IELTS GENERAL TRAINING READING
Questions 1 - 14
Read the text and answer Questions 1-7.
UTOPIAN ISLAND TOURS
- ISLAND OVERVIEW AND BOOKINGS -
As New Zealand’s most attractive tour company, Utopian Island Tours is always there for you to make your trip to Waki Island enjoyable.
Making a booking:
Bookings require three forms of identification. This means you should provide us with a document showing your residential address, your passport (if not NZ citizen) and a phone number where you can be contacted. You can log on to our website and fill in the online booking form, you can call 425 125 483 or you can visit us in person at any of our 3 booking centres at Customs Road, City Centre and South Queens Road.
Departure times and rates for our tours:
Single day tours
Monday to Thursday: Depart 11.00 am, arrive 7.00 pm.
Friday to Sunday: Depart 8.45 am, arrival 9.00 pm.
Rates – Single: $150, Couple: $250, Child under 12: $50
Two-day tours
Monday to Thursday: Depart 11.00 am, arrive 5.30 pm (2 days later)
Friday to Sunday: Depart 8.45 am, arrive 9.00 pm (2 days later)
Rates – Single: $250, Couple: $400, Child under 12: $90
Things to bring:
· Warm clothes, weather can be quite unpredictable.
· Camera with reels, if SLR. The only photo studio at Waki often runs short of film.
· Binoculars can be great – you may spot some wildlife!
· Fishing gear.
· 2-day tourists like to bring their favourite drinks for the traditional first night BBQ.
Entertainment options available on the island:
Bars
Waki has three bars, all by the sea that remain open till late.
Shopping
Waki has a native handicraft bazaar right in the city centre. With all items reasonably priced, the bazaar is a fantastic place for souvenir hunters!
Restaurants
A variety of restaurants specialising in Waki sea-food are in demand on the island. A selection of other restaurants from hamburgers to Asian cuisine is also available.
Vineyard
Waki Island summer wines are reaching as far as Europe and US. Come and sample the delicious Waki wines!
Cancellations
In order to receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to the departure date. Cancellations made 1 to 6 days prior to departure will receive a partial refund of up to 50%. Cancellations made on the departure date will not be given a refund.
Questions 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes 1-7 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
1 New Zealand citizens must bring their passports to book a Utopian Island tour.
2 Tours can be booked on the Internet.
3 Larger groups (over 10) may receive a discount.
4 Two-day tours leaving on Wednesday arrive later than two-day tours that leave on Sunday.
5 The climate on Waki Island often changes.
6 All the bars on Waki Island are next to the ocean.
7 A person cancelling a trip one week before the departure date will receive a 100% refund.
Read the advertisements for apartments below and answer Questions 8-14.
Rental Apartment Ads
A. Northland Apartments Modern two bedroom, two bathroom dwellings with security parking for one car. Kitchen/Dining area, fully furnished. Each apartment is part of a three-story boutique-style building. Sea views on one side. One garden courtyard. Rent $1400 per month. Two month’s rental bond required. Inspection is available only on weekends by appointment. | |
Notes | |
Positives · stunning modern architecture, award winning boutique building · furniture and fixtures almost new · close to the beach, restaurants and pubs · heated swimming pool · pool and garden maintained by estate agent · one tennis court within the complex · 24-hour security camera. | Negatives · no lift facility, stairs only · maintenance fee of $500 for swimming pool, tennis court and security system · utility bills must be paid separately · minimum two months notice required before leaving · noisy during summer in the beach area · no intercom facility. |
B. Peninsula Apartments Fully furnished, one bedroom apartment in a spacious complex. One bathroom and large kitchen counters. Security guards on patrol 24 hours a day. Located in the heart of the City Shopping Complex area. Commercial establishments are located from the ground to the 7th floors with one-bedroom apartments on floors 8 to 12. Rent $900 per month, no rental bond required but one referral is mandatory. | |
Notes | |
Positives · roof top BBQ and party area · free membership at the Wellbeing Gym, (normally $100 per month) · all interior fittings are imported from Italy · separate lifts available from the ground floor directly to the apartment floors. | Negatives · no reserved parking for apartment tenants - tenants need to park in public parking or in the shopping complex parking next door · apartments have no windows – natural outdoor ventilation comes via the corridor outside each apartment · electricity, gas and water bills separate. |
C. Mascot Apartments Spaciously planned, open studio apartments at the posh residential area of Endeavour Hill. Separate bathroom and toilet – German fittings. Rent per month $1200. One month’s rental bond required. All apartments come with a balcony and windows on two sides. One garage per apartment. | |
