IELTS Cambridge 13 Test 1: GT Reading Module 

Section 1: THE BEST SUITCASES

Questions 1-7: Identifying information

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

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

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

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

Here, a truly indulgent buy = luxurious or expensive,

So, the answer is: B

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F                

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

Keywords for this question: match most clothing,   

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

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

So, the answer is: D   

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: E   

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

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

Keywords for this question: useful, medium size,   

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

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

So, the answer is: E

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: G

THE OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA

Questions 8-14: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

We find no mention of family members here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So the answer is: TRUE

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

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

We do not find any information regarding local accommodation here.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So the answer is: FALSE

Section 2: BORDER CROSSING FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

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

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

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

Question 15:

Before setting off:

To speed up the border crossing, use PAPS.

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

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

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

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

before you set off = before setting off,

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

So, the answer is: shipment

Question 16:

Before arriving at the border

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

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

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

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

make sure =  check,

all your paperwork = documents,

ready to present at Primary Inspection = ready for inspection,

So, the answer is: photo ID

Question 17:

Make sure the __________ are on inside the vehicle.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: (cab) lights

Question 18:

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: sleeper areas  

Questions 19 & 20:

At the border (Primary Inspection)

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer are:

1. immigration
2. charge

Appendix: Dealing with absence in the workplace

Questions 21-27: Completing notes

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

Question 21:

Employees’ rights:

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: chair

Question 22:

provision of arrangements to deal with any work-related ___________

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: allergy

Question 23:

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: dependants

Question 24:

possibility of arrangements that are ________ to help with domestic responsibilities

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

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

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

So, the answer is: flexible

Question 25:

Recommendations to employers

make it clear that absence is a possible reason for __________

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

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

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

So, the answer is: dismissal  

Question 26:

ask employees for consent before contacting their _________

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

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

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

So, the answer is: doctor  

Question 27:

identify employees affected by ________  and provide support

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

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

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

So, the answer is: stress

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

Questions 28-36:  List of headings

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

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

Question 28: Paragraph A  

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

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

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

Question 29: Paragraph B

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

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

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

Question 30: Paragraph C

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

Here, climbed out of the vehicle = going outside,

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

Question 31: Paragraph D

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

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

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

It probably originated as a seasonal settlement = the past,

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

Question 32: Paragraph E

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

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

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

Question 33: Paragraph F  

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

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

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

Question 34: Paragraph G

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

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

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

Question 35: Paragraph H

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

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

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

Question 36: Paragraph I

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

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

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

Questions 37-40:  Summary completion

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

Title of the summary: Why Oymyakon gets so cold

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

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

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

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

Here, far from = a long way from,

So, the answer is: ocean  

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

• valley
• mountains

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

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

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

Here, little = not much,

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

So, the answer is: wind