    Keywords for this question: people educated, North America, initially, be offered, higher, than immigrants,

    The answer is given in this text in a reverse way. In paragraph no. 3, the writer explains, “Research has shown that sometimes immigrants start with a lower salary level than people who have completed their training in North America.”

    This means people who have got educated in North America will get a higher salary (opposite to lower) than immigrants.

    So, the answer is: salary (level)

    Question 18: ________ courses often provide more job stability.  

    Keywords for this question: courses, often provide, more job security,  

    The answer remains in the third paragraph, at the very last line, “There is a good potential for long-term job security after completion of apprenticeship training.”

    Here, good potential = more, long-term job security = job stability,

    So, the answer is: apprenticeship (training)

    Question 19: Most of the effort to find work is spent trying to obtain ________.  

    Keywords for this question: most of the effort, find work, spent, trying to obtain,

    In paragraph no. 4, in lines 7-8, the author of this text says, “. .. . Getting job interviews is more than 50% of the whole process of securing employment . . . .. .”

    Here, getting = trying to obtain, more than 50% = most of the effort, securing employment = find work,

    So, the answer is: (job) interviews

    Question 20: As more newcomers enter the workforce, _______ increases.

    Keywords for this question: more newcomers, enter, workforce, increases,  

    The last paragraph gives us the answer as the writer mentions, “Establishing yourself in North America is a difficult process, but companies do consider integrating immigrants into the workforce important to the workplace mosaic. Employers are making significant progress in improving diversity at work.”

    Here, in the last line, improving = increases,

    So, the answer is: (workforce/workplace) diversity

    How to Prepare for a Presentation

    Questions 21-27: (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 21:

    • You should regard an invitation to speak as a ____________.

    Keywords for this question: regard, an invitation to speak, as,    

    In the first paragraph the author talks about presentation invitation, “The first time your boss suggests that you formally present something to your department or a client, your reaction may be to panic. But remember that being asked to present is a compliment. . . .”

    Here, being asked to present = invitation to speak,

    So, the answer is: compliment

    Question 22:

    • Express your main idea in a _____________.

    Keywords for this question: Express, main idea in,

    In the second paragraph the answer is found in lines 1-2, “… .. Condense your topic into one sentence. .. .”

    Here, condense your topic = express your main idea,

    So, the answer is: sentence

    Question 23:

    • Try using a ___________ to support the major points you are making.

    Keywords for this question: try using, support, major points,

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 3. Here, lines 1-2 say, “Think of three main points you want to make to support your overall topic. Develop a story to demonstrate each of those concepts. ..  ..  .”

    Here, develop = try using, to demonstrate each of those concepts = to support the major points you are making,

    So, the answer is: story

    Question 24:

    • Add visual excitement to your talk by using ____________.

    Keywords for this question: add, visual excitement, by using,

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4, “We have all heard the saying picture is worth a thousand words. Think about how your presentation can be more interesting to watch. Props are a wonderful way to make your talk come alive. .. . . .”

    Here, picture = visual excitement,

    So, the answer is: props

    Question 25:

    • Express appreciation to your listeners for their _____________.

    Keywords for this question: express appreciation, to listeners,

    The answer lies in the last line of paragraph no. 5, “ . . . . After your energetic introduction, identify yourself briefly and thank the audience for taking the time to listen to you.”  

    Here, express appreciation to your listeners = thank the audience,

    So, the answer is: time

    Question 26:

    • A _________ will get the audience to interact.

    Keywords for this answer: will get, the audience, interact,

    This answer can also be found in paragraph no. 6. Here, the author says in lines 2-3, “ .. . .. so conclude with a game in which they can participate, . .. . .” 

    Here, they can participate = get the audience to interact,

    So, the answer is: game

    Question 27:

    • It is important to prepare well as this will increase your _________.

    Keywords for this answer: important, to prepare well, will increase,

    This answer can be found in the last paragraph in the last lines. “. . . . Instead, practice your dynamic introduction and conclusion until you can deliver them effortlessly. If you do this you’ll feel a burst of confidence that will help you sail through the whole of the speech.”

    Here, practice your dynamic introduction and conclusion until you can deliver them effortlessly =  It is important to prepare well, you’ll feel a burst = will increase,

    So, the answer is: confidence

    Section 3:The Birdmen

    Questions 28-30: (Multiple choice questions)

    [‘Multiple choice questions’ is a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. It is also found in the Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of question because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming techniques might come in handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.

    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: What information is given about Vandenbulcke in paragraph 3?  

    Keywords for this answer: information given, about Vandenbulcke, paragraph 3,  

    As the question asks us to look for the answer in paragraph 3, we should not lose any time by taking a peek into paragraph 1 or 2. Let’s go straight to paragraph 3 and find the word ‘Vandenbulcke’. The answer can be traced in the first two lines, “Another keen paramotorist recently experienced a close call when in the air. “I started to get a warm feeling in my back,” says Pattrick Vandenbulcke. . . .. “ Then Vandenbulcke details about how he avoided a near-death situation.

    Here, experienced a close call = narrowly avoided a dangerous situation

    So, the answer is: (He narrowly avoided a dangerous situation)

    Question 29: When the writer refers to some second-hand paramotoring equipment which was for sale, he is emphasizing that –

    Keywords for this answer: some second-hand paramotoring equipment, for sale, emphasizing,

    The answer lies in paragraph no. 3 in the last lines, “. . . There was one pre-used kit advertised on a website, with a bit of damage to the cage and tips of the propellers due to a rough landing. ‘Scared myself to death,’ the seller reported, ‘hence the reason for this sale.’

    Here, pre-used kit = second-hand paramotoring equipment, advertised on a website = for sale,

    Also, the seller’s comment made on the advertisement, ‘Scared myself to death,” means that paramotoring can be a very unsafe hobby.

    So, the answer is: (paramotoring can be a dangerous pastime.)

    Question 30: The description of what happened at Lake Geneva is given to suggest that Rossy –

    Keywords for this answer: what happened, Lake Geneva, Rossy,

    In paragraph no. 4 the author talks about Yves Rossy and the incident in Lake Geneva. “Fun though it is, paramotoring is not in the same league as the acrobatics demonstrated by Yves Rossy. He has always enjoyed being a daredevil showman.

    Here, He has always enjoyed being a daredevil showman = he likes to do what appears impossible.

    Daredevil is the person who dares and loves to do tasks in a way which other people may think stupid.

    So, the answer is: (likes to do what appears impossible.)

    Questions 31-35 (Summary completion with ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER)

    [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 AND/OR a Number 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.]

    The title of the summary: Yves Rossy

    Question 31: Yves Rossy was born in 1959. He worked as both a military and _________ pilot before focusing on his ambition of becoming a jet-powered flying man.

    Keywords for this answer: born, 1959, worked, military, pilot, before focusing, ambition, becoming a jet-powered flying man,

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5, in lines 1-3, “Rossy, who has been labelled ‘the Birdman’, was born in 1959 in Switzerland. After flying planes for the air force from the ages of 20 to 28, he went on to do a job as a pilot with a commercial airline from 1988 to 2000.”  

    Here, flying planes for the air force = worked as ….a military,

    Also, we find the information that he worked as a pilot for a commercial plane.

    So, the answer is: commercial

    Question 32 & 33: First he asked a firm which made 32. _______ planes to construct some 33. _______ for him, but these proved unsuitable.

    Keywords for this answer: first, asked a firm, made, planes, construct, but, proved unsuitable,  

    The answers for these two questions are in paragraph no. 6, lines 6-11, “Initially he had approached a company called Jet-kit which specialised in miniature planes, but the wings they made for him weren’t rigid enough to support the weight of the engines.”

    Here, initially = first, approached a company = asked a firm, which specialised in = which made, these proved unsuitable = weren’t rigid enough to support the weight of the engines,

    So, the answers are:  

    1. miniature
    2. wings

    N.B.: We’ve found the answers in the last half section of paragraph no. 6 because of the keyword ‘Initially’. So, we might get the next few questions in the first half part of the same paragraph. Though this is not very common, it may happen sometimes that this type of questions’ answers might break the general sequence.

    Question 34 & 35: The second company he approached was able to help him, however. On a flight in May 2008, he managed to achieve a top speed of 34. _________ easily exceeding the speed achieved by the average 35. _________. He had engines to keep him in the air and then used a parachute when it was time to come down.

    Keywords for this answer: second company, was able to help him, May 2008, managed, achieve a top speed of, easily exceeded, speed, achieved by the average,  

    In paragraph no. 6, in the very first line we find the keywords ‘May 2008’. So, the answers should be somewhere very close. Let’s read:

    “In May 2008, he stepped out of an aircraft at about 3000 metres. Within seconds he was soaring and diving at over 290 kph, at one point reaching 300 kph, about 107 kph faster than the typical falling skydiver.”

    Here, managed to achieve = at one point reaching, typical = average,

    So, the answers are:

    1. 300 kph
    2. skydiver

    Questions 36-40 (Matching statements with people)

    [In this kind of questions candidates are given some statements based on the text and asked to match them with the correct people. These sorts of questions DO NOT maintain a sequence. So, candidates need to be alert and must not read everything everywhere. Following KEYWORDS is the best idea here to locate the answers.

    Question 36: He acknowledges the role of his equipment in enabling him to a flying record.

    Keywords for this answer: acknowledges, role of, equipment, enabling him to, flying record,   

    The answer lies in paragraph no. 6. In the end of this paragraph we find this sentence, “Rossy says has become ‘the first person to maintain a stable horizontal flight, thanks to aerodynamic carbon foldable wings.’ Without these special wings, it is doubtful he would have managed to do this.”

    Here, the first person to maintain a stable horizontal flight = the record, thanks to means Rossy acknowledges the role of aerodynamic carbon foldable wings

    So, the answer is: D (Yves Rossy)

    Question 37: He explains how he uses his flying expertise to promote a product.

    Keywords for this answer: explains, he uses, flying expertise, promote a product,  

    Take a look at paragraph no. 1, lines 8-9, “As Scott says: ‘I get to do what I love and wherever I go I advertise Go Fast drinks.”

    Here, advertise Go Fast drinks = promote a product

    So, the answer is: A (Eric Scott)

    Question 38: He explains what led him to experiment with different ways of flying.  

    Keywords for this answer: explains, led him, to experiment, different way of flying,

    The answer lies in paragraph no. 5, in lines 3-5, where Yves Rossy explains why he wanted to do experiments with different methods of flying, “The cockpit of a plane is the most beautiful office in the world, he says, ‘but I didn’t have any contact with the air around me. It was a bit like being in a box or a submarine under water.’ The lines suggest to the point that Rossy was bored being inside a plane and wanted to feel the air directly.

    So, the answer is: D (Yves Rossy)

    Question 39: He describes a mistake some beginners might make.

    Keywords for this answer: mistake, beginners, might make,

    In paragraph no. 3, lines 6-9, the author says, “However he warns: ‘Although it seems cheaper to try to teach yourself, you will regret it later as you won’t have a good technique.’ A training course will cost over £1,000, while the equipment costs a few thousand pounds. You may pick up cheaper equipment secondhand, however.”

    This means some people who want to learn this daredevil act of paramotoring, may sometimes make the big mistake of picking up cheaper equipment.

    So, the answer is: C (Patrick Vandenbulcke)

    Question 40: He mentions circumstances which prevent you from leaving the ground.

    Keywords for this answer: circumstances, prevent you, from leaving, ground,  

    In paragraph no. 2, look at these comments made by Chris Clarke, “Getting about is roughly comparable with driving a petrol-powered car in terms of expense. The trouble is that paramotoring is ill-suited to commuting because of the impossibility of taking off in strong winds,’ says Clarke.”

    Here, the impossibility of taking off in strong winds = prevent you from leaving the ground

    So, the answer is: B (Chris Clarke)

  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE 9 Test A : GT READING ANSWERS

    Section 1

    Questions 1-6 (Matching Advertisements with job descriptions):

    [In this type of questions candidates are asked to match the questions (job descriptions) with the given job advertisements (Marked A, B, C, D etc.). Candidates have to write the correct letter for each answer. Here, having a close look at different numbers and important information will do the trick to find the answers.

    Question 1: a person with two small children who wants a few hours a week of unskilled work in the early mornings.

    Keywords for this question: two small children, a few hours a week, unskilled work, early mornings,  

    Take a look at advertisement D:

    Here in this advertisement, we can see some important points. Let’s have a look:

    Cleaner = unskilled work, finish work before the offices open = in the early mornings,

    Therefore, this job fits perfectly for person in question no. 1. 

    So, the answer is: D

    Question 2: a person with no experience or qualifications who is looking for a short term full-time job, Monday to Friday.

    Keywords for this question: no experience, qualifications, short term, full-time, Monday to Friday,  

    Take a look at advertisement C:

    Here in this advertisement, we can find out some important points. Let’s have a look:

    Former qualifications not as important = no experience or qualifications, Hours: 8.30 – 5.00 Mon-Fri = full-time job, Monday to Friday, from January till July = short term,

    Therefore, this job is a perfect match for person in question no. 2.

    So, the answer is: C               

    Question 3: a lively student with no experience, who cannot work on weekdays.