Notes | |
Positives · separate guest entertainment lounge at each floor · central air-conditioning and heating installed · high speed broadband internet pre-installed, added $40 per month required · free window and carpet cleaning every three months. | Negatives · no nearby public transport, although taxi stand is close · nearest train station is 25 minutes walk · 25 year old building · no guest parking on premises · apartments not furnished. |
D. Villa Apartments Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two parking and one large living room. Separate kitchen. Fully furnished. Rent $2000 per month, all bills payable separately. Ideal for a family of 4. Lift as well as stair access to each floor. 24-hour alarm and security cameras. Two grocery shops, one convenience store and one saloon on the ground floor. No rental bond required. One month notice essential. | |
Notes | |
Positives · new building and furniture - built in 2005 · close to Custom Street ferry terminal - charming outdoor walk and entertainment areas · open roof area for small-scale parties · kids’ playground on the 1st floor · next to train station, bus stop and local school · guest parking facilities. | Negatives · domestic airport and major highway nearby · heavy traffic during weekday peak hours is to be expected · restricted speed limits due to school next door. |
Questions 8 - 14
Look at the four advertisements, A-D.
For which apartment are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.
8 This apartment would suitable for a family with children.
9 A recommendation from somebody else is a must before renting this apartment.
10 Surrounding areas would NOT be quiet during the warmest time of the year.
11 People with their own furniture would consider this accommodation.
12 This apartment would not be a good choice for people who have difficulty walking.
13 Pre-rental viewing is possible only on fixed days.
14 A local fitness centre will not charge residents of these apartments anything for membership.
SECTION 2
Questions 15-27
Read the information below and answer Questions 15-21.
CMG Bank
Credit Card Contract Information
Dear Customer, Thank you for applying for a CMG Bank Credit Card. A Credit Card Contract between you (the Primary Card Holder) and CMG Bank will govern the usage of your Credit Card. Please take the time to read and understand the following information, which is an overview of the important parts of our contract with you, our valued customer. 1. Identification It is a requirement that you provide CMG verification of your identity. This is a legal requirement which can be met by producing any two of the following documents: A. Driver’s Licence B. Birth Certificate C. Valid Passport D. Any existing Credit Card details At least one of the above documents MUST contain your photograph and signature. 2. Credit Limit The credit limit you are entitled to will be provided in the Letter of Offer, which you will receive if your application is successful. You may request an increase in your credit limit at any time. The bank reviews all requests and usually notifies customers after five (5) working days. You must not exceed your credit limit unless CMG Bank has authorised you to do so in writing. If you exceed your limit, a warning letter and/or email is sent to you and a penalty fee of £40 will be automatically debited from your account. Funds exceeding your limit are also charged at the highest rate of interest (check www.cmgbank.co.uk for updated rates). 3. Rules for Use A. CMG Bank Credit Card must be used wholly and exclusively by you and/or nominated user(s). B. Use of the card for any unlawful purposes (i.e. purchase of goods or services that are prohibited by law) will result in immediate suspension. C. If you require a card for exclusive business use, please telephone a local CMG branch and ask about Business Credit Card. 4. Additional Cards A. You can nominate any person over 16 to be a Secondary User. This means they can carry an additional card that will be linked to your credit account. B. You will be responsible and liable for any purchase made on this additional card. It is also your responsibility make available a copy of this contract and explain the Terms and Conditions to any nominated Secondary User. The additional cardholder may make full use of the credit card to purchase goods and services and receive cash advances. Nominated Secondary Users may not request a credit limit increase. C. Once you have nominated a Secondary User, CMG will mail the additional card to the person. Please make sure you provide the correct address. D. The primary card holder is able to cancel an additional card at any time by filling a from at our Card Cancellation Department. 5. Purchasing from Merchants A. A CMG Bank Credit Card is accepted by all merchants displaying the card symbol. B. The price a merchant charges for goods and/or services purchased may differ from a cash price. CMG will not bear any liability for merchants’ pricing. C. If you have a complaint regarding goods or services purchased, you need to resolve the issue with the merchant directly. |
