IELTS Cambridge 11 Test 3: GT Reading Module

Section 1: Summer activities at London’s Kew Gardens

Questions 1-6: Identifying information:

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

Question 1: learning what all the different sections of a plant do

Keywords for this question: learning, what, different sections of a plant, do,

The answer can be found in paragraph F. Here, the writer explains how children can learn about different parts of a plant and their functions. Look at these lines, “ . .. As you journey through this interactive landscape, discover the functions of every part of a plant.

Here, discover the functions of every part of a plant = what all the different sections of a plant do, 

So, the answer is: F

Question 2: seeing art showing plants from a different part of the world 

Keywords for this question: seeing, art showing plants, different part of the world,    

The answer can be found in paragraph H, as the writer says here, “Visit our exciting and colourful exhibition of South American botanical paintings, which brings the continent’s exotic and lush plants to life in works from two hundred years ago and from this century.”

Here, South American botanical paintings = art showing plants from a different part of the world,

So, the answer is: H               

Question 3: the possibility of having your work exhibited

Keywords for this question: possibility, having, work, exhibited,     

At the end of paragraph E, the writer says, “. . .. . If you are in this age category and fancy yourself as a photographer, then you can enter for the next show!”

Here, you can enter for the next show = possibility of having . ..  . work exhibited,

So, the answer is: E                           

Question 4: learning about why human beings need plants

Keywords for this question: learning, why, human beings, need, plants,

At the end of paragraph G, the author says, “. . .. . Take a guided tour to discover what biodiversity means and why it matters so much.”

Here, what biodiversity means and why it matters so much = why human beings need plants,

So, the answer is: G                           

Question 5: something that happens daily at the same times

Keywords for this question: something, happens daily, at the same times,   

Paragraph D has the answer to this question. The writer says here, “An extraordinary sound installation created by Chris Watson. On the hour throughout the day, the Palm House is filled with the sound of the dawn and dusk choruses of birds that live in the Central and South American rainforests.”

Here, On the hour throughout the day = daily at the same times,

So, the answer is: D      

Question 6: learning about the relationship between various creatures, insects and plants

Keywords for this question: learning, relationship between, various creatures, insects, plants,

The last lines of paragraph C say, “. .. . . Come face-to-face with gigantic sculptures of insects, birds and bats, which will help tell the fascinating stories of how they interact with plants.”

Here, how they interact with plants = relationship between various creatures, insects and plants,

So, the answer is: C    

City Park and Ride   

TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question 7: This was one of the first UK cities to introduce a Park and Ride scheme. 

Keywords for this question: one of the first, UK cities, introduce, Park and Ride scheme,     

We find the history of the Park and Ride in paragraph no. 1 but we cannot find any comparison on whether London was one of the first cities to introduce Park and Ride scheme or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 8: The amount of congestion in the city centre has fallen.

Keywords for this question: amount of congestion, city centre, fallen,

In paragraph no. 1, have a look at lines 3-5, “ . .. . . More than 3,000,000 passengers a year take a bus from a Park and Ride site into the city, reducing congestion and helping to improve the air quality in the city centre.”

Here, reducing congestion = amount of congestion . .. . . has fallen,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 9: There is a special section of the car park for heavy goods vehicles.

Keywords for this question: special section, of the car park, heavy goods vehicles,   

The answer to this question can be found in the last lines of paragraph no. 2, “ . .. Heavy goods vehicles are not permitted at the Park and Ride site at any time.”

Here, not permitted = no special section,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 10: Bus drivers do not give change so you must have the correct money for a ticket.

Keywords for this question: bus drivers, do not give change, must have, correct money, for, ticket,  

At the beginning of paragraph no. 3, the author says, “It’s simple to use. Just park your car and buy your bus ticket from the bus driver, with the correct money if possible…. .”

Here, ‘must have’ in the question means it is compulsory for passengers to have the correct money.

However, the phrase ‘if possible’ in the text means it is not compulsory.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day.

Keywords for this question: ticket prices, vary, depending on, time of day,  

Take a look at the last lines of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. . An individual adult daily return purchased prior to 12:30 hrs for use chat day costs £2.40. If purchased after 12:30 hrs it costs £2.10.”

Here, If purchased after 12:30 hrs it costs £2.10 = ticket prices vary depending on the time of day,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 12: Children under 16 travelling alone are allowed free travel.

Keywords for this question: children under 16, travelling alone, allowed, free travel,

At the beginning of paragraph no. 4, the writer states, “Up to four children under 16 travel free with an adult or concessionary pass holder.