    Keywords for this question: lively student, no experience, cannot work, weekdays,   

    Take a look at advertisement A:

    Here in this advertisement, we can find out some important points. Let’s have a look:

    Energy and enthusiasm = lively, no experience = experience not essential, Sat & Sun only = cannot work on weekdays,

    Therefore, this job is a perfect match for person in question no. 3.

    So, the answer is: A               

    Question 4: a person with more than 20 years’ experience in catering who would like to run a business.

    Keywords for this question: 20 years’ experience, catering, run a business,  

    Take a look at advertisement G:

    Here in this advertisement, we can see some important points. Let’s have a look:

    Ideal for very experienced person = person with more than 20 years’ experience, Catering = Restaurant, To-let = place to run a business,

    Therefore, this job is a perfect match for person in question no. 4.

    So, the answer is: G  

    Question 5: a catering college graduate who is now looking for his first full-time job.

    Keywords for this question: catering college graduate, first full-time job,

    Let’s take a look at advertisement F:

    Here in this advertisement, we can find out some important points. Let’s have a look:

    FULL-TIME COOK = catering college graduate. .. . full-time job, new and exciting café venture = first .. .. job,

    Therefore, this job is a perfect match for the new catering graduate in question no. 5.

    So, the answer is: F    

    Question 6: a person with many years’ experience working in hotels who is now looking for well-paid part-time employment in a hotel.

    Keywords for this question:  many years’ experience, hotels, well-paid, part-time, employment, hotel,   

    Let’s take a look at advertisement B:

    Here in this advertisement, we can find out some important points. Let’s have a look:

    applicants with experience = with many years’ experience, Excellent wages = well-paid, part-time silver service waiter/waitress = working in hotels . . . .. . part-time employment,

    Therefore, this job is a perfect match for the person in question no. 6.

    So, the answer is: B

    Questions 7-14:

    INTERCITY Sleeper between London and Scotland

    Questions 7-14 (Identifying information from different options in the passage)

    This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the train tickets (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 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 7: There are advantages if you book a journey with a friend. 

    Keywords for this question: advantages, journey with a friend,

    So, these are descriptions for train travels as you can see from the picture. For this question your KEYWORDS are ‘advantages’ if you make this ‘journey with a friend’. What you need to do here is this – you look quickly through all the ticket information and find out anything that relates to an ‘advantage’ which includes ‘two people’.

    Now if you look closely at ticket number F-Special, you will find out a sentence there, “Special is an inclusive return travel package for two people . . .. . It can mean savings for both of you… .”

    Here, two people = journey with a friend, savings for both of you = advantages,

    So, the answer is: F                                                                                 

    Question 8: You cannot use this on a Friday.

    Keywords for this question: cannot use, on Friday,

    Read the first line of this ticket information C-SuperSaver, “Available right up to the day of travel and valid any day except these peak days: all Fridays, also 18-20 December, 31 March and 28 May. ..  ..”

    Here, except . .. . . . all Fridays = cannot use on Friday.

    So, the answer is: C

    Question 9: This can be used without restriction. 

    Ticket number G-Standard says, “Not the cheapest option but available up to the time of travel and valid for all trains and at all times.

    Keywords for this question: can be used, without restriction,

    Here, valid for all trains and at all times means that this train service can be used without restriction.

    So, the answer is: G

    Question 10: This can only be booked up to 7 days before departure.

    Keywords for this questiononly be booked, up to 7 days, before departure,  

    In the description of ticket number B-Apex we can see, “ … . Great value sleeper travel available by booking at least a week before outward travel.”

    We know that a week means 7 days and departure means outward travel.

    So, the answer is: B

    Question 11: It’s the cheapest ticket available but there is a restriction on departure time.

    Keywords for this question: cheapest ticket, restriction on departure time,

    From the description of ticket number A-SuperApex we come to know that the price is £59 and if we look at all other ticket description we will find out that this ticket is the cheapest. Now, take a look at the first line of the description, “Only available for travel after 9am.” So, we can see a restriction on departure time.

    So, the answer is: A

    Question 12: If you decide not to travel after you have bought the ticket, you cannot get your money back. 

    Keywords for this questiondecide not to travel after …… bought the ticket, cannot get …. money back,

    Take a look at the last line of the description, “… .. . This ticket is non-refundable unless the service is cancelled.”

    This means if the train service authority decides to cancel the service, only then you will get your money back. So, passengers’ decision will not work here to demand a refund.

    So the answer is: A

    Question 13: This is not available if you’re travelling out on a Monday and back the next day. 

    Keywords for this question: not available, travelling, on a Monday and back the next day,

    The ticket description E-Solo includes this information, “.. .. . The journey must include a Saturday night away.” Therefore, if passengers wish to take this service, they are bound to include Saturday in their journey. Thus, a Monday trip with return on the next day is not valid here.

    So the answer is: E

    Question 14: You cannot use this ticket for departures between midnight and 10am. 

    Keywords for this question: cannot use, departures between, midnight and 10am,

    In the description of the ticket D-Saver, take a careful look at this line, “ . .. . Your ticket allows standard class travel on any train between 10 am and midnight.” So, the information is completely opposite to the description given in the question. That means a passenger cannot use this particular ticket for departures between midnight and 10am.

    So the answer is: D

    Section 2:FORMAL DRESS CODE FOR COMPANY EMPLOYEES  

    Questions 15-21: (Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS):

    In this type of question, candidates are asked to write 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: Aim of formal dress code: to present a ________ to clients

    Keywords for this question: aim. Formal dress code, present, to clients,

    In the opening paragraph of the text, the writer mentions about the objective of establishing the formal dress code, “At TransitEuropean, the company’s objective in establishing a formal dress code is to enable our employees to project the professional image that is in keeping with the needs of our clients and customers . . .”

    This means the objective or aim of the formal dress code is to present a professional image to the clients.

    So, the answer is: professional image

    Question 16: State of clothes: they must be __________ and in good condition  

    Keywords for this question: state of clothes, must be, good condition,  

    The answer is in the second paragraph entitled ‘Formal Dress Code Guidelines’, where line no. 2-3 says, “. . .. Alternatively a jacket may be worn with appropriate accessories. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. Clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. … .. .”

    Here, never wrinkled = in good condition,

    So, the answer is: pressed

    Question 17: Accessories: ties, scarves, belts and jewellery may be worn

    • these must be _________ and not brightly coloured

    Keywords for this question: Accessories, must be, not brightly coloured,

    As our main keyword is Accessories, we should look at paragraph no. 4 entitled ‘Accessories and Jewellery’. Here, this is written, “The wearing of ties, scarves, belts and jewellery is encouraged, provided they are tastefulItems which are flashy should be avoided.”

    Here, Items which are flashy should be avoided = these must not be brightly coloured

    So, the answer is: tasteful

    Question 18: Make up:  avoid wearing too much make up and perfume

    • these sometimes cause __________

    Keywords for this question: Make up, avoid wearing, perfume, sometimes cause,

    The answer remains in paragraph no. 5 entitled ‘Makeup, Perfume and Cologne’ where the writer mentions, “Remember that some employees may have allergic reactions to the chemicals in perfumes and makeup, so wear these substances in moderation.

    Here, so wear these substances in moderation means avoid wearing too much make up and perfume

    So, the answer is: allergic reactions

    Question 19: Hats: hats should not be worn

    • head covers in line with religious reasons or __________ are allowed  

    Keywords for this question: Hats, head covers, religious reasons, allowed,    

    The answer to this question can be traced in paragraph no. 6 entitled ‘Hats and Head Covering’. Here, the writer says, “Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head covers that are required for reasons of faith or to honour cultural tradition are permitted.”

    Here, reasons of faith means religious reasons

    So, the answer is: cultural tradition

    Question 20: Dressing down: casual clothing is allowed on some Fridays

    • clothing with the __________ on it is recommended

    Keywords for this question: Dressing down, clothing with, on it, is recommended    

    The answer to this question can be traced in paragraph no. 7 entitled ‘Dress Down Days’. Here, the writer states, “Clothing that has our company logo is strongly encouraged.”

    Here, strongly encouraged = recommended

    So, the answer is: company logo

    Question 21: Breaking the dress code: if advice is repeatedly ignored, a ________ is given  

    Keywords for this question: Breaking, dress code, advice, repeatedly ignored, is given,     

    In the last line of the last paragraph entitled ‘Violation of Dress code’ the writer mentions, “If the problem persists, the employee will receive a verbal warning and  . . ..”

    Here, the problem persists indicates to if advice is repeatedly ignored,

    So, the answer is: verbal warning  

    Questions 22-27:

    JLP RETAIL: STAFF BENEFITS  

    Questions 22-27: (Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER):

    In this type of question, candidates are asked to write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER to complete some sentences based 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 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: Pay increases depend on the _________ that each member of staff makes.

    Keywords for this question: pay increases, depend, each member of staff makes,   

    Take a look at the first paragraph where the writer mentions about pay, “Whatever you role, your pay range will be extremely competitive and reviewed in the light of your progress.

    The sentence suggests that pay range in this company is very close among staff members and it will be reviewed in the light of (pay increases depends on) the progress that staff members make.

    So, the answer is: progress

    Question 23: Employees must work a minimum of _________ to be eligible for a pension.

    Keywords for this question: Employees must work, minimum, to be eligible, pension,

    To find answer for this question, we need to go straight to the paragraph entitled ‘Pension Scheme’. Here, the writer says, “We offer a non-contributory final salary pension scheme, payable from the age of 60, to most staff who have completed the qualifying period of five years.”

    This means that staffs must work a minimum of five years (qualifying period) to be eligible for a pension.

    So, the answer is: five years

    Question 24: Staff may take a holiday at one of the _________ provided by the company.

    Keywords for this question: Staff may take, holiday at, provided by, the company, 

    Let’s go to the paragraph entitled ‘Holiday and leisure facilities’. Here, the author of this text mentions, “The business owns a number of residential clubs which offer subsidised holiday accommodation for staff with at least three years’ service.”

    Here, the sentence means that staff members of the company can enjoy subsidised holiday accommodation at one of the residential clubs.

    So, the answer is: (residential) clubs

    Question 25: The company pay half the seat price for ________ and plays.

    Keywords for this question: company, pay, half the seat price, plays,  

    In the ‘Ticket subsidies’ paragraph, the author states, “Ticket subsidies of 50% of the cost of plays or concerts are available.”

    Here, Ticket subsidies of 50% = the company pay half the seat price of

    So, the answer is: concerts

    Question 26: The company gives financial assistance for both educational courses and _________ as part of staff development.

    Keywords for this answer: company, gives, financial assistance, both, educational, courses, part of staff development,  

    In the ‘Education subsidies’ section, the writer mentions, “We give generous financial support to staff who wish to acquire leisure skills or continue their education,  . .. ..”

    This sentence means that the company offers generous financial support to staffs for education and leisure skills.

    So, the answer is: leisure skills

    Question 27: Employees may be entitled to a __________ if they find themselves in difficult circumstances.  

    Keywords for this answer: Employees, entitled to, find themselves, difficult circumstances,   

    In the last paragraph entitled ‘Financial help, benefits and discounted deals’, the writer says, “In cases of particular hardship, we will help staff with a loan.” 

    Here, particular hardship = difficult circumstances

    So, the answer is: loan

    Section 3:OUT OF THE ASHES  

    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. 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 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 28: the procedure for sorting through the remains of the fire   

    Keywords for this answer: procedure, sorting through, remains of the fire,  

    The last lines of paragraph C gives us the answer. Here, the writer says, “… The position of each fragment was recorded, and all the debris was stored in countless dustbins before being sifted and categorised.”

    Here, all these words and phrases; recorded, stored in countless dustbins, being sifted and categorised, indicate to the procedure for sorting.

    So, the answer is: C

    Question 29: how Uppark looked after the fire

    Keywords for this answer: Uppark, looked, after the fire,  

    The answer is found in paragraph B, the shortest paragraph of the whole text, “The following morning, Uppark stood open to the sky. A sludge of wet charcoal covered the ground floor and basement, and in every room charred and fallen timbers lay amongst the smoke. It was a scene of utter devastation.”

    This description directly relates to the scene of Uppark after the fire.

    So, the answer is: B

    Question 30: improvements made to the rebuilt Uppark

    Keywords for this answer: improvements made, rebuilt Uppark,  

    In paragraph G, the last half of the paragraph gives us the answer, “. . . In addition, it made economic sense for the National Trust to invest time and money in upgrading water and heating systems, installing modern environmental controls, and updating fire and security equipment.”

    Here, upgrading water and heating systems, installing modern environmental controls, and updating fire and security equipment, all these refer to improvements made to the rebuilt Uppark.

    So, the answer is: G

    Question 31: the selection of people to carry out the repair work

    Keywords for this answer: people, carry out the repair work,  

    We can find the answer in paragraph F where the writer gives a detailed description of how people were selected to do the rebuild work of Uppark, “The search for craftsmen and women capable of doing the intricate restoration work was nation-wide. Once the quality and skills of the individual or company had been ascertained, they had to pass an economic test, as every job was competitively tendered. … .”

    These lines describe how the people to carry out the repair work were selected.

    So, the answer is: F

    Question 32: why the National Trust chose to rebuild Uppark 

    Keywords for this answer: why, the National Trust, chose, rebuild,  

    In the middle of paragraph E, the author says in lines 11-12, “It was undertaken for three main reasons.. .”. Then the writer describes the all the reasons.

