IELTS GENERAL TRAINING READING
Read the text and answer Questions 1-8.
A Richmond
Richmond is the busiest and most expensive suburb in Stonington. Richmond Business Park hosts a total of 56 industries that employ approximately 5500 people which creates a steady demand for accommodation in this area. From 2 to 20 stories, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment-style living is the most common type of accommodation in Richmond. Depending upon the number of bedrooms, rental prices range from $1600 - $2500 per month. Richmond is well-known for its cosmopolitan environment.
B Crane Hills
This suburb is located in the southern hills of Stonington. The suburb offers a brilliant outlook over the city. Accommodation is mostly duplex houses and bungalows. Rent ranges from $2000 to $3000 a month. The largest park in Stonington is located here, along with a golf course, jogging track and children's playground. The government has undertaken to expand the residential area through the western section of the hill and this development will be completed by next year. It is anticipated that the building of around 500 new houses will commence early in the new year.
This suburb is located in the southern hills of Stonington. The suburb offers a brilliant outlook over the city. Accommodation is mostly duplex houses and bungalows. Rent ranges from $2000 to $3000 a month. The largest park in Stonington is located here, along with a golf course, jogging track and children's playground. The government has undertaken to expand the residential area through the western section of the hill and this development will be completed by next year. It is anticipated that the building of around 500 new houses will commence early in the new year.
C Blackburn
Although Blackburn is the smallest suburb in Stonington it has the most dwellings. A suburb of mostly independent houses, rental prices for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses range from $1500 to $2000 per month. Most homes are spacious with large backyards however, rental accommodation in the area is not readily available and what becomes available is quickly snapped up! Most tenants of rental homes commit to a minimum 3-year lease. There is one primary school, a train station and a shopping centre in the area.
Although Blackburn is the smallest suburb in Stonington it has the most dwellings. A suburb of mostly independent houses, rental prices for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses range from $1500 to $2000 per month. Most homes are spacious with large backyards however, rental accommodation in the area is not readily available and what becomes available is quickly snapped up! Most tenants of rental homes commit to a minimum 3-year lease. There is one primary school, a train station and a shopping centre in the area.
D Malvern
Famous for its racecourse, Stonington’s oldest suburb is Malvern. Most of the houses in this suburb are renovated - rent for a two and three bedroom home runs at around $800 and $1200 respectively. Homes built in Malvern typically do not have any yards. Facilities include one supermarket, two shopping centres and the Stonington Community Hospital. At the moment, there is no school although the state government is reviewing a proposal to build one.
Famous for its racecourse, Stonington’s oldest suburb is Malvern. Most of the houses in this suburb are renovated - rent for a two and three bedroom home runs at around $800 and $1200 respectively. Homes built in Malvern typically do not have any yards. Facilities include one supermarket, two shopping centres and the Stonington Community Hospital. At the moment, there is no school although the state government is reviewing a proposal to build one.
E Caulfield
Closest to the city centre and with most government department offices, is Caulfield. A variety of mixed accommodation options from apartments to houses are available in Caulfield. Caulfield does not have a train station, but its bus system is comprehensive. Caulfield is very much in a growth phase so a large portion of available accommodation is newly-completed and modern. A spacious 3 bedroom house will cost around $1500 a month while a 3 bedroom apartment averages around $1200 per month. Caulfield has 2 schools and 3 supermarkets, and accommodation in the suburb is typically good value for money.
Closest to the city centre and with most government department offices, is Caulfield. A variety of mixed accommodation options from apartments to houses are available in Caulfield. Caulfield does not have a train station, but its bus system is comprehensive. Caulfield is very much in a growth phase so a large portion of available accommodation is newly-completed and modern. A spacious 3 bedroom house will cost around $1500 a month while a 3 bedroom apartment averages around $1200 per month. Caulfield has 2 schools and 3 supermarkets, and accommodation in the suburb is typically good value for money.
Questions 1-8
Look at the five descriptions (A-E) of five suburbs in Stonington.
For which suburb are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet.
NB: You may use any letter more than once.