Here, with an adult = not alone,

So the answer is: FALSE

Question 13: The space for cycles, motorcycles and scooters is close to the site office.

Keywords for this question: space for cycles, motorcycles, scooters, close to, site office,   

In paragraph no. 5 the writer mentions, “Cycle and Ride for just £1.10 a day. Just park your cycle, motorcycle or scooter in the allocated space, and buy your ticket from the site office.”

Here, the exact location of the parking area is not mentioned.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 14: People with concessionary bus passes must pay the full fare to travel at certain times.

Keywords for this question: people with concessionary bus passes, must pay, full fare, travel at certain times,   

The final paragraph (paragraph no. 6) says, “Return tickets for concessionary bus pass holders cost £1 after 09:30 Monday to Friday and any time at weekend or bank holidays (when open). At other times there is no reduction for holders of concessionary bus passes.”

Here, At other times there is no reduction for holders of concessionary bus passes. = holders of concessionary bus passes must pay the full fare to travel at certain times,

So the answer is: TRUE

Section 2: HOW TO ORGANISE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Completing notes:

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

Question 15:

Venue and timing:
–    try to avoid scheduling the conference during ___________ times or when other annual conferences occur

Keywords for this question: venue and timing, try to avoid, scheduling, conference, during, or, when, other annual conference occur,

In the ‘Where and when’ section, take a look at lines 2-4, “ . .. . . when choosing the date take into account the timing of similar regular events which may clash. Also, consider holiday periods which may mean that people are away and so will not be able to attend.”

Here, take into account, consider = to try avoid, timing of similar regular events = other annual conferences, periods = times,

So, the answer is: holiday

Question 16:

• choose a place with a large hall and also _________ spaces for smaller meetings

Keywords for this question: chose a place, large hall, spaces for smaller meetings,    

In the ‘Where and when’ section, take a look at lines 6-8, “ . .. . Visit the venue personally: consider the size of the main lecture hall and whether it is big enough for the anticipated number of delegates, then look into the potential of having breakout areas for separating into a number of groups for discussions.”

Here, size of the main lecture hall . .. .. big enough = place with a large hall, a number of groups for discussions = smaller meetings,

So, the answer is: breakout

Question 17:

Speakers:
–    choose appropriate speakers
–    give the speakers as much __________ as possible

Keywords for this question: speakers, give, the speakers, as much, as possible,     

The answer can be found in the section named ‘Who’. Here, in lines 1-2, the writer says, “ . .. . The next stage is to choose the speakers and invite them, making sure you give them ample notice so they are more likely to be available.”

Here, ample = as much .. . .. .as possible,  

So, the answer is: notice

Question 18:

–    confirm individual details with speakers, check if they will need accommodation and request a _________ of their presentation

Keywords for this question: confirm, individual details, with speakers, check, if, need accommodation, request, their presentation,      

In the ‘Contacting people’ section, take a look at lines 2-5, “. . .. . At the same time, contact all the speakers again, confirming their particular topic, the audio-visual aids which will be available and finding out their accommodation requirements. Ask them to provide a written summary of their presentation for distribution to delegates at the conference.”

Here, their particular topic, the audio-visual aids = individual details, finding out their accommodation requirements = check if they will need accommodation, ask them = request,

So, the answer is: summary   

Question 19:

–   make sure each person attending receives information about the conference and a __________ for identification

Keywords for this question: make sure, each person attending, receives information, conference, for identification,        

The answer to this question is in the ‘Final arrangements’ section. Here, the writer says in line no. 4, “Prepare delegate packs to include a name badge, delegate list and programme.”

Here, delegate packs = information about conference, identification = name,  

So, the answer is: badge

Question 20:

–   use __________ to get opinions on the conference

Keywords for this question: use, get opinions on, the conference,      

In lines 5-7 of the ‘Final arrangements’ section, the author says, “ . . .. Then prepare questionnaires for all delegates to complete at the end of the conference. Their responses will enable you to gauge the success of the conference and start planning the next one!”

Here, responses = opinion,  

So, the answer is: questionnaires    

How to deal with the annual performance appraisal

Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY:

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

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

Question 21: By learning at an appraisal what areas of work need improving, staff can improve their chances of getting ___________.

Keywords for this question: learning at an appraisal, areas of work, need improving, staff can improve, chances of getting,

The answer lies in lines 3-4 of the first paragraph, “ . .. . Knowing what areas your superiors see as your weaknesses is the most direct way of increasing the likelihood of being considered for promotion, . .. ..”