Questions 15-18
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
In boxes 15-18 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
15 The maximum amount of money a customer can spend is stated in the Letter of Offer.
16 If a customer exceeds their credit limit, interest and £40 will be charged.
17 The CMG Bank Credit Card may also be used for some business transactions.
18 Secondary users will be responsible for any purchase they make.
Questions 19-21
Complete the sentences below with words taken from the passage.
Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 19-21 on your answer sheet.
19 Out of four verification documents, one must have the applicant’s ………. .
20 CMG’s response to requests for a credit limit increase takes ……….. .
21 Clients wanting a ………. should phone the bank.
Read the text and answer Questions 22-27.
CMG Bank
Card Descriptions and Options
CMG Silver Card Enjoy a low annual fee as well as a low 7% per annum interest on purchases. Cash advances must be requested in writing. The Silver Card offers customers a credit limit of up to £2000 which makes it a great card for junior executives and people in casual employment. Apply on or before July 15 for the special promotional offer – 55 days interest free* purchase. A fixed annual fee of only £45 or £30 if you are currently a CMG banking customer. CMG Gold Card A low 9% interest rate per annum with a credit limit of up to £3000. Automatic cash advance facilities**. An annual fee of only £50 if customers link their credit account with their existing CMG savings account. For non-CMG customers, the annual fee is £65. Special Gold-Class online protection for internet transactions. Upon request, phone banking facilities are activated for fund transfers. Optional insurance cover for loss or theft of the card – a standard fee of £40 annually applies for this option. CMG Gold Plus Card Become a Gold Plus Card holder before July 31 and enjoy no interest and no repayments for 3 months! Earn bonus points for every purchase. Earn cash or airline ticket rewards for accumulated points - one point for every dollar spent***. A credit limit of £5000 applies with an interest free period of 45 days. Annual fee of £75. Three Secondary User cards at no additional issuing cost which incur a low annual fee of £10 per card. CMG Platinum Card If you apply online before August 31 during our special promotional period, you will enjoy no interest charges for up to 6 months. Always 55 days interest free credit on all purchases. A credit limit of up to £7,500 available upon request. The Platinum Card has been specially designed for managers and high level executives. An annual fee of £100 applies. Year-end inter-state airline ticket gift for all cardholders in good standing. Five Secondary User cards may be issued at no extra cost. 2 points for every dollar spent in the rewards programme. Rewards include: home furniture, electronic goods, free petrol, kitchen appliances, clothing and more! Additional optional services CMG Credit Cover (CCC): CCC is an option customers may choose that helps to provide peace of mind. If you experience an illness or injury or become involuntarily unemployed, CCC insures that your minimum monthly credit payment will be met. In the event of your total and permanent disablement, CCC will pay your credit card balance in full. CCC covers any loss due to stolen cards. Security Plus Protects you against any fraudulent use of your credit card and other valuable personal possessions like mobile phones and laptop computers. It is an outsourced service from Secure Plus Insurance Company Ltd. that works in close association with CMG. For a nominal yearly cost of £25 you can enjoy the benefits of this service. Simply register the details of your card(s) and valuables with Security Plus. If your card(s) or other possessions are lost or stolen, inform Security Plus. Your accounts will be blocked and measures will be taken to recover your items. |
*does not apply to cash advances
** an interest rate of 17% applies to cash advances
*** no points are awarded for cash advances
Questions 22 - 27
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet.