1 This suburb is expecting new buildings in the near future.
2 This suburb is the most popular rental area in Stonington.
3 This suburb has mostly new places to live in.
4 This suburb offers great views.
5 This suburb offers a variety of different housing options.
6 The accommodation in this suburb has limited outdoor living areas.
7 This suburb is influenced by many different countries.
8 This suburb has the lowest level of housing availability.
2 This suburb is the most popular rental area in Stonington.
3 This suburb has mostly new places to live in.
4 This suburb offers great views.
5 This suburb offers a variety of different housing options.
6 The accommodation in this suburb has limited outdoor living areas.
7 This suburb is influenced by many different countries.
8 This suburb has the lowest level of housing availability.
Read the text and answer Questions 9-14.
Blossom Child Care
- Service information and fees -
Blossom Child Care (BCC) is a privately owned child care centre which has been operating in five locations in Wales for the past 10 years. Our services cater for children aged from 1 to 6 years old. We have a range of child care service to suit the needs of working parents. As an associate member of the National Child Care Institute, all our employees are highly qualified.
We offer three levels of childcare:
I. Pre-Kindergarten
Children under two are in the Pre-Kindergarten group. BCC’s Teddy, Kinda and Koala rooms have been allocated for this age group where we accommodate 15 children per room. We provide special care and make sure that one of our highly qualified senior supervisors, in addition to three general staff, are always available in each room. Please ensure your child has at least 4 nappies and 2 additional sets of clothes everyday.
Food: In addition to cow's milk, if your child is on solid food, we provide a nutritional blend of fruits and vegetables. If your child is on formula, please inform us.
Toys: All Pre-Kindergarten rooms have toilet training toys which, along with other general toys, are always maintained at the strictest hygiene standards.
Fees: Our Pre-Kindergarten service fee is $300 per week with a one-off registration fee of $30. Fees are payable weekly.
II. Kindergarten
Children aged two to four are in the Kindergarten group. BCC has four allocated rooms for this group each accommodates 20 children. Two staff are on duty in each room and one senior supervisor is in charge of all four rooms.
Food: Children are provided with three full meals a day. All meals are cooked on the premises by a child food specialist and the menus are rotated so that your child gets the right nutritional balance. If your child is allergic to any food, please inform us by filling in the Food Allergy Form.
Toys: Our Kindergarten rooms are decorated with educational posters and are full of learning games and puzzles. We discourage children bringing their own toys from home as they are often a source of contention and argument.
Fees: The Kindergarten service fee is $250 per week with a one-off registration fee of $40. Fees are payable weekly.
III. Post-Kindergarten
Children aged four to six are in the Post-Kindergarten group. We have two dedicated rooms for this group all decorated with artwork designed to stimulate learning. Each room accommodates 20 children and is serviced solely by one general staff member. BCC arranges one excursion session for this group every four weeks. The venues are generally parks, playgrounds, picnic-spots and the local zoo. As a legal requirement, parents must fill in an Excursion Declaration Form before each trip which authorises the Centre to take their children from the premises.
Food: Children in the Post-Kindergarten program get three meals a day – mostly meals with rice, vegetables and chicken. Please speak to your child’s supervisor if you have any special dietary requirements.
Toys: There are four life-sized cartoon toys in each room along with a large variety of books.
Fees: The Post-Kindergarten service fee is $200 per week with a one-off registration fee of $40. Fees are payable weekly.
Questions 9-14
Classify each of the descriptions 9-14 as belonging to either A, B, C or D below.
Write your answers in boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet.
Groups | |
A | Pre-Kindergarten |
B | Kindergarten |
C | Post-Kindergarten |
D | Does not belong to any group |
9 A variety of prepared food is offered.
10 If needed, additional clothing is provided.
11 An outing is arranged once a month.
12 Children can see live animals.
13 A student report is included.
14 Any problems with diet should be dealt with in writing.
SECTION 2
Questions 15-27
Read the passage below and answer Questions 15-20.
THE ABC'S OF CV WRITING
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is one of the most important documents you will ever write. This summary of your academic and work history is an essential tool in your job search and commonly the first form of contact with a potential employer.
With so many people in the job market it is your responsibility to ‘sell’ yourself, so before you put pen to paper, it is worthwhile taking time to carefully think about your approach. To assist you in this process we have listed the most common advice for preparing your CV below:
A Your main goal is to demonstrate a match between your accomplishments and the position you are applying for. The job description will outline the qualifications and requisites for the position, so read it carefully.
B Update your CV each time you apply for a job, specifically tailoring it to each position.