Here, increasing = improve, likelihood = chances, being considered = getting,  

So, the answer is: promotion  

Question 22: It is important to think of some ____________ that can be used during the appraisal.

Keywords for this question: important, think of some, can be used, during, appraisal,        

In the section named ‘Preparation’, take a close look at line no. 5. The writer says here, “Create a list of questions you would like to discuss during your appraisal.”

Here, create a list = important to think, would like to discuss = can be used,  

So, the answer is: questions

Question 23: The appraisal can be a good time to ask the boss for extra __________.  

Keywords for this question: appraisal, can be, good time, ask the boss for, extra,   

The answer can be found in the ‘Preparation’ section. Here, in lines 5-7, the author states, “ . .. . This one-on-one time with your boss is an excellent opportunity to ask him or her about your role in the company, request any additional responsibilities you would like and clarify your priorities.”

Here, excellent opportunity = good time, additional = extra,

So, the answer is: responsibilities

Question 24: React ________ to any criticism.  

Keywords for this question: react, any criticism,

In the ‘During the appraisal’ section, the writer says, “ . … . Avoid taking any negative assessments that are offered as a personal attack, but rather try to take them on board calmly, … .. .”

Here, negative assessments = criticism, take them on board = react,

So, the answer is: calmly

Question 25: It is helpful to identify a number of individual __________ arising from the appraisal comments.

Keywords for this question: helpful, identify, a number of individuals, arising, appraisal comments,

In the ‘After the appraisal’ section, the writer comments in the very beginning, “Create a list of personal goals based on your performance appraisal. .. .. .”

Here, personal = individual, performance appraisal = appraisal comments,  

So, the answer is: goals

Question 26: Staff can request a meeting half-way through the year to look at the ________ which has been achieved.

Keywords for this question: staff, can request, meeting, half-way through the year, look at, achieved,    

Again, in the ‘After the appraisal’ section, the writer says in line no. 4, “ … . Six months after the appraisal, ask for a mid-term review with your boss to discuss your progress.”

Here, Six months after . . .. . mid-term review = a meeting half-way through the year, to discuss = to look at,

So, the answer is: progress

Question 27: If staff act on any appraisal comments, they will demonstrate their _________ to their work.

Keywords for this question: if, staff act, appraisal comments, will demonstrate, to their work,     

Again, in the ‘After the appraisal’ section, the writer says in line no. 5-7, “ . .. . . Ask for more feedback to help you improve. Checking in with your boss helps him or her remember your dedication as far as your job is concerned, and may help remove any criticisms before they become a review point on your next formal appraisal.”

Here, Checking in with your boss = staff act on any appraisal comments,  your job = their work,

So, the answer is: dedication

Section 3: Efforts to save a special bird — the spoon-billed sandpiper

Questions 28-33:  List of headings:

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

TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question 28: Section A  

The answer to this question can be found at the beginning of Section A, in lines 2-3, “ . .. . But it is the only one to have developed a flattened bill that flares out into a ‘spoon’ at the end, and that makes it special.”  

Here, only one & special = very unusual feature,

The unusual feature is the ‘flattened bill that flares out into a ‘spoon’ at the end’.

So, the answer is: vii (A very unusual feature of these birds)

Question 29: Section B 

Lines 6-10 of section B give us answer to this question. The writer explains the stages of the expedition here, “ … . . . The primary aim of the two-and-a-half month expedition, however, was to collect eggs from wild sandpipers; those eggs would then be hatched in captivity nearby. Later, the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) headquarters at Slimbridge in the UK, in order to establish a small, self-sustaining population there.”

Here, the main stages are:

1. collect eggs from wild sandpipers,
2. those eggs .. . be hatched in captivity nearby &
3. the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

So, the answer is: iv (The main stages of the plan)

Question 30: Section C 

In section C, take a look at the last half part of the section where the writer explains why the birds go for this long journey, “… .. . from the birds’ point of view it is worth it. Though they often arrive to find hostile, wintry weather while they are finding their mates and making their nests, there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks.”

Here, it is worth it = it is worth taking this long flight,

So, the answer is: ii (Reasons for continuing to make the long journey)

Question 31: Section D 

Section D mainly talks about the threats/ main reasons behind the rapid decline of sandpipers. The writer says in the beginning, “Two main factors are responsible for the sandpiper’s recent rapid decline: the ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds.”

The threats are ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds.

So, the answer is: vi (Increasing threats)

Question 32: Section E

Section E has two parts. In the first part, the last lines say, “. .. . … In total nine nests were found. The first one was lost to a predator, along with the female attending it. This was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of a tiny population to natural events, such as storms or predation.”