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 33: how people reacted to the rebuilt Uppark 

    Keywords for this answer: how, people reacted, rebuilt Uppark,  

    In paragraph H, the author states in lines 3-6, “ . . .The family and the room stewards were visibly moved when returning to their old haunts, perhaps the best testament that the spirit of Uppark had not died. . . .” 

    Here, were visibly moved = reacted.

    So, the answer is: H

    Questions 34-37 Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)

    [In this kind of questions candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords which will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

    Question 34: On what date in 1989 should the original repairs to the roof have been completed?

    Keywords for this answer: date, 1989, original repairs to the roof, have been completed,  

    Take a close look at Paragraph A, lines 4-6, “For a year builders had been replacing the lead on the roof, and by a stroke of irony, were due to finish the next day, on August 31st.”   

    The lines suggest that the builders wanted to change the roof of Uppark on August 31st.

    So, the answer is: August 31st / 31st August

    Question 35: By what method were things rescued immediately from the burning house?

    Keywords for this answer: method, things rescued, immediately, burning house,

    Again, the answer is in lines 13-20 in paragraph A, “. . . . But due to the courage and swift action of the previous owners, the Meade-Featherstonhaugh family, and the staff, stewards and visitors to the house, who formed human chains to pass the precious pieces of porcelain, furniture and paintings out on to the lawn, 95 percent of the contents from ground floor and the basement were saved.”

    This means that the things from the burning house were rescued immediately by forming human chains.  

    So, the answer is: human chain/ chains

    Question 36: After the fire, what did the conservators require large quantities of immediately?

    Keywords for this answer: after, fire, conservators, require, large quantities, immediately,  

    The answer is in the last lines of paragraph A. Here, the author says, “. .. . As the fire continued to rage, the National Trust’s conservators were being mobilised, and that evening local stationers were especially opened to provide the bulk supplies of blotting paper so desperately needed in the salvage operation.”   

    Here, bulk supplies = large quantities

    So, the answer is: blotting paper

    Question 37: Into what did the conservators put material recovered from the fire?  

    Keywords for this answer: Into what, conservators, put material, recovered from, fire,

    To find answer to this question, we should have a look at the paragraph where the steps taken to recover materials after the fire are included. This can be found in paragraph C. Here, in lines 8-10 the author says, “The position of each fragment was recorded, and all the debris was stored in countless dustbins before being sifted and categorised.”

    The lines explain that the recovered materials from the fire or all the debris were put or stored in countless dustbins.

    So, the answer is: (countless) dustbins

    Questions 38-40 (Multiple choice questions)

    [‘Multiple choice questions’ is a common type of question set in IELTS Reading test. It is also found in Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of questions because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming technique might come handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.

    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 38: The fire destroyed –

    Keywords for this answer: fire, destroyed,

    The answer lies in Paragraph A where the writer says, “For a year builders had been replacing the lead on the roof, and by a strike of irony, were due to finish the next day, on August 31st. Within fifteen minutes of the alarm being sounded, the fire brigade had arrived on the scene, though nothing was to survive of the priceless collection on the first floor. . .  ”.

    Therefore, we realise that the fire destroyed the roof. Some might go for the option D, but be careful! Option D says ‘all the contents of the first floor’. However, in the text, we find the information related a dog who saved an oil painting. So, not everything was destroyed.

    So, the answer is: C (the roof of the house.)

    Question 39: One of the reasons the National Trust decided to rebuild Uppark was that –

    Keywords for this answer: one of the reasons, National Trust, decided to rebuild,

    The answer lies in paragraph E, in lines 17-19, “. . . Also the property was covered by insurance, so the repairs would not call upon the National Trust’s own funds.” This means the National Trust wouldn’t have to pay anything for this repair work.

    So, the answer is: C (they wouldn’t have to pay for the repairs.)

    Question 40: Some of the craftsmen and women employed in the restoration of Uppark have benefited because –

    Keywords for this answer: Craftsmen and women, employed, restoration, benefited,

    The last lines of Paragraph F give us the answer, “ . . . – but many of them, for example plasterers, have relearnt the skills of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which can now be of use to other country house owners when need arises.”

    Here, the lines suggest the fact that many of the craftsmen did not have the skills of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries but for this big repair project they got a chance to re-learn the work.

    So, the answer is: D (they acquired skills they didn’t have previously. )

  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE  8 Test B: GT READING ANSWERS

    Section 1 

    Questions 1-14

    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 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.]

    Consumer advice on buying shoes

    Question 1: If you return unwanted shoes straightaway, with a receipt, the shop will probably give you a refund.

    Keywords for this question: return unwanted shoes straightaway, receipt, shop, probably, give, refund,    

    The answer to this question is included in the section named ‘Step 1’, paragraph no. 1 in lines 1-3, “Go back to the shop with proof of purchase. If you return faulty shoes at once, you have a right to insist on a refund. It is also likely that you will get one if you change your mind about the shoes and take them back immediately.”  

    Here, It is also likely = will probably, change your mind about the shoes = return unwanted shoes, proof of purchase = receipt,

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 2: You are advised to accept a credit note if you are offered one.

    Keywords for this question: advised to accept, credit note, if, offered,   

    The answer lies in the section called ‘Step 1’ paragraph no. 2, in line 1, “If you are offered a credit note, you don’t have to accept it.”

    Here, don’t have to accept = not advised to accept,

    The statement directly contradicts with the information in the passage.

    So, the answer is: FALSE                 

    Question 3: The factory is responsible for replacing unwanted shoes.

    Keywords for this question: factory, responsible, replacing, unwanted shoes,  

    The answer lies in the section called ‘Step 1’ paragraph no. 3 in lines 2-3, “But don’t be put off by the shop which claims that it’s the manufacturer’s responsibility. This isn’t true.”

    The statement directly contradicts the information in the passage.

    So, the answer is: FALSE                 

    Question 4: You can ask any shoe shop to send shoes to the Footwear Testing Centre.

    Keywords for this question: can ask, any shoe shop, send shoes, Footwear Testing Centre,  

    The answer to this question is in the section called ‘Step 3’, “Most shops are covered by the Footwear Code of Practice. If the shop you are dealing with is covered, you can ask for the shoes to be sent to the Footwear Testing Centre for an independent opinion.”

    The lines suggest that you cannot ask any shop to send shoes to the Footwear Testing Centre. You can only ask for this service if the shop is covered by the Footwear Code of Practice.

    So, the answer is: FALSE                 

    Question 5: Shops prefer to give a credit note rather than change shoes.

    Keywords for this question: shops, prefer, give, credit note, rather than, change shoes,  

    The keyword for this question is ‘credit note’ which is found only in Step 1. But there is no information about shops’ preference given to a credit note instead of change shoes.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN       

    Question 6: The customer contributes to the cost of having faulty shoes tested.

    Keywords for this question: customer, contributes to, cost, faculty shoes tested,

    The answer can be traced in lines 3-4 in the section named ‘Step 3’, “ .. . . The shop has to agree with whatever the resulting report says. There is a charge of £21. You pay £7 and the shop pays the rest (including postage).”

    The lines suggest to the fact that the charge (£21) of having faulty shoes tested is shared by the customer (£7) and the shop (rest of the charge).

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 7: The procedure for making a legal claim is easier in Scotland.

    Keywords for this question: procedure, making, legal claim, easier, Scotland,   

    The mention of ‘Scotland’ is found in ‘Step 4’ but there is no information on whether the system of making a legal claim is easier or harder in Scotland.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 8: Legal advice and forms can be bought from certain shops.

    Keywords for this question: legal advice, forms, can be bought, certain shops,  

    The answer is in the last lines of this passage, “Alternatively, some bookshops sell advice packs which contain the relevant forms.”

    Here, some bookshops = certain shops,  

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Questions 9-14: Multiple choice questions

    LOST CARDS

    [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 9: What should you do first if you lose a credit card?

    Keywords for this question: should you do, first, if, lose, credit card,  

    This question’s answer can be found in the first paragraph, in lines 1-2, “If you discover that your credit card, cheque book, debit card or cash card is missing, telephone the credit card company or bank as soon as possible.” 

    Here, telephone (verb) = make a phone call,  

    So, the answer is: (make a phone call)

    Question 10: Credit Card Shield is –

    Keywords for this question: Credit Card Shield, 

    This question’s answer can be found in paragraph no. 2, in lines 1-4, “Because plastic money is now so common, central registration schemes such as Credit Card Shield and Card Protection System exist to help customers whose cards are lost or stolen. Under the schemes, you file details of all your cards – including cash cards and account cards issued by shops – with a central registry, for a small annual fee.”

    Here, file details of all your cards = register people’s card details,

    So, the answer is: (a system for registering people’s card details)

    Question 11: When contacted, the Card Protection System company will –

    Keywords for this question: contacted, Card Protection System, company will,   

    Again, this question’s answer can be found in paragraph no. 2. At the end of the paragraph the writer says, “. .. . As soon as you have called, your responsibility for any bills run up by the thief ends and the scheme’s staff make sure that all the companies whose cards you had are notified.”

    Here, As soon as you have contacted = when contacted, are notified = get in touch,

    So, the answer is: (get in touch with the relevant credit card companies)

    Question 12: You are fully covered by both banks and shops if you lose –

    Keywords for this question: fully covered, both banks and shops, if, lose,  

    In the section ‘CHEQUES AND GUARANTEE CARD’, the writer of the text says, “Unless you have been careless – by signing blank cheques, say – you will not have to pay for any forged cheques a thief uses. The bank or shop that accepts them will have to bear the loss.”

    Here, Unless you have been careless – by signing blank cheques = if blank cheque is unsigned, fully covered by both banks and shops = The bank or shop that accepts them will have to bear the loss,

    So the answer is: (a blank unsigned cheque)

    Question 13: If you have written your personal number on a stolen card, you may have to –  

    Keywords for this question: written, personal number, on, stolen card, may have to,

    This question’s answer can be found in the section ‘If your cash card is stolen’, “Legally, you can be made to pay back any sums a thief withdraws using your card, … …. …  unless the bank can prove gross negligence, such as writing your personal identification number on your card.”

    This means if your cash card is stolen and you’ve already written your personal number on it, you may have to pay for anything the thief buys using the card.

    So the answer is: (pay for anything the thief buys on it)

    Question 14: What happens if your cash card is stolen?

    Keywords for this question: what happens, if, cash card, stolen,  

    Again, this question’s answer can be found in the section ‘If your cash card is stolen’, “Legally, you can be made to pay back any sums a thief withdraws using your card, but only up to the time you report the loss and up to £50, .. . . .”

    So the answer is: C (You may have to pay up to £50 of any stolen money)

    Section 2

    Questions 15-21: [Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS)

    [In this kind of questions candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords that will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

    Recycling at work – handy hints to employers 

    Question 15: What does the writer think should be carried out in a company before it starts recycling?

    Keywords for this question: should be, carried out, before, starts, recycling,  

    The answer is in the second section of the text named ‘Setting up a company scheme’, in ‘Waste audit’ part: “Before starting a recycling scheme, perform an audit. This will make you aware of how much waste you are producing in the company.”

    Here, perform = carried out,

    So, the answer is: (an) audit/ (waste) audit

    Question 16: What machines can help to cut the stationery budget?

    Keywords for this question: machines, help to cut, stationery budget,

    The answer can be found in the second section of the text named ‘Setting up a company scheme’, in ‘Company Policy’ part: “Buy recycled paper. Although this is sometimes more expensive, costs can be reduced by lowering consumption and using duplex printers.”

    Here, costs can be reduced = cut . .. . .budget,

    So, the answer is: (duplex) printers

    Question 17: What can be displayed in the workplace to publicise the recycling scheme?  

    Keywords for this question: can be displayed, workplace, publicise, recycling scheme,

    The answer is in the second section of the text named ‘Setting up a company scheme’, in ‘Get everyone involved’ part, point no. 1: “  Raise awareness internally within the company, perhaps by putting up educational posters.”

    Here, Raise awareness = publicise, putting up = displayed

    So, the answer is: (educational) posters

    Question 18: What can be distributed to motivate staff to recycle more?

    Keywords for this question: can be distributed, motivate, staff, recycle more,   

    The answer is found in the second section of the text named ‘Setting up a company scheme’, in ‘Get everyone involved’ part, point no. 4: “ • Send out regular newsletters reporting on all waste improvements. Staff will then see the impact their actions are having.”

    Here, send out = distribute, staff will then see the impact = motivation,

    So, the answer is: (regular) newsletters

    Question 19: What can unwanted paper be used for in the office?

    Keywords for this question: unwanted paper, used for, office,  

    The answer is in the third section of the text named ‘What to recycle and how’, in ‘Paper’ part, “According to a recent survey, 65% of waste produced is paper waste. The waste paper will inevitably be produced in the workplace, but it is not necessary to discard it. It can serve a variety of purposes before it is recycled, such as writing notes.. .. .”

    Here, unwanted paper = paper waste/waste paper, serve… purposes = be used for,

    So, the answer is: (writing) notes

    Question 20: What can be bought to cut down on the waste produced by staff refreshments?