C If you are applying for a position in another country, present your academic and work achievements in terms your future employer will understand and demonstrate your familiarity with the culture and business practices, where possible.
D The format of your CV is always important. A clear, concise presentation will make your application stand out and be easier to read. A summary on page one, outlining your key strengths will draw attention to your best features. The use of bullet points in the formatting can not only contribute to brevity, but also increase the impact of your CV.
E Never send out a CV without a covering letter highlighting the areas of your CV that particularly relate to the job being advertised.
F In their enthusiasm for a particular position, some people may be tempted to exaggerate on their CVs. Employers are aware of this tendency and will check any claims you make concerning your experience, qualifications or remuneration levels. It pays to be truthful. If you are caught lying, your application will not be considered.
G Grammatical and spelling errors are unacceptable in a CV however, they are one of the most common problems. Your CV must have no mistakes and be attractively presented. A good strategy is to ask someone to check it for you before it is submitted to make sure it is error-free.
H If you have difficulty writing your CV and feel that it will detract from your job application, there are professional services that will assist you for a reasonable fee.
Questions 15-20
Complete each of the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15 A CV is usually the initial ............ made with a future boss.
16 Writing a CV requires a well considered ............ .
17 All ............ must show a relationship with the desired position.
18 The requirements of a position are explained in the ............ .
19 In addition to a CV, applications must also include a ............ .
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
WAITING AT JAKARTA MAHAL  When you finally hear the words ‘Congratulations, you've been hired!’ from the supervisor of the famous Jakarta Mahal Indian Restaurant, you might wonder ‘Now what do I do?’ On your first day you will be assigned to an experienced employee who will act as your adviser for the first week. Your mentor will also take you on a tour of the restaurant to familiarise you with the layout. Once you know where everything is and have met the staff, you will be advised of the daily routine. An important key to success is to memorise this and faithfully adhere to it. Upon arrival at the restaurant, change into your uniform - ensure it is ironed and stain-free. Depending on the time of the day, you may be required to lay the tables and stock the service areas with supplies of coffee, tea, clean tableware and linen. Once those tasks are complete, familiarise yourself with the menu and any alterations made since you were last on duty. Pay particular attention to the daily specials and check the drinks menu and wine list. It may be necessary to consult with the head waiter about the dishes on offer so you can answer queries, which could include describing cooking methods and ingredients. Be on hand to greet the patrons, answer their questions, and escort them to their table. When everyone is seated and has a menu, take their drink orders and inform them of the specials of the day. Be prepared to make recommendations if requested to do so. Take the meal orders when the guests indicate they are ready and check to see if additional beverages are needed. When the meals are ready they should be served quickly and efficiently. A hallmark of an excellent waiter is table maintenance. During the meal ensure that empty glasses, dirty dishes and unused cutlery are removed. Also, be alert for anyone looking around in need of assistance. Be sure to check the bill before presenting it to the guests, making sure it is itemised and that the total and sales tax is correct. After you have collected payment and taken leave of your patrons, it is time to reset the table and begin again. |
Questions 21-27
Complete the flow-chart below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.
SECTION 3
Read the passage and answer questions 28-40.
New Impressions Bring Controversy
A Many of history’s pages reveal that renowned artists have often had to endure obstacles and criticisms before eventually rising to the heights of success in their careers. Nineteenth century artist Sir John Everett Millais is certainly one of them.
B Born in 1829 in Southampton, England the youngest son of John William and Emily Mary Millais’ two sons, John Everett showed extraordinary artistic talent from an early age. In time, the family moved to London and as residents, Everett’s parents were determined to give young John an opportunity to develop his talent. A meeting with the president of the London Royal Academy of Art, Sir Martin Archer Shee, was arranged. It was not long before Sir Martin also saw the extraordinary natural artistic ability Everett possessed. As a result, in the summer of 1840 and at the age of 11, Everett became the youngest ever pupil to study art at the academy. His ability and age led to all his teachers affectionately referred to him as The Child. The extra attention shown to Everett eventually caused jealousy among his fellow students. At the beginning of his studies Everett, a thinly-built boy, often found it difficult to cope with the bullying he encountered at the art academy. However, as time went by and his peers became increasingly aware of his artistic talent – even in the complex area of portrait painting – bullying gave way to awe.