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet.
22 The CMG Silver Card
A permits customers to spend up to £2000.
B is only for junior executives or casual workers.
C must be used on or before July 15.
D has a standard fee for all customers.
23 The CMG Gold Card
A provides internet security.
B offers free insurance against theft.
C provides a selection of insurers.
D requires cardholders to have a CMG savings account
24 The CMG Gold Plus Card
A allows for additional cards at no extra cost.
B allows owners to spend more than £5000 interest free.
C offers a reward for each dollar spent.
D is offering a special deal for new customers.
25 The CMG Platinum Card
A does not charge interest for a period of 6 months.
B costs £100 per year.
C automatically offers customers a £7,500 credit limit.
D offers an automatic credit limit of £15,000.
26 Security Plus
A is a service that operates through mobile phones.
B is a company owned by CMG Bank.
C prevents the risk of excess funds being transferred by a cardholder.
D costs £25 per year.
27 A new customer not wanting to pay high annual fees should choose the
A CMG Gold Plus Card.
B CMG Platinum Card.
C CMG Silver Card.
D CMG Gold Card.
SECTION 3
Questions 28 - 40
Read the passage and answer questions 28-40.
Measuring Intelligence
A Intelligence has been defined as ‘a property of mind that enables us to perform a wide variety of mental activities that include reasoning, planning, solving problems and learning new things’. However psychologists that focus on ways to measure intelligence, define it as ‘the degree to which one can adapt to one’s environment’.
B The first attempts in the modern era to systematically measure intelligence date back to the beginning of the 20th century. French psychologist Alfred Binet published the first modern intelligence test, the Binet-Simon intelligence scale in 1905. His original intention was to identify students that needed extra academic support. Unfortunately, he was not able to complete his work, managing just two revisions of his initial study, before he passed away in 1911 at the age of 54.
C Englishman Sir Francis Galton also contributed to the development of intelligence measurement techniques. His research focused on a slightly different aspect of intelligence that he called psychometrics. This area of study was concerned with the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits. Like Binet, he also started his research by focusing on the differences between individuals and groups of individuals. Galton studied people’s ‘everyday activities’ for several weeks and noted that although the activities are common to all people, there were considerable variations in terms of the mental processes required to perform the tasks. Galton’s psychometric point of view and Binet’s idea of a scale-based measurement of intelligence opened new avenues for further research and inspired other psychologists.
D The next significant step along the road to measuring intelligence was in 1912 through the work of William Stern. Although Stern did not follow directly on from Binet’s work, his research popularised the term intelligence quotient or IQ. It was Stanford University psychologist Lewis Terman who did continue Binet’s work showing, through the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, that IQ could be measured. Almost a century later, one of the most effective measurement tools of human intelligence is based upon Stern’s original IQ test. Later, in 1906 while at Stanford, Terman published a revised and perfected Binet-Simon scale for American populations. This Stanford Revision of the Binet-Simon Scale, soon became known as the Stanford-Binet, was considered to be the best available individual intelligence test of its day. Terman’s work focused on the scientific diagnosis and classification of children based on their intelligence. Terman followed Stern's research methods and measured human intelligence through use of a formula - the ratio of mental age and chronological age multiplied by 100. Terman’s research enabled schools to organise special classes for the students with a low score on the intelligence scale and to develop an advanced curriculum for students who were of superior intelligence. From 1949 to 1955, psychologist David Wechsler developed an integrated intelligence measurement tool. This tool was used to measure the intelligence of both adults and children. Wechsler’s tests have grown in popularity amongst today’s psychologists with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children being commonly used for adults and children alike.