    Keywords for this question: can be bought, cut down, waste, produced by, staff refreshments,   

    The answer lies in the third section of the text named ‘What to recycle and how’, in ‘Plastic cups’ part, “Rather than supplying disposable plastic cups in your workplace, get ceramic mugs that can be re-used. Not only do they make your tea taste better, but they can reduce your office waste by up to 1%!”

    Here, get = can be bought, reduce = cut down,  

    So, the answer is: (ceramic) mugs

    Question 21: Where can unwanted PCs be sent?

    Keywords for this question: unwanted, PCs, be sent,     

    The answer lies in the third section of the text named ‘What to recycle and how’, in ‘Electrical equipment’ part, “You could also consider donating your old computers to charities when it comes to replacing them.”

    Here, old computers = wanted PCs, be sent = donate,

    So, the answer is: (to) charities

    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.]

    How to answer any interview question

    Question 22: The writer warns candidates not to imitate the way that _________ ignore questions in interviews.

    Keywords for this question: warns, candidates, not to, imitate, ignore, questions, interviews,  

    In the second paragraph, the answer is found in lines 1-4, “Unlike some politicians, who take no notice of press questions and immediately introduce a different topic in response, job candidates must answer employers’ queries,’ says John Barford of the interview training firm Genesis.. .”

    Here, take no notice = ignore, press questions = questions in interviews,

    So, the answer is: (some) politicians

    Question 23: Interviewees are recommended to follow a certain ___________ to allow them to communicate their main points.

    Keywords for this question: Interviews, recommended, follow, certain, to allow, communicate, main points,  

    In the third paragraph, the answer can be found in lines 1-3, “He advises candidates at job interviews to apply the formula Q = A + 1: Q is the question; A is the answer; + is the bridge to the message you want to deliver; and 1 is the point you want to make.”

    Here, advises candidates = interviewees advises, to follow = apply,

    So, the answer is: formula

    Question 24: Senior executives advise candidates to request information from __________ before an interview.

    Keywords for this question: Senior executives, advise, candidates, request, information, before, interview,

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4, point no. 1, “Diligent preparation is also necessary to effectively answer any interview question, say senior executives. They give a number of useful tips:

    • Learn as much as you can beforehand. Ask company employees questions prior to job interviews to gain as much insight as you can.”

    Here, Ask … . . questions prior to job interviews = request information,

    So, the answer is: (company) employees

    Question 25: A candidate can also learn about a business by studying its ___________.

    Keywords for this question: candidate, can also learn, business, studying,  

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4, point no. 1, “If the company is publicly owned, find out how viable it is by reading shareholder reports. You can then tailor what you say to the company’s issues.”  

    Here, find out how viable it is by reading = learn .. . . by studying,

    So, the answer is: shareholder reports

    Question 26: The head of an interview training firm advises people to avoid telling __________.

    Keywords for this answer: head of an interview, training firm, advises, people, avoid telling,  

    This answer can also be found in paragraph no. 4. Here, the author says in point no. 3, “Count on being asked about a past mistake or blemish on your career record, and don’t try to dodge the issue. Ms Murphy, president of the Murphy Group, a media interview training firm, says that it’s important to steer clear of lies at all costs. Just answer the question and move on.”  

    Here, avoid telling = steer clear of,

    So, the answer is: lies

    Question 27: In his job interview, one executive explained how he had ___________ considerably from a previous failure.

    Keywords for this answer: job interview, one executive, explained, considerably, from, previous failure,  

    This answer can also be found in paragraph no. 4. Here, the author says in point no. 4, “. . When he was being interviewed for his current job, he mentioned he had been involved in many successful turnarounds and one that failed. ’And I said how I’d benefited in many ways from going through that experience,’ he says.”

    Here, one that failed = a previous failure, in many ways = considerably,  

    So, the answer is: benefited/ benefitted 

    Section 3:TALKING POINT

    Questions 28-31 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 28: Most people who speak a second language in New Zealand were born in another country.

    Keywords for this answer: most people,  speak, second language, New Zealand, born, another country,

    The answer to this question is found in lines 4-5 of paragraph no. 1, “This leaves a small number who claim to speak two or more languages – a small percentage of whom were born in New Zealand.”

    Here, a small percentage of whom were born in New Zealand means most of the people who speak two or more languages were born outside New Zealand.

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 29: Most New Zealanders believe it is good to teach children a second language.

    Keywords for this answer: most New Zealanders, believe, good, teach children, second language,  

    The second paragraph gives examples of what people feel about learning and speaking a second language but it gives us NO INFORMATION about most or few New Zealanders’ belief on teaching children a second language.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 30: Chinese is the most common foreign language in New Zealand.

    Keywords for this answer: Chinese, most common, foreign language, New Zealand,  

    The word ‘Chinese’ is mentioned in paragraph no. 3 and 15. However, it is NOT MENTIONED anywhere whether Chinese is the most common foreign language in New Zealand.

    Here, He has always enjoyed being a daredevil showman = he likes to do what appears impossible.

    Daredevil is the person who dares and loves to do tasks in a way that other people may think stupid.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 31: Some languages develop your intelligence more than others.

    Keywords for this answer: some languages, develop, intelligence, more than others,

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 3, in lines 2-5, “Experts believe that bilinguals – people who speak two languages – have a clear learning advantage over their monolingual schoolmates. This depends on how much of each language they can speak, not on which language is used, so it doesn’t matter whether they are learning Maori or German or Chinese or any other language.” 

    Here, the lines suggest that it doesn’t matter if people learn Maori, German or Chinese to develop intelligence; all do the same amount of development in our intelligence. It mainly depends on how much of the languages we can speak. 

    So, the answer is: FALSE

    Questions 32-38 (Matching statements with people)

    [In this kind of question candidates are given some statements based on the text and asked to match them with the correct people. These sorts of questions DO NOT maintain a sequence generally, but sometimes they might. So, candidates need to be alert and must not read everything everywhere. Following KEYWORDS is the best idea here to locate the answers.

    Question 32: Children learning two languages may learn one language faster.

    Keywords for this answer: children learning, two languages,

    The answer can is in paragraph no. 4, in lines 1-3, “Cathie Elder, a professor of Language Teaching and Learning at Auckland University, says: ‘A lot of studies have shown that children who speak more than one language sometimes learn one language more slowly, .. .. . ..” 

    Here, learn one language more slowly = may learn one language faster than the other language,

    So, the answer is: (Cathie Elder)

    Question 33: It has been unexpectedly difficult to raise a bilingual child in New Zealand.

    Keywords for this answer: unexpectedly, difficult to raise, bilingual child, New Zealand,

    The answer to this question is in paragraph no. 7, lines 1-4, “In New Zealand, immigrants face the possibility of culture being lost along with the language their children no longer wish to speak. Tiffany’s mother, Susanne Dvorak, has experienced this. When she and husband Dieter left Germany six years ago to start up a new life in New Zealand, they thought it would be the perfect opportunity to raise their two-year-old as a bilingual. . .. .  ..”

    Here, face the possibility of culture being lost = difficult,

    Also, they thought it would be the perfect opportunity to raise their two-year-old as a bilingual mean that they thought it would be very easy to raise a bilingual child in New Zealand.

    So, the answer is: C (Susanne Dvorak)

    Question 34: Her daughter sometimes speaks a mixture of two languages.

    Keywords for this answer: daughter, sometimes, speaks, mixture, two languages,

    The answer to this question is in paragraph no. 9, lines 1-2, “Today, when Susanne speaks to her daughter in German, she still answers in English. ‘Or sometimes she speaks half and half..”

    Here, speaks half and half = speaks a mixture of two languages

    So, the answer is: C (Susanne Dvorak)

    Question 35: Children’s attitudes to language depend on general social attitudes.

    Keywords for this answer: children’s attitudes, language, depend on, general social attitudes,   

    In paragraph no. 10, in the very first lines, Dr Brigitte Halford says, “Professor Halford, also a mother of two bilingual children, says, ‘It’s normal for kids to refuse to speak their home language at the stage when they start to socialise with other kids in kindergarten or school’. But, she says, this depends a lot on the attitudes of the societies in question.”

    So, the answer is: (Brigitte Halford)

    Question 36: It is not important which language parents speak with their children.

    Keywords for this answer: not important, which language, parents speak, their children,    

    The answer lies in paragraph no. 12, in lines 2-3, “‘ . . .. What parents should do is provide rich language experiences for their children in whatever language they speak well.”

    Here, in whatever language they speak well = not important which language

    So, the answer is: (Cathie Elder)

    Question 37: Learning a second language provides opportunities to learn another culture.

    Keywords for this answer: learning, second language, provides, opportunities, learn, another culture,  

    Take a look at paragraph no. 14, lines 3-4, “. . .. . By learning another language she can open the door to another culture.”

    Here, open the door to another culture = provides opportunities to learn another culture,

    So, the answer is: (Joanne Powell)

    Question 38: Speaking a second language provides work opportunities.

    Keywords for this answer: speaking, second language, provides, work opportunities,  

    The answer lies in paragraph no. 15, in the last lines, where Donna Chan explains how being bilingual helps her, “It’s quite beneficial speaking another language in my job. Last year, my company sent me to a trade fair in Hong Kong because I could speak Chinese. Being bilingual definitely opens doors,’ she says.”  

    Here, Being bilingual definitely opens doors = a second language provides work opportunities,  

    So, the answer is: (Donna Chan)

    Question 39-40 (Choosing TWO options from given list)

    [In this kind of question candidates have to choose two or three answers for each question from five or six options. The answers will not follow any sequential order as they are randomly spread in the text, so this question will be time-consuming. Skimming will come handy and previous reading of the text can come in use. Therefore, other questions should be done first before answering this question.]

    Question 39: Which TWO people stopped speaking one language as a child?

    Keywords for this answer: stopped, speaking, one language, as, child, 

    In paragraph no. 8, lines 2-3, the author says, “. .. . .. But when Tiffany went to nursery school she stopped talking completely. She was quiet for about two or three months.”

    So, the person is Tiffany Dvorak.

    In paragraph no. 15, lines 2-3, the author says, “ .. . .. She also remembers refusing to speak Chinese when she started primary school.”

    So, the person is Donna Chan.

    So, the answer is: (in any order)

    A(Donna Chan)

    C(Tiffany Dvorak)

    Question 40: Which TWO people think that their children’s language may develop as they get older?

    Keywords for this answer: think, their children’s language, may develop, as, get older,   

    In paragraph no. 13, take a look at lines 3-5, “. . .. . she is aware that her daughter has a certain bilingual ability which, although mainly passive at this stage, may develop later on.”

    So, the person is Susanne Dvorak.

    In paragraph no. 14, take a look at lines 1-2, “. . .. ‘At the moment she may not want to speak Maori but that’s okay because she’ll pick it up again in her own time.”

    So, the person is Joanne Powell.

    Here, may develop later on/ she’ll pick it up again in her own time = may develop as they get older,  

    So, the answer is: (in any order)

    B(Susanne Dvorak)

    F(Joanne Powell)

  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE 8 Test A: GT READING ANSWERS

    Section 1: Holiday Plus

    Questions 1-3 (Matching statements with descriptions):

    [In this type of question candidates are asked to match the statements (holiday descriptions marked A, B, C, D etc.) with the given statements as questions. Candidates have to write the correct letter for each answer. Here, having a close look at different numbers and important information will do the trick to find the answers.

    Question 1: This holiday doesn’t cater for young children.

    Keywords for this question: doesn’t cater, young children,

    Take a look at holiday description C and read the ‘Holiday location’ column:

    • ‘Cedar Lodge: a blend of casual sophistication and rich rainforest ambience for those over 25.’

    Here, for those over 25 = doesn’t cater for young children,

    So, the answer is: C

    Question 2: This holiday provides a tour at no extra cost.

    Keywords for this question: tour at no extra cost,   

    Take a look at holiday description B and read the ‘Comments’ column:

    • ‘Pelican Resort: free minibus trip around island’

    Here, free = at no extra cost, trip = tour,

    So, the answer is: B               

    Question 3: This holiday involves most travel time from the airport. 

    Keywords for this question: most travel time, from the airport,    

    Take a look at advertisement A and read the ‘Transport to/ from airport’ column:

    • ‘Mountain Lodge: self-drive auto 1 hour 15 minutes or bus three times/week approx. 2 hours.’

    Here, compared to holiday descriptions B and C, this holiday has most travel time (1 hour 15 minutes/ approx. 2 hours).

    So, the answer is: A  

    Questions 4-6 [Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS)

    [In this kind of question candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords which will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

    Question 4: When will one of the holiday locations not be open?

    Keywords for this question: when, not be open,   

    Take a look at holiday description B of Pelican Resort and read the ‘Comments’ column:

    • ‘refurbishment: resort will close for May.’

    Here, close = not be open,

    So, the answer is: (for/in) May                     

    Question 5: Which two outdoor activities are provided at no extra cost at Mountain Lodge?

    Keywords for this question: two outdoor activities, no extra cost, Mountain Lodge,  

    Take a look at holiday description A of Mountain Lodge and read the ‘Comments’ column:

    • free canoeing
    • free talks in the evening
    • free open-air tennis courts

    Here, free canoeing and free open-air tennis courts are the two outdoor activities.

    Note: We know canoeing means boat-ride and this must be done outdoors. Moreover, open-air tennis means this is another outdoor activity.