C Over the months and years Everett spent at the academy he began to concentrate on the theoretical aspects of art. His studies included reading the biographies of past great artists and almost all the books on art that the academy library had. Interestingly, the reading and studying of most of these books was not needed in order to pass his exams. Everett, out of his genuine curiosity and passion for art, spent most of his leisure time at the library. At the school’s practical painting classes, he was well-known for going to considerable lengths to find the right elements needed for his painting - travelling long distances in search of the right natural scenes and paying large sums of money to hire models for his portrait painting. Over the course of his studies at the London Royal Academy of Art, he met two other like-minded artists - Holman Hunt and Gabriel Rossetti - who would later become his lifelong friends and key supporters of his artistic impressions.
D In 1850, he held his first solo painting exhibition in London. It was a non-traditional exhibition in terms of style and pattern and proved to be controversial in terms of the subject matter displayed – the social class system. Everett displayed art on the topic of hierarchical or class distinctions between individuals and groups in English society. Although a small portion of art lovers praised his exhibition, he was strongly attacked by most of the art critics of the day. Some of his paintings on religious matters, which portrayed religion as something quite ordinary, made the conservative segment of the society angry.
E Over the years, with the support of his two best friends Holman Hunt and Gabriel Rossetti, Everett started a movement which he named the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB). The intention of his PRB movement was to reform art by rejecting the concept of the Renaissance1 movement which, he believed, was a mechanical approach to art influenced by narrow academic teaching. Once the PRB movement was formally launched, attacks from art critics throughout England intensified. The PRB movement contradicted the views of almost all the other established artists in the country and led to John Ruskin, the foremost art critic of that time, formally meeting Everett with the intention of persuading him to cease the PRB. Everett did not agree to give up his ideologies so no agreement between the two was reached. However, the incident had a direct consequence on Everett’s personal life. Effie, Ruskin’s wife, met Everett and over a period of time started to develop an attraction to him. Eventually Effie divorced Ruskin and married Everett.
F Art historians today believe that the marriage of Everett and Effie acted as a catalyst in turning public opinion in his favour and inspired him to devote greater effort to his PRB movement. In 1865, Everett finished a series of paintings based on his ideologies and in 1876 with such masterpieces as ‘Twins’, ‘The Marquis of Salisbury’ and ‘The Lady Campbell’ became the most successful portrait painter of the day.
G In 1890, he was awarded the title of Sir and was made the president of the England Royal Art Academy. By that time, his works not only won the adoration of the masses in England but many other European countries as well. Unfortunately, shortly after being given the title of Sir, he fell ill and was wrongly diagnosed as having influenza. In 1894 it was discovered that he was actually suffering from cancer. During July 1896, his situation became very critical and the queen of England personally contacted his doctors offering her full support. Sir John Everett however, passed away on the 13th of August in 1896.
1 A cultural movement from 14th to17th century, which originated in Italy and was spread all over Europe.
Questions 28-35
The passage has seven paragraphs A-G.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-G in boxes 28-35 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
28 An event that led to a change in viewpoint.
29 A positive example of doing more than what was required.
30 An example of incorrect information being given.
31 A minority that showed appreciation.
32 An example of a positive change in human interaction.
33 A description of Everett’s physical appearance.
34 An example of an official organisational beginning.
35 An activity that was supposed to bring change.
Questions 36-40
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE | if the statement agrees with the information | |
FALSE | if the statement contradicts the information | |
NOT GIVEN | if there is no information on this |
36 Everett’s parents moved to London so he could study at the London Royal Academy.
37 In time, both his peers and teachers admired Everett.
38 As a youngster, Everett was interested in other artists.
39 Everett’s first exhibition featured art about economic and social position.
40 Everett’s plan for the PRB was to make art better.39 Everett’s first exhibition featured art about economic and social position.
Answers
1-B It is mentioned that the building of around 500 new houses will commence early in the new year (i.e. near future).
2-C It is stated that this suburb has the most dwellings and available rental places are snapped up quickly.
3-E The text states, “A large portion of available accommodation (in Caulfield) is newly-completed and modern”. In other words, most of the accommodation is new.
4-B It is mentioned that the suburb offers a brilliant outlook (i.e. great view) over the city.
5-E It is stated that a variety of mixed (i.e. different kinds of) accommodation options are available in Caulfield.
6-D It is mentioned that homes built in Malvern typically do not have any yards (i.e. outdoor living area).
7-A The text states that Richmond is well-known for its cosmopolitan (i.e. multinational) environment.