E Like all revolutionary inventions, the measurement of IQ also went through a lot of changes during the early phases of its development. Gradually, the complex testing format was simplified and standardised. During the 1990s, IQ measurement was reduced to simply answering some questions in a 30-minute test. IQ measurement systems have proven to be so popular that organisations, clubs and societies have formed which only accept members with certain IQ levels. The most well-known of these groups, Mensa International, was founded by an Australian barrister Roland Berrill after he received financial assistance from British technologist, Dr. Lancelot Ware. Mensa only accepts members who have scored in the top 2% of a standardised IQ test. Gradually a number of similar clubs and societies have formed worldwide, many of them now well-established authorities that promote human intelligence studies for the benefit of greater humanity.
F In the present day, psychologists have grouped IQ test forms based on the precise aspects of intelligence to be tested. These IQ tests are usually a mix of problems aimed at measuring short-term memory, pinpointing verbal knowledge, exploring spatial visualisation and calculating the speed of perception. Based upon the method used, some tests have a total time limit while others have a specific time limit for each subset. When it comes to measuring high intelligence however, tests are neither bound by time nor by supervision.
G The acceptance of modern IQ testing systems increased when the Guinness Book of World Records added a category which they called ‘Highest IQ’. Many were surprised to learn that Marilyn Savant, the one given the title, was a university drop-out. There are, however, groups of people who oppose the concept of measuring intelligence. They represent a school of thought that conclude that intelligence is something too abstract to measure and to express in terms of numeric values. It is believed that the development of computer technology will someday resolve the controversies surrounding how intelligence is measured.
Questions 28-34
Look at the following statements (Questions 28-34) and the list of people below.
Match each statement with the person to whom it refers.
Write your answers A-H in boxes 28-34 on your answer sheet.
28 the foundation for one of the best present-day intelligence measurement tools
29 intellectual ability to do daily work varies from person to person
30 a wealthy man who helped someone to implement an idea
31 the pioneer of contemporary intelligence testing
32 highly intelligent but did not complete university
33 invented a mathematical rule to measure intelligence
34 originated the concept of a group that only accepts members who have high IQs
List of People
A Lewis Terman
B Marilyn Savant
C William Stern
D Roland Berrill
E Francis Galton
F Alfred Binet
G David Wechsler
H Lancelot Ware
Questions 35-40
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes 35-40 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
35 Psychologists that measure intelligence define it as being how easily people can change to suit their surroundings.
36 Binet studied intelligence in order to locate students with learning problems.
37 Galton’s research showed that regular human activities use different parts of the brain.
38 Stern’s IQ test is considered the best intelligence measurement tool today.
38 Stern’s IQ test is considered the best intelligence measurement tool today.
39 IQ tests must be supervised by a qualified professional.
40 Computers are expected to solve the problems related to the measurement of IQ.
Answers
1 False It is mentioned that passport is need if the tourist is not New Zealand citizen. This means that New Zealand citizens do not need to bring passport.
2 True It is mentioned that one can log on to website and fill in the online booking form. It means that the tours can be booked online.
3 Not Given The passage does not specify anything regarding discounts for larger groups.
4 False It is mentioned that tours leaving on Wednesday arrive at 5.30PM, while tours leaving on Sunday arrive at 9.00PM. So, Wednesday tours do not arrive later than Sunday tours, rather they arrive 3 and half hour earlier.
5 True It is mentioned that the weather can be quite unpredictable, which means it changes frequently.
6 True It is mentioned that the bars are by the sea, which means next to the ocean.
7 True It is stated that in order to receive a full refund (i.e. 100% refund), cancellations must be made at least 7 days (i.e. 1 week) prior to the departure date.
8 D It is mentioned that it is ideal for family of 4. Family of 4 refers to family with children.
9 B It is mentioned that referral is mandatory. Referral means recommendation by somebody and mandatory means that it is a must.
10 A It is mentioned that ‘the area is noisy during summer’. Noisy means it is loud. Summer is the warmest time of the year.
11 C The advertisement clearly states that Mascot Apartments are not furnished.
12 A It is mentioned that there is no lift, only stairs. It is not a good choice for people who have difficulty walking (climbing the stairs).