    Here, open-air = outdoor, 

    So, the answer is: (in any order; both required for one mark)

    canoeing,

    tennis,            

    Question 6: What is the fastest way to travel to Mountain Lodge? 

    Keywords for this question:  fastest way, travel, Mountain Lodge,    

    Take a look at holiday description A of Mountain Lodge and read the ‘Transport to/ from airport’ column:

    • self-drive auto 1 hour 15 minutes or bus three times/week approx. 2 hours.’

    This means self-drive by automobiles takes 45 minutes less than the bus drives.

    So, the answer is: (by) (self-drive) auto(mobile)

    Question 7-14: 

    SYDNEY TRAVEL COLLEGE

    Questions 7-14 (Classifying statements)

    [This type of question asks candidates to classify information from the given reading text. Candidates are given some statements from the text, and a list of options, which are listed as A, B, C etc. They must match the correct statements with the correct options.

    N.B.: This question doesn’t follow any sequence. So, they should be answered after all other questions in the passage.]

    Question 7: A student travelling overseas suddenly needs hospital treatment.   

    Keywords for this question: travelling overseas, suddenly needs, hospital treatment,  

    In the section entitled ‘1. Medical’, take a look at the very first lines of paragraph no. 1, “Australia has reciprocal medical arrangements with the governments of the eight nations you will be visiting. This arrangement will cover all emergency hospital treatment.”

    Here, emergency hospital treatment = suddenly needs hospital treatment,

    So, the answer is: (covered by government arrangements)

    Question 8: A student consults a doctor regarding a minor problem while abroad.

    Keywords for this question: consults, a doctor, minor problem, while abroad,

    In the section entitled ‘1. Medical’, take a look at lines 3-4, “ . .. . However, students will have to take out insurance such as Multiplan to cover the costs of all visits to doctors, and other non-emergency medical situations.”

    Here, non-emergency medical situations = minor problem,

    So, the answer is: (covered by the Multiplan policy)

    Question 9: A parent goes overseas to bring an injured or sick student to Australia.

    Keywords for this question: parent goes overseas, bring, injured, sick student, to Australia,  

    In the section entitled ‘1. Medical’, take a look at first three lines of paragraph no. 2, “If you have a serious accident or illness, Multiplan insurance will cover the cost of your flight back to Australia, if required. Depending on the circumstances, this may also pay for either medical personnel or a family member to accompany you home.

    Here, ‘depending on the circumstances’ and ‘may’ = in some situations, family members = parent,

    So, the answer is: (covered in some situations)

    Question 10: A student is treated overseas for an illness he/she had before leaving Australia.

    Keywords for this questiontreated overseas, illness, had before, leaving Australia,   

    In the section entitled ‘1. Medical’, take a close look at first three lines of paragraph no. 3, “If you do require medical treatment overseas, and you want to make a claim on your insurance, the claim will not be accepted unless you produce both your student card and your travel insurance card.”

    This means if a student requires any medical treatment overseas and claims the service under medical insurance, it will be given if he/she can provide his/her student card and travel insurance card. So, this is not applicable in all situations, rather this is applicable in some situations.

    So, the answer is: (covered in some situations)

    Question 11: A student who requires medical treatment has lost his/her travel insurance card.

    Keywords for this question: requires, medical treatment, lost, travel insurance card,  

    In the section entitled ‘2. Belongings’, read carefully from here, “This covers any loss or theft of your everyday belongings. For example, this insurance covers:
    •  the present value of items that are stolen, provided that you  have purchase receipts for every item; if no receipts, no payment can be made
    •  replacement value of your briefcase or backpack and study books
    •  portable computers and CD players, if you specifically list them as items in the policy.”

    We cannot find ‘travel insurance card’ in this coverage.

    So, the answer is: (not covered by the Multiplan policy)

    Question 12: A student’s study books are lost.

    Keywords for this questionstudent’s study, books, lost,

    Again, in the section entitled ‘2. Belongings’, read carefully here, “This covers any loss or theft of your everyday belongings. For example, this insurance covers:
    •  the present value of items that are stolen, provided that you  have purchase receipts for every item; if no receipts, no payment can be made
    •  replacement value of your briefcase or backpack and study books
    •  portable computers and CD players, if you specifically list them as items in the policy.”

    So the answer is: (covered by the Multiplan policy)

    Question 13: A student’s laptop is stolen.

    Keywords for this question: student’s laptop, stolen,

    One more time, in the section entitled ‘2. Belongings’, read carefully here, “This covers any loss or theft of your everyday belongings. For example, this insurance covers:
    •  the present value of items that are stolen, provided that you  have purchase receipts for every item; if no receipts, no payment can be made
    •  replacement value of your briefcase or backpack and study books
    •  portable computers and CD players, if you specifically list them as items in the policy.”

    So, portable computers or laptops can also be claimed, but this has to be listed specifically as items in the policy.

    So the answer is: (covered in some situations)

    Question 14: A student changes his/her mind about plans to study and decides not to take the booked flight. 

    Keywords for this question: student changes, mind, about plans, study, decides, not to take, booked flight,  

    In the section entitled ‘3. Cancellation’, take a close look at these lines, “This insurance covers any non-refundable deposit and other costs you have paid if you have to cancel due to ‘unforeseen or unforeseeable circumstances outside your control’. It does not provide cover if you change your study or travel plans for other reasons.”

    This means if a student changes his/her mind about plans to study, the Multiplan policy does not cover it.

    So the answer is: C (not covered by the Multiplan policy)

    Section 2: Kenichi Software: security guidelines for staff

    Questions 15-20: (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: If you see anything suspicious, you should report it to a ________ employee.  

    Keywords for this question:suspicious, report it to, employee,

    Take a close look at the last lines of the first section in the passage entitled ‘General’, “It is in everyone’s interest to maintain a high level of security in the workplace. You should immediately challenge any person who appears to be on the premises without proper authorisation, or inform a senior member of staff about any odd or unusual activity.”

    Here, inform = report, member of staff = employee,

    So, the answer is: senior

    Question 16: If the company wants to stop you and __________ you, you have to agree to it.   

    Keywords for this question:company wants, stop you, have to agree,   

    The answer is in the second section of the passage entitled ‘Company Property’, where lines 1-6 says, “You are advised that it is within the company’s legal rights to detain any person on the grounds that they may be involved in the unauthorised removal of company property. The company reserves the right to search staff members leaving or entering the premises”

    Here, detain = stop, the company reserves the right = you have to agree (as you are an employee), detain = stop,

    So, the answer is: (to) search

    Question 17: If you take things belonging to the company without permission, you will face _________ .

    Keywords for this question:take things, belonging to, company, without permission, will face,  

    As our main keyword is without permission, we should look at the second paragraph of section no. 2 entitled ‘Company Property’. Here, this is written in lines 4-7, “Any member found removing company property from the building without proper authority will be subject to disciplinary action.”

    Here, without proper authority = without permission,

    So, the answer is: disciplinary action  

    Question 18: Staff, ______________ and visitors must all wear a badge on company premises.

    Keywords for this question:Staff, visitors, must, wear, badge, on company premises,  

    The answer remains in section no. 3 entitled ‘Identity Badges’, where the writer mentions in lines 5-7, “Badges are issued by Human Resources, and contractors and people visiting the company on a one-off basis are also obliged to wear them.”

    Here, people visiting the company = visitors,

    So, the answer is: contractors  

    Question 19: You must not pass on confidential information to__________ .

    Keywords for this question:must not pass on, confidential information,     

    The answer to this question can be traced in section no. 4 entitled ‘Confidential Matters’. Here, the writer says in lines 8-11, “It is, therefore, essential that you should at all times be aware of the serious view the company would take of disclosure of such material to outsiders.”

    Here, should at all times be aware of the serious view the company would take of disclosure of such material = must not pass on confidential information,

    So, the answer is: outsiders  

    Question 20: If you leave the company, you have to hand in any ___________ you have made on matters concerning the company.

    Keywords for this question:if, leave the company, have to hand in, you have made, on matters, concerning, company,     

    The answer to this question can be traced in section no. 4 entitled ‘Confidential Matters’. Here, the writer says in lines 17-21, “Before you leave the company, you must hand over to your manager all private notes relevant to the company’s business, activities, prices, accounts, costs etc.”

    Here, must hand over = have to hand in,

    So, the answer is: (private) notes  

    Question 21-27: 

    Is Everyone Entitled To Paid Holidays?

    Questions 21-27: [Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS)

    [In this kind of question candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords that will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

    Question 21: In what year were the regulations extended to cover most of the workers who were originally excluded?

    Keywords for this question:year, regulations, extended, cover, most, workers, originally, excluded,      

    In lines 3-6 of the first paragraph the writer says, “Since the regulations were amended, with effect from 1 August 2003, the majority of these workers have been entitled to paid holidays, and since 1 August 2004, the regulations have also applied to junior doctors..”

    Here, amended, with effect from = regulations extended,

    So, the answer is: (in) 2003  

    Question 22: What is the minimum annual paid holiday which workers are entitled to?

    Keywords for this question:pay increases, depend, each member of staff makes, 

    Take a look at the second paragraph where the writer mentions holiday lengths, “Workers who qualify are entitled to no fewer than four weeks of paid holiday a year, and public holidays (normally eight days in England and Wales) count towards this. However, workers and employers can agree longer holidays.”

    Here, no fewer than = minimum, a year = annual,

    So, the answer is: 4 weeks (a year)

    Question 23: During a worker’s first year of employment, what proportion of their annual holiday does a month’s work give?

    Keywords for this question:Employees must work, minimum, to be eligible, pension,

    As the word ‘proportion’ means a fraction, let’s take a look at paragraph no. 3. Here, in lines 2 and 3, the writer says, “For the first year of work, special accrual rules apply. For each month of employment, workers are entitled to one-twelfth of the annual holiday.”

    So, the answer is: one-twelfth (of annual holidays)

    Question 24: What can an employer give a worker to stop them taking holiday that they have requested?

    Keywords for this question:Staff may take, holiday at, provided by, the company, 

    Let’s go to paragraph no. 4. Here, the author mentions in lines 3-5, “If your employer does not want you to take that holiday, they can give you counter-notice equal to the holiday -.”

    So, the answer is: (equal) counter-notice

    Question 25: What is given as a possible reason for an employee having to take a holiday at a certain time?

    Keywords for this question:company, pay, half the seat price, plays,  

    The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5, as the writer states here, “If the employer wants you to take holiday at a given time, e.g. when there is a shutdown at the same time every year,’ they must give you notice of at least twice the length of the holiday.”

    So, the answer is: (the) (annual) shutdown/ (a) shutdown

    Question 26: When an employee leaves their job, what should be given in place of any holiday they have not taken?

    Keywords for this answer: company, gives, financial assistance, both, educational, courses, part of staff development,  

    In the 6th paragraph, the author of this text says in lines 3-5, “However, when you leave the job, you are entitled to receive payment for any outstanding holiday, provided your contract specifically allows for this.”

    Here, entitled to receive = should be given,

    So, the answer is: (a) (holiday) payment/outstanding holiday payment

    Question 27: Apart from a contract, what type of document may set out an employee’s holiday rights?

    Keywords for this answer: Employees, entitled to, find themselves, difficult circumstances,   

    In the last paragraph, the writer says in lines 1-2, “It may be that your contract gives you better rights, or your holiday rights might be specified in a collective agreement.”

    Here, apart from = or, may set out = might be specified,

    So, the answer is: (a) collective agreement

    Section 3 :Snake Oil 

    Question 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.]

    Question 28: Section C   

    Section C, the shortest section of the whole text, gives us a detailed description of how people in the past used Echinacea. Here, the writer says, “Native to North America, the roots of Echinacea, or purple coneflower, had been used by the Plains Indians for all kinds of ailments long before Meyer came along. They applied poultices of it to wounds and stings, used it for teeth and gum disease and made a tea from it to treat everything from colds and measles to arthritis. They even used it for snakebite.”

    Have a close look at the use of ‘main/principal verbs in the sentences that are all in past form (V2).

    So, the answer is: (Earlier applications of Echinacea)

    Question 29: Section D

    The answer is found at the beginning of section D where the writer says, “Settlers quickly picked up on the plant’s usefulness but until Meyer (Dr H.C.F. Meyer) sent samples of his ‘blood purifier’ to John Lloyd, a pharmacist, it remained a folk remedy. Initially dismissing Meyer’s claims as nonsense, Lloyd was eventually converted after a colleague, John King, tested the herb and successfully used it to treat bee stings and nasal congestion.”

    This description indicates that the research into the usefulness/effectiveness of Echinacea began with Dr Meyer sending samples of the plant to John Lloyd.

    So, the answer is: vii (Early research into the effectiveness of Echinacea)

    Question 30: Section E

    In section E, we find the information about using Echinacea in a new location which is Europe. We came to know from the previous sections that Echinacea was mainly used in America. Now, in this section E, take a look at these lines,

    “It was a different story in Europe, where both French and German herbalists and homeopaths continued to make extensive use of it.” (Section E, lines 2-4)
    It had been introduced there by Gerhard Madaus, who travelled from Germany to America in 1937, returning with seed to establish commercial plots of Echinacea.” (Section E, lines 5-6)

    So, the answer is: ix (The use of Echinacea in new locations)

    Question 31: Section F

    We can find the answer at the beginning of section F where the writer gives a detailed description of how Echinacea is used to cure modern-day wounds and other ailments, “There is no evidence that Echinacea is effective against snakebite, but Dr. Meyer – who genuinely believed in Echinacea  – would probably be quite amused if he could come back and see the uses to which modern science has put ‘his’ herb. He might not be surprised that science has confirmed Echinacea’s role as a treatment for wounds, or that it has been found to be helpful in relieving arthritis, both claims Meyer made for the herb.”