Here, In total nine nests were found = desirable outcomes, The first one was lost to a predator, along with the female attending it = disappointment,

So, the answer is: iii (A disappointment followed by desirable outcomes)

Question 33: Section F

Section F talks about the hope for the rescue of the sandpipers. Then, the last lines of Section F say, “. . .. . It’s a gamble, but when the survival of a species this special is at stake, you have to try.”

Here, gamble means you can be optimistic but there is no guarantee that it will work. So, it’s a cautious optimism.  

So, the answer is: viii (Cautious optimism)

Questions 34-37: Multiple choice questions

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

Question 34: What was the main purpose of the international expedition?

Keywords for this question: main purpose, international expedition,

The answer to this question is found in section B. The writer says in lines 5-10, “ . .. . I joined the international expedition to one of the species’ last breeding strongholds in North-East Russia. The primary aim of the two-and-a-half-month expedition, however, was to collect eggs from wild sandpipers; those eggs would then be hatched in captivity nearby. Later, the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) headquarters at Slimbridge in the UK, in order to establish a small, self-sustaining population there.”

Here, establish a small, self-sustaining population = maintain a small group of sandpipers for future generations,

So, the answer is: B (to maintain a small group of sandpipers for future generations.)

Question 35: What do we learn about the drop in the sandpiper population?

Keywords for this question: drop in, sandpiper population,

The answer can be traced in Section D. Here, the author states in lines 1-4, “Two main factors are responsible for the sandpiper’s recent rapid decline: the ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds. The development of new industrial cities is destroying former tidal areas, where sandpipers and other migratory birds used to rest and refuel.”

Here, rapid decline = drop, development of new industrial cities = economic growth,

So, the answer is: D (Economic growth is one of the underlying causes of the decline.)

Question 36: Which feeling did the writer express when the sandpiper chicks hatched?

Keywords for this question: feeling, sandpiper chicks, hatched,   

The answer can be found in the last lines of section E, “. .. .. But my joy was tempered by concern. Difficulties on their migration route and in their wintering areas meant that other tiny creatures like these faced immense dangers.”

Here, concern = worry, other tiny creatures like these = birds of the same species,

So, the answer is: C (worry about birds of the same species.)

Question 37: The writer describes the sandpipers’ unit at WWT Slimbridge to emphasise –

Keywords for this question: sandpipers’ unit, WWT Slimbridge, emphasise,   

Take a look at the first and last lines of section F,

“The complex rescue plan does give some grounds for hope. Young chicks were flown to WWT Slimbridge. .. ..”

“ . .. .. . It’s a gamble, but when the survival of a species this special is at stake, you have to try.”

Here, It’s a gamble, but. .. .. you have to try = the amount of care being devoted to sandpipers’ welfare,  

So, the answer is: A (how much care is being devoted to their welfare.)

Questions 38-40: Summary completion:

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

Question 38: In early spring, spoon-billed sandpipers return to their breeding grounds in Russia in the area known as __________.

Keywords for this question: early spring, spoon-billed sandpipers, return, breeding grounds, Russia, area known as,  

The answer to this question should be found in Section C where we come to know about the reasons of long flights by sandpipers. The writer says, “You might wonder why birds like the spoon-billed sandpiper travel such great distances, about 8,000 km in total, from their wintering grounds on the tropical coasts of Bangladesh, Burma and Vietnam in South-East Asia to breed on the low land, commonly called tundra, in North-East Russia, . .. .”

Here, commonly called = area known as,

So, the answer is: tundra

Question 39: Although the weather there is often very harsh, to begin with, there are obvious advantages to the sandpipers. There is above all a plentiful supply of _____________ , and this makes it possible for the sandpiper chicks to develop well. 

Keywords for this question: weather, harsh, obvious advantages, plentiful supply of, makes, possible, sandpiper chicks, develop well,   

To find this answer we have to look at section C in lines 5-8, “.. . .. Though they often arrive to find hostile, wintry weather while they are finding their mates and making their nests, there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks.”

Here, hostile, wintry weather = harsh weather, abundance of = plentiful supply of,  

So, the answer is: insects

Question 40: The lack of ___________ is another definite advantage. As a result, a good proportion of the chicks grow up to face the long flight to the South-East Asian coasts.

Keywords for this question: lack of, another, definite advantage, good proportion, chicks, grow up, face, long flight, South-East Asian coasts,   

Again, if we look at lines 6-8 of section C, the writer says, “ . .. . , there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks.”

Here, relatively few = lack of,

So, the answer is: predators