13 A It is stated that inspection open only during weekends. Inspection refers to assessment and only during weekend means there are fixed days for inspection.
14 B It is mentioned that the commercial gym (i.e. fitness centre) offers free membership to the tenants. Free membership means there is no charge applicable.
Lab 4, Reading Passage 2: Answers and Suggestions
Quest. Number Answer Scott’s Tips for Answering the Questions
15 True It is mentioned that the Letter of Offer mentions the credit limit, which means the maximum amount of money a user can spend.
16 True It is mentioned that a penalty fee of £40 will be changed for exceeding credit limit. It is also mentioned that funds exceeding credit limit will be charged at the highest interest rate.
17 Not Given It is mentioned that clients can get CMG Business Credit Card for dedicated business purposes. But, whether or not the CMG Bank Credit card can be used for some business transaction is not given.
18 False It is mentioned that the primary cardholder will be responsible for any purchase that the secondary users make.
19 signature and photograph It is mentioned that among the four documents at least one must have photograph and signature of the applicant.
20 five working days It is mentioned that the bank reviews requests for increasing credit limits and notifies within 5 working days.
21 Business Credit Card It is mentioned that clients looking for a card for business purpose should contact the bank for Business Credit Card.
22 A It is mentioned that the CMG Silver Card has a credit limit of $2000, which means that it permits the user to spend up to $2000.
23 A It is mentioned that CMG Gold Card offers online protection, which means internet security.
24 D If customers become CMG Gold Plus Card holders before July 31 they will enjoy no interest and no repayments for 3 months – this is a special offer.
25 B It is mentioned that CMG Platinum Card has an annual fee of £100, which means it costs £100 per year.
26 D It is mentioned that Security Plus costs a nominal fee of £25 per year.
27 C It can be calculated that for CMG Silver Card the annual fee for a new customer is £45, which is the lowest.
Lab 4, Reading Passage 3: Answers and Suggestions
Quest. Number Answer Scott’s Tips for Answering the Questions
28 C It is mentioned in Section D that almost a century later, William Stern’s test is still considered as the basis (i.e. foundation) for one of the most effective measurement tools of human intelligence.
29 E It is mentioned in Section C that Francis Galton studied people’s everyday activities (i.e. daily works) and noted considerable variations in terms of the mental (intellectual) processes to perform tasks.
30 H It is mentioned in Section E that Lancelot Ware was an affluent (i.e. wealthy) professional who financially helped Berrill to implement the idea of forming a club.
31 F It is mentioned in Section B that Alfred Binet published the first (i.e. pioneer) modern (i.e. contemporary) intelligence test.
32 B It is mentioned in Section G that Marilyn Savant, a university drop-out (i.e. did not continue study) had the highest IQ in the world.
33 A It is stated in Section D that Terman developed a formula (i.e. mathematical rule) to measure intelligence.
34 D It is mentioned that in Section E that Roland Berrill started Mensa International that accepted the top 2% IQ scorers as members.
35 True It is mentioned that psychologists define intelligence as ‘the degree to which one can adapt to one’s environment’, which means people’s ability to change (adapt) to suit their surroundings (i.e. environment).
36 True Section B mentions that Binet’s intention of developing intelligence test was to identify (i.e. locate) students that needed extra academic support, which means the students who had learning problems.
37 Not Given Section C mentions about Galton’s work on individuals and groups of individuals but it does not mention whether or not his researcSh showed that regular human activities use different parts of the brain.
38 Not Given Section D mentions that almost a century later, one of the most effective measurement tools of human intelligence is based upon Stern’s original IQ test. It does not mention that Stern’s test is the best. Also, ‘based upon’ does not mean that Stern’s test is the tool. The answer is not given.
39 False Section F mentions that high intelligence tests are not bound by supervision, which means supervision is not mandatory (i.e. a must) for all tests.
40 True Section G mentions that someday computers will resolve the controversies (i.e. problems) on how intelligence is measured.