    So, the answer is: (Modern evidence of the effectiveness of Echinacea)

    Question 32: Section G 

    Section G talks about how Echinacea is grown. Take a look at these lines, “Echinacea is a dry prairie plant, drought-resistant and pretty tolerant of most soils, although it does best in good soil with plenty of sun. Plants are usually grown from seed but they are sometimes available from nurseries.”

    So, the answer is: iii (Growing Echinacea)

    Question 33: Section H

    In section H there is a detailed description of the use of different parts of Echinacea.

    Here, in lines 2-5, the writer says, “.. .. . . All have similar medicinal properties. Most European studies have used liquid concentrates extracted from the tops of plants, whereas extraction in the USA has usually been from the rootsToday most manufacturers blend both, sometimes adding flowers and seeds to improve the quality.”

    This means the roots, top of the plants, flowers and seeds, all can be used to produce medicine from the Echinacea plant.

    Then, in the next paragraph, the author describes how to use the plant, “. .. . Dig them up in autumn after the tops have died back after the first frost. Wash and dry them carefully and store them in glass containers. You can harvest the tops throughout the summer and even eat small amounts of leaf straight from the plant.”

    So, the answer is: iv (How to use the Echinacea plant)

    Questions 34-40 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 – 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 34: ‘Snake oil’ sellers believed their product was effective.

    Keywords for this answer: snake oil sellers, believed, product, effective,   

    The answer can be traced in Section A paragraph no. 2, “Selling ‘snake oil’ was almost as risky a business as cattle stealing; you might be run out of town if your particular medicine, as you realised it would, failed to live up to its claims. Consequently, the smarter – ‘snake oil’ sellers left town before their customers had much chance to evaluate the ‘cure’ they had just bought.”

    Here, failed to live up to its claims = was not effective,

    Therefore, we can find out later in the text that snake oil sellers left town just after selling their product to their customers because they knew that their products were not effective. 

    So, the answer is: FALSE

    Question 35: Most people in the Wild West mistrusted ‘snake oil’.

    Keywords for this answer: most people, Wild West, mistrusted, snake oil,

    We found the answer to question no. 34 in Section A paragraph no. 2.

    As this type of question follows a sequence, we need to look for the keywords in section B. Going through section B and C quickly, we can learn that there is no information regarding most people trusted or mistrusted ‘snake oil’ or not.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 36: Some ‘snake oils’ were mostly water.

    Keywords for this answer: some, mostly, water,   

    The answer is in the first lines of paragraph no. 1 in Section B. Here, the author says, “The remarkable thing about many of the medicines dismissed then as ‘snake oil’ is not so much that they failed to live up to the outrageous claims made for them – those that weren’t harmless coloured water could be positively dangerous.”

    So, it can be gathered from these lines, snake oil, though dismissed as an effective medicine, had some types and many of the types had harmless coloured water in them.

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 37: All ‘snake oils’ contained Echinacea.

    Keywords for this answer: All, contained, Echinacea,  

    To find answer to this question, we should have a look at the end of paragraph no. 1 and at the beginning of paragraph no. 2 of section B. The author says, “What’s remarkable is that so many of the claims made for some of these remedies, or at least their ingredients, most of them, plant-based, have since been found to have at least some basis in fact.

    One, Echinacea, eventually turned out to be far more potent than even its original promoter claimed.”

    Here, most of them, plant-based and One, Echinacea mean that some of the ‘snake oils’ contained Echinacea, not all of them.

    So, the answer is: FALSE

    Question 38: Echinacea has been proven to kill microbes.

    Keywords for this answer: proven, kill microbes,  

    The answer lies in Section F paragraph no. 2 lines 1-4, “He might though be surprised to learn how Echinacea is proving to be an effective weapon against all sorts of disease, particularly infections. German researchers had used it successfully to treat a range of infections and found it to be effective against bacteria and protozoa2.”

    • protozoa = a type of micro-organism/ microbe.

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 39: The highest quality Echinacea is grown in America.

    Keywords for this answer: highest quality, grown, America,  

    The passage talks about the use of Echinacea both in America and Europe. However, there is no information regarding highest quality growth comparison here.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 40: More than one part of the Echinacea plant has a medicinal use.

    Keywords for this answer: More than one part, plant, has, medicinal use,  

    Section H paragraph no. 1 gives us answer to this question. Take a look at lines 2-5, “Most European studies have used liquid concentrates extracted from the tops of plants, whereas extraction in the USA has usually been from the roots. Today most manufacturers blend both, sometimes adding flowers and seeds to improve the quality.”  

    These lines confirm that all the parts of Echinacea, the tops of plants, the roots, flowers, and seeds, have medicinal use.

    So, the answer is: TRUE


  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE 6 Test B: GT READING ANSWERS

    Section 1: THE EMPLOYMENT PAGES Saturday Edition   

    Questions 1-2: Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS)

    [In this kind of questions candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords that will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

    Question 1: On which TWO days does the newspaper advertise jobs for teachers? 

    Keywords for this question: TWO days, advertise, jobs for teachers,      

    First, take a look at Category B and C in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. They say,

    “B. Higher Education (Academic Staff)

    1. Primary and Secondary Schools (Academic Staff)”

    Then, in the ‘Monday-Friday Job Highlights’ section, it says,

    “Tuesday:       Education

                            Local Government

    Here, the words ‘education’, ‘Higher Education’, ‘Academic Staff’, ‘Primary and Secondary Schools’, all indicate to jobs for teachers.

    So, the answers are: Saturday (and) Tuesday (in either order)

    Question 2: On which TWO days does the newspaper advertise jobs for nurses?

    Keywords for this question: TWO days, advertise, jobs for nurses,

    Again, take a look at Category D in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “D. Hospitals and Medical (Medical staff)”

    Then, in the ‘Monday-Friday Job Highlights’ section, it says,

    Thursday:     Hospital and Medical

                            Government Health Vacancies (New South Wales)”           

    Here, the words ‘Hospitals’, ‘Medical’, ‘Medical Staff’, ‘Government Health Vacanices’, all indicate to jobs for nurses.

    So, the answer is: Saturday (and) Thursday (in either order)

    Questions 3-8: Identifying information

    [This question asks you to find information from the text and write the number of the paragraph/ categories (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 3: you are looking for a job as a university lecturer?

    Keywords for this question: university lecturer,  

    Have a look at Category B in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “B. Higher Education (Academic Staff)”

    Here, Higher Education (Academic Staff) = university lecturer,

    So, the answer is: B               

    Question 4: you want to start your own business?

    Keywords for this question: start, own business,    

    Have a look at Category H in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “H. Self-employment Opportunities”

    Here, self-employment = own business,

    So, the answer is: H               

    Question 5: you want a permanent job in a hotel?

    Keywords for this question: permanent job, hotel,    

    Have a look at Category G in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “G. Hospitality and Kitchen Staff”

    Here, Hospitality and Kitchen Staff = permanent job in a hotel,

    So, the answer is: G

    Question 6: you are looking for a job in public administration? 

    Keywords for this question: public administration,   

    Take a close look at Category A in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “A. Government Positions (New South Wales)”

    Here, Government Positions = public administration,

    So, the answer is: A

    Question 7: you are looking for agricultural work in the country?   

    Keywords for this question: agricultural work, country,   

    Take a close look at Category I in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “I. Rural Posts (incl. farm work)”

    Here, farm work = agricultural work,

    So, the answer is: I

    Question 8: you are looking for temporary work?

    Keywords for this question: temporary work,   

    Take a look at Category J in the ‘Saturday Job Guide’ section. It says,

    “J. Casual work available”

    Here, casual work = temporary work,

    So, the answer is: J

    STANFIELD THEATRE 

    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 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 9: It is possible to book tickets for performances using the Internet.

    Keywords for this question: possible, book tickets, using the Internet,    

    In the ‘BOOKING’ section, there are 4 ways to book seats for performances. Take a look at the fourth way:

     – on-line

    Complete the on-line booking form at www.stanfieldtheatre.com.”

    Here, online = the internet,

    So, it is possible to book tickets for the performances using the internet.

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 10: 60-year-olds who want to book in advance have to prove their age to get a discount.

    Keywords for this question: 60-year-olds, want to book in advance, have to prove, age, discount,

    We can find the mention of ‘over 60s’ in the ‘DISCOUNTS’ section in the ‘Saver’ category in line no. 3, “ .. .. Savers are available for children up to 16 years old, over 60s and full-time students.”

    However, there is no information regarding ‘proving their age’. 

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 11: Someone accompanying a wheelchair user to a performance receives a discount.

    Keywords for this question: accompanying, wheelchair user, receives, discount,    

    The information can be matched in the ‘DISCOUNTS’ section in the ‘Supersaver’ category. The first line says, “half-price seats are available for people with disabilities and one companion. It is advisable to book in advance. There is a maximum of eight wheelchair spaces available .. . .. . .”

    Here, people with disabilities and one companion = someone accompanying a wheelchair user, half-price seats = discount,

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 12: Students can get Standby tickets 45 minutes before a performance begins.

    Keywords for this question: get, Standby tickets, 45 minutes before, performance begins,     

    The information can be matched in the ‘DISCOUNTS’ section in the ‘Standby’ category. We come to know from the ‘Saver’ category that students are eligible.

    Then, here in the ‘Standby’ category, the information says, “best available seats are on sale for £6 from one hour before the performance for people eligible for Saver and Supersaver discounts . .. . .”

    Here, one hour before = 45 minutes before the performance,

    So the answer is: TRUE

    Question 13: A group of ten adults going to a performance can claim a discount.   

    Keywords for this question: group of ten adults, claim, discount,  

    Take a look at the ‘Group Bookings’ category in the ‘DISCOUNTS’. It says, “ there is a ten per cent discount for parties of twelve or more.”

    Here, twelve or more = more than ten adults,

    So the answer is: FALSE

    Question 14: Theatre-goers who are unexpectedly unable to attend a performance can get their money back.

    Keywords for this question: theatre-goers, unexpectedly unable to attend, get, money back,   

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

    “Please note: we are unable to exchange tickets or refund money unless a performance is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.”

    Here, we are unable to exchange tickets or refund money = theatre-goers can’t get their money back if they are unable to attend,

    So the answer is: FALSE

    Section 2: SELF-STUDY TIPS  

    Questions 15-21: 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 15: Section B

    In section B, lines 3-6 say, “ .. . .and make sure that you tackle the most significant tasks first, leaving the easier or less urgent areas of your work until later.”

    Here, tackle the most significant tasks first =  prioritise your work, 

    So, the answer is: xi (Prioritise your work)

    Question 16: Section C  

    In section C, lines 1-7 says, “ . .. . make sure that you have an area or space for studying. Don’t do it just anywhere. If you always study in the same place, preferably a room of your own, you will find it easier to adjust mentally to the activity when you enter that area. .. . . . ”

    Here, make sure that you have an area or space for studying = create a working place,

    The following lines support the idea.

    So, the answer is: iv (Create a working place)

    Question 17: Section D   

    Take a look at the first few lines of section D, “Make sure that all the physical equipment that you use, such as a desk, chair etc. is at a good height for you. .. .. .”

    Here, desk, chair etc. is at a good height for you = sit comfortably,

    So, the answer is: (Sit comfortably)

    Question 18: Section E 

    In section E, the first lines say, “If you are doing a long essay or research paper which involves the use of library books or other articles, it helps to keep details of the titles and authors on small cards in a card box. It is also a good idea to log these alphabetically so that you can find them easily – . .. . .”

    Here, keep details of the titles and authors on small cards in a card box = catalogue references,

    So, the answer is: ix (Catalogue references)

    Question 19: Section F

    In section F, take a look at lines 2-4, “. .. .. . If you find a useful article in the library, it is best to make a copy of the relevant pages before you leave. .. .. . .”

    Here, make a copy of the relevant pages = Photocopy important material,

    So, the answer is: viii (Photocopy important material)

    Question 20: Section G

    Take a close look at lines 3-6 in section G, “ . .. it may be that you actually need to take your mind right off it for a period of time. ‘Airing the mind’ can work wonders sometimes. . .. ..”

    Here, need to take your mind right off = take a break,

    So, the answer is: ii (Take a break)

    Question 21: Section H

    In section H, the answer is found in lines in the first lines, “Similarly, it may help to discuss a topic with other people, especially if you feel that you have insufficient ideas, or too many disorganised ideas. . ..”

    Here, discuss a topic with other people = talk about your work,

    So, the answer is: vii (Talk about your work)

    STUDY CENTRE COURSES

    Questions 22-27: 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 22: This course would be useful for dealing with letters of complaint.

    Keywords for this question: letters with complaint,   

    The course category K entitled ‘The Customer is Always Right’ says, “An interesting angle – how do you reply to letters from customers? What tone is best and when? How do you achieve results?”