8-C It is stated that rental accommodation in the area is not readily available.
9-B It is mentioned that all meals are cooked on the premises by a child food specialist and the menus are rotated (i.e. a variety of options are served/offered).
10-D Additional clothes are provided to none of the groups.
11-C It is mentioned that one excursion (i.e. outing) session for this group is arranged every four weeks (i.e. once a month).
12-C It is mentioned that this group visits the local zoo (i.e. where live animals can be seen.)
13-D A student report is not included in any of the groups.
14-B It is mentioned that if a child is allergic to any food, a Food Allergy Form should be filled in. Filling in a form refers to writing.
15-contact The first paragraph states: “Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)… is commonly the first form of contact with a potential employer..”
16-approach The second paragraph states: “…so before you put pen to paper, it is worthwhile taking time to carefully think about your approach.” This means before you start to write your CV, you need to consider how you will approach it.
17-accomplishments Section A states: “Your main goal is to demonstrate a match between your accomplishments and the position you are applying for.” A ‘match’ shows the relationship between accomplishments and what is required in the position.
18-job description Section A states: “The job description will outline the qualifications and requisites for the position, so read it carefully.”
19-covering letter Section E states: “Never send out a CV without a covering letter highlighting the main areas from your CV…”
20-professional services Section H states: “If you have difficulty writing your CV and feel that it will detract from your job application, there are professional services that will assist you for a reasonable fee.”
Professional services can be used if CV writing is too challenging.
21-uniform The third paragraph states: “…change into your uniform and ensure it is ironed and stain-free..” This means uniforms must look clean.
22-the menu The third paragraph states: “Once those tasks are complete, familiarise yourself with the menu and any alterations made since you were last on duty.” Staff must we aware of any alterations (changes) that occurred with the menu.
23-head waiter The third paragraph states: “It may be necessary to consult with the head waiter about the dishes on offer so you can answer queries…” Queries are questions that may be asked by patrons (customers).
24-seated The fourth paragraph states, “When everyone is seated and has a menu, take their drink orders and inform them of the specials of the day.”
25-additional beverages The fifth paragraph states: “Take the meal orders when the guests indicate they are ready and check to see if additional beverages are needed.”
26-the bill The final paragraph states: “Be sure to check the bill before presenting it to the guests, making sure it is itemised and that the total and sales tax is correct.” This answer must have ‘the’ to be grammatically
correct!
27-begin again The final paragraph states, “After you have collected payment and taken leave of your patrons, it is
time to reset the table and begin again.”
28-F It is mentioned in section F that marriage of Everett and Effie acted as a catalyst in turning public opinion
(i.e. change in viewpoint) in his favour.
29-C Section C states that Everett used to read books that were not needed to pass the exam — he was generally
passionate and curious about the subject. This is a positive example of doing more than what was required.
30-G It is mentioned in Section G that Everett was wrongly diagnosed as having influenza, which was incorrect
information.
31-D It is stated in Section D that a small portion (i.e. minority) of art lovers praised (i.e. showed appreciation)
Everett’s exhibition.
32-B Section B mentions that Everett’s fellow students stopped bullying, and instead were awed (i.e. admired and
respected) by him. This is a positive change in human interaction.
33-B It is stated in Section B that Everett was a thinly-built boy, which refers to his physical appearance.
34-E The text states, “…the PRB movement was formally launched…”. This is the beginning of an official
organisation.
35-E Section E mentions that John Ruskin, the foremost art critic of that time, formally met Everett with the
intention of persuading him to cease (i.e. stop/change) the PRB. This was an activity that was supposed to
bring change – but it did not.
36-NG Everett was born in Southampton and studied in London – why the family moved is not given.
37-True Section B states that Everett’s teachers at the academy called him The Child due to his extraordinary
talents. Also, it is mentioned that his fellow students (i.e. peers) stopped and “bullying gave way to awe
(great admiration).
38-True Section C states that as an academy student, Everett read the biographies of the great artists (due
to), ‘genuine curiosity’ (interest) (i.e. he did not need to do this).
39-True It is mentioned that Everett’s first exhibition was about the social class system (economic and social
position) “…on…hierarchical or class distinctions between individuals and groups…”
40-True It is stated that the intention of Everett’s PRB movement in England was to reform (i.e. to improve,
to make better) art.