    Here, letters from customers = letters of complaint,

     So, the answer is: K

    Question 23: This course will help you use the libraries.

    Keywords for this question:use, libraries,  

    The course category C entitled ‘Source Material’ says, “How do you gather information for a project or paper? A practical course which looks at sources of information and how to use cataloguing systems.”

    Here, sources of information & use cataloguing systems = use the libraries,

    So, the answer is: C

    Question 24: This course will improve your performance at interviews.  

    Keywords for this question: improve, performance, interviews,   

    The course category I entitled ‘The Job for Me’ says, “Written and oral course with simulation exercises using authentic newspaper advertisements.”

    Here, Written and oral course indicates to interviews,

    So, the answer is: I

    Question 25: This course will help you with acknowledging your sources.

    Keywords for this question: acknowledging, sources,

    The course category H entitled ‘Quote Me if You Must’ says, “The do’s and don’ts of using source material. How to incorporate it into your own work in an acceptable way. How not to plagiarise other people’s articles, books etc.”

    Here, do’s and don’ts of using source material & How not to plagiarise = acknowledging your sources,

    So, the answer is: H  

    Question 26: This course will help you improve your reading skills. 

    Keywords for this question: improve, reading skills, 

    The course category G entitled ‘Caught for Speeding’ says, “ .. . .. .Simple eye exercises to help you skim and scan. How to be selective on the page. Using headings, topic sentences and paragraphs for easy access.”

    Here, skim and scan = reading skills,

    So, the answer is: 

    Question 27: This course will help you improve your grammar.  

    Keywords for this question: improve, grammar,  

    The course category L entitled ‘Tense about Tenses’ says, “For those who worry about their individual words – a look at tenses and other aspects of the language through poetry and song. .. .. .”

    Here, tenses and other aspects of the language = grammar,

    So, the answer is: 

    Section 3:PTEROSAURS   

    Questions 28-34: 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: similarities between pterosaurs and mechanical flight

    Keywords for this question: similarities, pterosaurs, mechanical flight,

    Have a close look at the last half of section J where the writer talks about the similarities between pterosaurs and flights by sailplanes (mechanical flights), “ . .. . . During the flight, sailplane pilots routinely search for places where heat rises from the sun-baked earth, creating hot air currents called thermals. Undoubtedly, Quetzalcoatlus would have used thermals as well, . .. . .”

    Here, as well = also,  

    So, the answer is: J

    Question 29: the identification of the type of creature a pterosaur actually was

    Keywords for this question: identification, type of creature, pterosaur, actually was,   

    In section D, have a close look at lines 4-9, “ . . . .. . It was not until 1791 that the great French anatomist Georges Cuvier deduced that the animal was, in fact, a flying reptile, whose fourth finger supported a wing. He named the fossil Pterodactylus, combining the Greek words for wing and finger. . .. .. .”

    Here, a flying reptile = the type of creature,  

    So, the answer is: D

    Question 30: conflicting theories about how pterosaurs came to fly

    Keywords for this question: conflicting theory, how, pterosaurs, came to fly,   

    In paragraph F, we find the mention of two conflicting theories about how pterosaurs learnt to fly. The first half of the section discusses what most researchers believed while the last half of the section discusses another theory. Also, take a look at this line in the very beginning of the section, “But how pterosaurs learnt to fly remains a matter for disagreement.” And this line from the middle of the section, “ . .. . Meanwhile, the competing argument holds that  . . .. “

    Here, a matter for disagreement & the competing argument indicates to conflicting theories.

    So, the answer is: F

    Question 31: the cause of the widespread destruction of animal life on our planet

    Keywords for this question: cause, widespread destruction, animal life, our planet,   

    Section K describes the massive and destructive calamity hat hit the earth t wipe out different species forever, “ .. . . At the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years agoa meteorite or comet slammed into the Earth. That calamity – and other events – wiped out roughly three-quarters of all species, including all pterosaurs and dinosaurs.  . .. ..”

    Here, wiped out = destroyed,

    So, the answer is: K

    Question 32: the fact that pterosaurs once existed all over the world

    Keywords for this question: fact, pterosaurs, once existed, all over the world,   

    Section A explains the time when Pterosaurs existed all over the world, “ . … Pterosaurs stand out as one of nature’s great success stories. They first appeared during the Triassic period, 215 million years ago, and thrived for 150 million years before becoming extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. Uncontested in the air, pterosaurs colonised all continents and evolved into a vast array of shapes and sizes.”

    Here, colonised all continents = existed all over the world,

    So, the answer is: A

    Question 33: the first clear proof that pterosaurs could fly

    Keywords for this question: first, clear proof, pterosaurs, could fly,   

    In section E, take a close look at lines 3-8, “ . . .. Unlike earlier fossils, this new find near the Bavarian town of Solnhofen contained delicate wing impressions, establishing definitely that the extinct reptile was capable of flight.”

    Here, establishing definitely = first clear proof, capable of flight = could fly,

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 34: concrete evidence that pterosaurs hunted their food from the air

    Keywords for this question: concrete evidence, pterosaurs, hunted, food, from the air,   

    The answer is in section G in the last half where the author says, “ .. . .. but there is evidence that they were skilful fliers, capable of catching fish over open waterProof of this has been found in the fossil of a Eudimorphodon, a 215-million-year-old pterosaur found near Bergamo, Italy. Under a microscope, several fish scales can be seen in the abdomen of the specimen -the remains of the pterosaur’s last meal.”

    Here, over open water = from the air,

    So, the answer is: G

    Questions 35-38: Matching statements with list of people

    [In this type of question, candidates need to relate statements which 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 35: He refers to the difficulty of determining how pterosaurs evolved without further evidence.

    Keywords for this question: difficulty, determining, how pterosaurs evolved, without, further evidence,     

    Take a look at the first few lines of section G, “‘It’s very difficult to say how pterosaurs changed over time because the earliest fossils we have are of pterosaurs whose fourth finger has already transformed into a wing,’ says Fabio Dalla Vecchia, an Italian researcher. . .. .”

    Here, how pterosaurs changed = how pterosaurs evolved, because the earliest fossils we have are of pterosaurs whose fourth finger has already transformed into a wing = further evidence needed,

    So, the answer is: (Fabio dalla Vecchia)

    Question 36: He failed to interpret the evidence before him.

    Keywords for this question: failed to interpret, evidence, before him,     

    The answer lies at the beginning of section D, “Cosimo Alessandro Collini, the first natural historian to study the fossil and describe it, was unable to classify it. .. . .”

    Here, was unable to classify = failed to interpret,

    So, the answer is: (Cosimo Alessandro Collini)

    Question 37: He gave an appropriate name to the first pterosaur that was discovered.

    Keywords for this question: gave, an appropriate name, first pterosaur. .. .discovered,     

    Take a look at section D in lines 4-10, “. . .. It was not until 1791 that the great French anatomist Georges Cuvier deduced that the animal was, in fact, a flying reptile, whose fourth finger supported a wing. He named the fossil Pterodactylus, combining the Greek words for wing and finger. …”

    Here, He named the fossil Pterodactylus = he gave an appropriate name to the first pterosaur that was discovered,

    So, the answer is: (Georges Cuvier)

    Question 38: He mentions the ability of pterosaurs to take advantage of their environment.

    Keywords for this question: mentions, ability of pterosaurs, take advantage, environment,    

    In section I the writer says in lines 2-6, “ . .. .. ‘Unlike smaller pterosaurs, it could use natural currents to stay in the air without having to move its wings continuously,’ said Paul MacCready, an aeronautical engineer. ,. .. . .”

    Here, it could use natural currents = take advantage of their environment,

    So, the answer is: (Paul MacCready)

    Questions 39 and 40: Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER:

    [In this type of question, candidates are asked to write a maximum of three words and/or a number 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 39: So far, evidence of a total of ____________ pterosaurs has been discovered. 

    Keywords for this question: so far, evidence, total of, pterosaurs, discovered,  

    In Section E, the writer states in the middle, “ . . Even though over a thousand pterosaur specimens are known today, .”

    Here, specimens = evidence, today = so far, known = discovered,

    So, the answer is: (over) a thousand

    Question 40: The wings of Quetzalcoatlus measured more than ____________ across. 

    Keywords for this question: wings of Quetzalcoatlus, measured, more than, across,

    In paragraph H we find the description of wings of Quetzalcoatlus in the last few lines, “ . .. . This pterosaur had wings over 11 metres wide, making it the largest flying animal ever known.”

    Here, over = more than, wide = across,   

    So, the answer is: 11 metres/meters

  • IELTS CAMBRIDGE 6 Test A: GT READING ANSWERS

    Section 1: CAUSTON HEALTH CENTRE: PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

    Questions 1-4: 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: what to do if you need help outside normal working hours   

    Keywords for this question: need help, outside, normal, working hours,   

    In the ‘Weekends and Nights’ section, the writer says in line no. 2, “Please remember this is in addition to our normal working day. Urgent calls only please.”

    Here, in addition to = outside, normal working day = normal working hours,

    So, the answer is: B

    Question 2: who to speak to first for general information,

    Keywords for this question: speak to first, general information,     

    In the ‘Receptionists’ section, the writer says, “Our receptionists provide your primary point of contact-they are all very experienced and have a lot of basic information at their fingertips. They will be able to answer many of your initial queries and also act as a link with the rest of the team. .. .. .”

    Here, primary point of contact = speak to first, initial queries = general information,

    So, the answer is: F                

    Question 3: what happens when you register with the Centre

    Keywords for this question: what happens, register with, the Centre,      

    In the ‘New Patients’ section, the author mentions, “Within 3 months of registering with the Centre, new patients on regular medication are invited to attend a health check with their doctor.”

    Here, Within 3 months of registering with the Centre = when you register with the Centre,

    So, the answer is: D  

    Question 4: what to do if you need to cancel a doctor’s appointment 

    Keywords for this question: need to cancel, doctor’s appointment,     

    In the ‘Appointments’ section, in lines 3-4, the author says, “ . . . if you cannot keep an appointment, please phone in and let us know as soon as possible so that it can be used for someone else. .. .. ”

    Here, cannot keep an appointment = need to cancel a doctor’s appointment,

    So, the answer is: A               

    Questions 5-9: 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 5: You must always see the same doctor if you visit the centre.

    Keywords for this question: must always see, same doctor, if, visit, the centre,    

    In the ‘Appointments’ section, the writer says in the beginning, “. . .. . We suggest that you try to see the same doctor whenever possible because it if helpful for both you and your doctor to know each other well. .. .. .”

    Here, We suggest that you try to see the same doctor = it is a suggestion (it is not a must-do thing),

    So, the answer is: FALSE

    Question 6: If you want a repeat prescription, you must make an appointment.

    Keywords for this question:  repeat prescription, must make an appointment,     

    In the ‘Appointments’ section, the writer also says, “ . .. .. . We try hard to keep our appointments running to time, and ask you to be punctual to help us achieve this; if you cannot keep an appointment, please phone in and let us know as soon as possible so that it can be used for someone else. . .. …”

    However, the writer doesn’t mention anything here about a repeat prescription.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 7: Helen Stranger is the Head Nurse..

    Keywords for this question: Helen Stranger, Head Nurse,    

    In the ‘Centre Nurses’ section, the author mentions, “Liz Stuart, Martina Scott and Helen Stranger are available daily by appointment to help you with dressings, ear syringing, children’s immunisations, removal of stitches and blood tests. They will also advise on foreign travel, and can administer various injections and blood pressure checks. For any over 75s unable to attend the clinic, Helen Stranger will make a home visit. All three Centre Nurses are available during normal working hours to carry out health checks on patients who have been on doctors’ lists for 3 years.”

    Here, we see the name of Helen Stranger as the centre nurse. However, we find no information on whether she is the Head Nurse or not.

    So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

    Question 8: It is possible that receptionists will ask you to explain your problem. 

    Keywords for this question: possible, receptionists, will ask, explain, problem,    

    In the ‘Receptionists’ section, the author states, “Our receptionists provide your primary point of contact-they are all very experienced and have a lot of basic information at their fingertips. They will be able to answer many of your initial queries and also act as a link with the rest of the team. They may request brief details of your symptoms or illness – this enables the doctors to assess the degree of urgency.”

    Here, may request brief details of your symptoms or illness = will ask you to explain your problem,

    So, the answer is: TRUE

    Question 9: You should give the Health Centre your new contact details if you move house. 

    Keywords for this question: should give, the Health Centre, new contact details, move house,     

    In the ‘Change of Address’ section, the author writes, “Please remember to let us know if you decide to relocate. It is also useful for us to have a record of your telephone number.”

    Here, remember to let us know& a record of your telephone number = give the Health Centre … new contact details, relocate = move house,

    So, the answer is: TRUE            

    BENTLEY HOSPITAL CATERING SERVICE

    Questions 10-14:  Completing/Matching sentences with correct endings:

    [For this type of question, candidates need to match the beginning and end of sentences. Candidates need to look for keywords in the sentence-beginnings and find the relative paragraphs and then sentences in the passage. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]

    Question 10: Temporary employees only working 3 hours should

    Keywords for this question: temporary employees, working 3 hours,

    In the ‘Meal Breaks’ table, the writer provides detail of breaks that can be taken by temporary employees:

    Here, 0-4 hrs ——- nil means temporary employees who work less than 4 hours should not get any meal breaks.

    So, the answer is: (not take any breaks for meals.)

    Question 11: Employees who work 11 hours should

    Keywords for this question: employees, work 11 hours,

    In the ‘Meal Breaks’ table, the writer provides detail of breaks that can be taken by temporary employees:

    Here, 8-12 hrs ——- 60 mins (taken as 2 × 30 mins) means temporary employees who work 11 hours should have two thirty-minute breaks. 

    So, the answer is: (have two thirty-minute breaks.)

    Question 12: To find out when to have their breaks, employees should

    Keywords for this question: find out, when to have, breaks, employees,

    Take a look at the sentence given right under the table of ‘Meal Breaks’.

    So the answer is: F (look at the section staffing board.)

    Question 13: Employees working with food must

    Keywords for this question: employees working with food, must,

    In the ‘SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – FOOD HANDLERS’ section, the writer says in line no.6, “Food handlers need to have an annual dental examination by the company dentist.”

    Here, food handlers = employees working with food,

    So the answer is: I (have an annual dental examination.)

    Question 14: Food handlers who have been ill should   

    Keywords for this question: food handlers, ill,

    In the ‘SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – FOOD HANDLERS’ section, the writer says in lines 2-5, “Food handlers should report any instance of sicknessdiarrhoea and/or stomach upset experienced either while at work or during a holiday to a member of the Personnel Management team. Any infections of ear, nose, throat, mouth, chest or skin should also be reported to a member of the Personnel Management team.”

    Here, should report = should tell,

    So the answer is: H (tell a member of the Personal Management team.)

    Section 2:Bramley College International Scholarships

    Questions 15-21: 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 15: It is awarded on results obtained in the SCE exam,

    Keywords for this question:awarded, results obtained, SCE exam,   

    In Scholarship Category B, have a look at the last sentence, “ . .. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the previous year’s SCE results.”

    So, the answer is: B

    Question 16: It is only available to students from the College’s overseas branch.

    Keywords for this question:only available, College’s overseas branch,

    The answer can be found in Scholarship Category G. Here, the writer says, “Four half-fee scholarships to outstanding students of Bramley College’s Singapore campus for the .. .. .. .”

    Here, Singapore campus = overseas branch,

    So, the answer is: G

    Question 17: It is not offered every year.

    Keywords for this question:not offered, every year,   

    In Scholarship Category F, the writer says in line no. 2, “ . .. This scholarship is offered every second year, . .. .”

    Here, every second year = not every year,

    N.B.: Every year = annual, every two years/every second year = biennial,

    So, the answer is: F

    Question 18: Students need to apply for it.

    Keywords for this question:students,need, apply,    

    In Scholarship Category E, the author says in lines 3-4, “. .. . Note that applicants need to apply for this scholarship on the Bramley College International Scholarship Application Form.”

    Here, applicants = students,

    So, the answer is: E

    Question 19: It is offered twice each year.

    Keywords for this question:offered, twice, each year,       

    In Scholarship Category A, the writer says in lines 3-4, “ . .. . These scholarships are offered on two dates, to students in the March and June intakes of the program.”

    Here, March and June = twice each year,  

    So, the answer is: A

    Question 20: It pays 100% of the student’s tuition fees.

    Keywords for this question:pays, 100%, student’s tuition fees,  

    In Scholarship Category F, the author says in line no. 1, “One full-fee scholarship to the most outstanding student commencing a Diploma in Art and Design (Photography) course. … .. .”

    Here, full-fee scholarship = 100% of the student’s tuition fees,

    So, the answer is: F   

    Question 21: It provides 50% of one year’s fees. 

    Keywords for this question:50%, one year’s fees, 

    In Scholarship Category G, the writer says in the beginning, “Four half-fee scholarships to outstanding students of Bramley College’s Singapore campus .. … . ..”

    Here, half-fee scholarships = 50% of one year’s fees,  

    So, the answer is: G   

    Using the Internet and CD-ROM databases in the library 

    Questions 22-27: 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 22: To use the library printers, students must have –

    Keywords for this question:use, library printers, must have,   

    In the second paragraph, the writer states in the beginning, “You can conduct your own CD-ROM search for no charge, and you can print out your results on the library printers using your library photocopying card.”

    So, the answer is: (a photocopying card)

    Question 23: To copy search results to a floppy disk, students pay –

    Keywords for this question:copy, search results, floppy disk, students pay,

    In the second paragraph, the writer states in lines 2-4, “. .. . Alternatively, you can download your results to disk, again for no charge, but bring your own formatted floppy disk or CD-ROM. .. . … ”

    Here, download your results = copy search results, no charge = no fee,

    So, the answer is: (no fee)

    Question 24: If library staff’ search for information on CD-ROM, students pay –

    Keywords for this question:library staff, search, CD-ROM, students pay,    

    In the second paragraph, the writer states in the last lines, “. .. . If you are not sure how to conduct a search for yourself, library staff can do it for you, but we charge $20 for this service, no matter how long or how short a time it takes.”

    So, the answer is: ($20)

    Question 25: Students can learn to use the Internet –

    Keywords for this question:students, can learn, use, Internet,    

    In the third paragraph, the writer talks about learning to use the Internet. In lines 4-5 the writer says, “ .. . . The tutorial will take you through the basic steps to using the Internet, at any time convenient to you. .. .. ..”

    Here, the tutorial = way to learn to use the Internet, at any time convenient to you = at all times,  

    So, the answer is: (at all times)

    Question 26: To ensure efficient access to the library workstations, students should –

    Keywords for this answer: ensure efficient access, library workstations, students should,   

    In the fourth paragraph, the author says in the beginning, “A word of warning: demand for access to library workstations is very high, so you are strongly advised to book a workstation,. .. .. ..”

    Here, you are strongly advised = students should, book a workstation = reserve a time to use a workstation,

    So, the answer is: (reserve a time to use a workstation)

    Question 27: At any one time, students may use a library workstation for –

    Keywords for this answer: any one time, students may use, library workstation, for,  

    In the fourth paragraph, the author says in the beginning, “ . . . .. . we have to limit your use to a maximum of one hour at any one time.. .. .. ..”

    So, the answer is: (one hour)

    Section 3:THE WATER CRISIS   

    Questions 28-34:  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: Paragraph A

    The first few lines in paragraph A indicates the answer, “ . .. . As countries industrialise and their citizens become more prosperous, their individual water usage increases rapidly. . .. ..”

    Here, the lines suggest that the demand of water increases due to the development in demands due to industrialisation and citizens becoming more prosperous. 

    So, the answer is: ix (The demands of development)

    Question 29: Paragraph B    

    Paragraph B discusses most water usage by two main sectors; agriculture and industry.

    In line no. 1, the writer says, “Agriculture consumes about 70% of the world’s fresh water, . .. ..”

    Then, in lines 6-7, the writer says again, “After agriculture, industry is the second biggest user of water . .. .. “

    So, the answer is: vi (The thirsty sectors)

    Question 30: Paragraph C    

    Paragraph C talks about how some rich countries have successfully reduced water consumption. The first few lines say, “In rich countries, water consumption has gradually been slowed down by price increases and the use of modern technology and recycling. … …”

    Here, price increases, use of modern technology and recycling = successful measures,

    Then the writer shows examples from the USA, Japan and Germany.

    So, the answer is: iv (Successful measures taken by some)

    Question 31: Paragraph D    

    Paragraph D mainly deals with economic pricing (cost) of water in different countries. Take a look at the following examples:

    In lines 1-2, “. .. . impose water charges based on the real cost of supplies.”

    In lines 3-4, “ . .. . Few governments charge realistic prices for water, especially to farmers.”

    In lines 4-5, “ . .. . Even in rich Californiafarmers get water for less than a tenth of the cost of supply.”

    In lines 5-6, “. .. . In many developing countries there is virtually no charge for irrigation water, while energy prices are heavily subsidised too . .. .”

    So, the answer is: ii (Economic pricing)

    Question 32: Paragraph E    

    Paragraph E discusses the ways that can reduce waste of water. 

    In line no. 1, the writer says, “One way to cut back on water consumption is simply to prevent leaks.”

    Here, cut back on water consumption = way of reducing waste of water,

    Then, in lines 8-10, “ . … . The modern approach, however, is to see used water as a resource which can be put to good use – either in irrigation or, after careful treatment, as recycled domestic water. .. .. .”

    Here, modern approach = an up-to-date way,

    So, the answer is: vii (Ways of reducing waste)

    Question 33: Paragraph F    

    For this question, we should have a look at paragraph no. 5 which talks about the change in obtaining dogs.

    The last half of paragraph F explains how natural resources are dependent on each other and how effects in one of them can cause problems to the others. Take a look at these lines in paragraph F, “ . .. . Grass and other vegetation acts as a sponge which absorbs rainfall both in the plants and in the ground. Removal of the vegetation means that rainfall runs off the top of the land, accelerating erosion instead of being gradually fed into the soil to renew ground water.”

    So, the answer is: viii (Interdependence of natural resources)

    Question 34: Paragraph G    

    For this question, we should have a look at paragraph no. 5 which talks about the change in obtaining dogs.

    Paragraph G details the possibility of what will happen in the coming future due to global warming. 

    Take a look at these lines, “ . .. . . it is likely that, as sea levels rise, countries in low-lying coastal areas will be hit by seawater penetration of ground water.”

    Also, “ .. . . Other countries will experience changes in rainfall  . .. .”

    So, the answer is: iii (What the future holds)

    Questions 35-40:  Summary completion

    [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.]

    Question 35: Individual water usage is rising dramatically as people living in industrialised countries become increasingly ____________.

    Keywords for this answer: individual water usage, rising dramatically, people, industrial countries, become, increasingly,  

    Paragraph A has the answer. Take a look at lines 1-3, “Per capita water usage has been on an upward trend for many years. As countries industrialise and their citizens become more prosperoustheir individual water usage increases rapidly.”

    Here, increase rapidly = rising dramatically, citizens = people living in industrialised countries,  

    So, the answer is: prosperous

    Question 36: As well as increased consumption per capita, the growing demand for fresh water is due to a bigger global ___________than in the past.

    Keywords for this answer: increased consumption, per capita, growing demand, fresh water, due to, bigger, global, than, past,  

    In the same paragraph (paragraph A), the writer also says, “ . .. . Annual per capita water withdrawals in the USA, for example, are about 1,700 cubic metres, four times the level in China and fifty times the level in Ethiopia. In the 21st century, the world’s limited supply of renewable fresh water is having to meet demands of both larger total population and increased per capita consumption. .. .. . .”

    Here, Annual per capita water withdrawals in the USA . .. . four times the level in China and fifty times the level in Ethiopia = increased consumption per capita, larger = bigger,

    So, the answer is: population

    Question 37: There are examples of industries in some rich countries that have reduced their consumption rates through price increases, the application of ___________ and recycling.

    Keywords for this answer: examples, industries, some rich countries, reduced, consumption rates, through, price increases, application of, recycling,  

    In paragraph C, have a close look at the first lines, “In rich countries, water consumption has gradually been slowed down by price increases and the use of modern technology and recycling.”

    Here, water consumption has gradually been slowed down = reduced their consumption rates, use = application,

    So, the answer is: (modern) technology  

    Question 38: Other ways of protecting supplies are to reduce water loss resulting from __________ in the supply systems and to find ways of utilising used water.

    Keywords for this answer: other ways, protecting supplies, reduce water loss, resulting from, in the supply systems,    

    The answer lies in paragraph E where the writer talks about some solutions to reduced waste of water. In the beginning the writer says, “One way to cut back on water consumption is simply to prevent leaks. … .. .”

    Here, cut back on water consumption = reduce water loss, prevent = protecting,

    Then, in lines 8-9, the author says, “ . .. The modern approach, however, is to see used water as a resource which can be put to good use – . .. .”

    Here, used water as a resource which can be put to good use = ways of utilising used water,

    So, the answer is: leaks

    Question 39: Longer term measures, such as improved environmental __________ would protect the ecosystem and ensure the replenishment of ground water for future generations.

    Keywords for this answer: longer term measures, improved, environmental, protect, ecosystem, ensure, replacement, ground water, future generations,   

    The answer is in paragraph F. In the beginning, the writer explains, “Another way of conserving water resources involves better management of the environment generally.”

    So, the answer is: management

    Question 40: Without such measures, future supplies are uncertain, especially when global warming is expected to interfere with rainfall patterns and to worsen the ____________ already suffered by many countries today.

    Keywords for this answer: without such patterns, future supplies, uncertain, especially, global warming, expected to interfere, rainfall patterns, worsen, already suffered by, many countries today,

    In paragraph G, the writer explains, “Global warming is bound to affect rainfall patterns, though there is considerable disagreement about its precise effects. But it is likely that, as sea levels rise, countries in low-lying coastal areas will be hit by seawater penetration of groundwater. Other countries will experience changes in rainfall which could have a major impact on agricultural yield – either for better or for worse. In broad terms, it is thought that rainfall zones will shift northwards, adding to the water deficit in Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean – a grim prospect indeed.”

    Here, affect = interfere, adding to = worsen, Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean = suffered by many countries today,   

    So, the answer is: water deficit