Ielts Reading Gt Test Paper

IELTS Reading Text 1 Travelling on the London Underground Introduction The London underground is the most convenient way to travel in London. The 275 stations are dispersed throughout the entire city, 63 of which are in the centre. Therefore, it‟s not surprising that the majority of Londoners and tourists use the underground. The size of the network London currently has 12 tube lines which spread across the whole city and into its outskirts and suburbs. In total there are 402 kilometres of track. This means that you can get around quite easily using the underground. The network itself is the second largest in the world. Rush hour Peak times are in the early morning and evening between 7-9 and 5-7. Over a billion passengers per year makes the London underground the third busiest system in Europe, while the daily ridership is averaged at 2.93 million in the week, rising to 3.5 at weekends. Service times Most lines offer services every few minutes from the hours of 5:30 to 12:30. However, Sundays offer a slightly reduced service with trains only running between 7:30 and 23:30. Public holidays also affect service times as too do severe weather conditions such as floods and snow. Ticket options A valid ticket or travel card is necessary to travel on the network. This must be purchased before starting your journey. The cheapest option is a single ticket and the most expensive a yearly pass. There are also daily, weekly or monthly passes but the majority of regular travellers choose to have an electronic rechargeable pass called an „Oyster card‟ or a „pay as you go‟ card. Ticket Pricing The price of a ticket varies per zone and travel time. For example, a single ticket for zone 1 at „offpeak‟ is currently £4.00 while a day travel card is £6.60. A single ticket for zones 1-9 in comparison is £5.90 and a day pay stands at £14.50. Reductions Cheaper fares are available for young people, university students, unemployed and groups. Disabled and retired people can also apply in writing for a „freedom pass‟ to gain free unlimited travel across the network at any time. Fines

Travel without a valid ticket will result in a fine of £50 leading to £1,000 and the possibility of 3 months imprisonment for refusal to pay. For these reasons it is highly recommended that you purchase a ticket and also validate it using the machines at the entrance of the underground station.

Questions 1-7 Look at the extract from a leaflet about London Underground. Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each, answer the following questions. 1. How many tube lines reach the suburbs? 2. How many people travel on the London underground in one year? 3. What kind of service is offered on Sundays? 4. Which TWO environmental conditions affect the trains? 5. Which ticket has the lowest cost? 6. How much do disabled people pay to use the underground? 7. What is the worst punishment for not buying a ticket?

IELTS Reading Text 2 The Central Library announcement The Bristol city centre library is pleased to announce that it has won government funding for a major update. Presently located in 342 Clifton place, the library has been a focal point of the city for over 100 years. The money will be spent on major repairs to the current building, the interior will be redesigned to increase the amount of seating, toilets and computers and self-service check-in and check-outs will be installed. The library catalogue will also be extensively improved. Opening times are set to increase to 7 days a week from 8-21 Monday to Saturday and 9-14 on Sundays. The construction of a separate children‟s library is to commence at 386 Clifton place on the site of the old swimming pool. This will provide young children and teenagers with access to a wide range of books, music and multimedia. Regular social and learning activities are also to be arranged as part of the council‟s „reading for life‟ project. Primary school story times will remain unaffected and bookable via the main desk but with greater availability because of the larger space. After school activity clubs are to be scheduled between 3 and 5 for parents and their children as well as regular weekend puppet performances. However, parents should note that the children‟s library is not due to be opened until late 2012. A mobile library service is another possible addition if there is demand from residents. Other nearby cities have such a service so this will be on the agenda at the next council meeting. Anyone interested in this proposal should notify the library in person or visit their website before May 21. The service will be run by local volunteers and be available 3 mornings a week. If you would like to offer your time to this or any related library services please call the council‟s volunteer agency on 0117 903546. The current library is set to close temporarily from July 14 and then reopen December 17 if work goes as planned. The children‟s library is already in the second phase of planning. During this period

residents may wish to visit the nearby Arts and Social Sciences library as many of the central library‟s most popular resources will be transferred. Other less in demand items may be available at other libraries within the area which can be acquired via an inter-library loan. The council‟s digital e-library is another option for residents with internet access.

Questions 8-14 Match each statement with the library it applies to. A. The arts and social sciences library B. The children‟s library C. The city centre library D. The mobile library Write the letter A-D in boxes 8-14. 8. is to have its facilities improved 9. will offer more flexible opening times 10. will entertain families on Saturday and Sunday 11. will continue services for school classes 12. will be manned by unpaid staff 13. is not a full time service 14. will host a temporary book collection.

IELTS Reading Text 3 Staff training Staff training is very beneficial for companies but some staff still remain unconvinced. This is a difference in beliefs between departments about the general effectiveness of training. Our company goal has always been to integrate consistent training into all our departments because it creates a more favourable environment in which to work. In fact, we have been rated as the industry‟s number five work place solely on the basis of our positive and encouraging company culture, much of which is connected to staff development. Motivation is a common reason for providing training. Our board of directors have always believed that job satisfaction and happy staff who enjoy their job should work better and more efficiently than unsatisfied employees. Problems of unmotivated or even demotivated staff are common in the current economic climate as many fear redundancy or have no hope of promotion. Therefore, we continue to invest in growth opportunities and internal promotion. Technology represents another rational behind our staff training. New computers, networks and evolving working habits all need to be explained to new and existing staff alike. Nevertheless, time for training seems scarce and as a result certified online courses are being introduced at all levels due to

their flexibility. Online language courses have increased in popularity with employees who can study online at lunch or after work. Mobile internet access also means we can now offer employee training 24 hours a day. Not all employers support staff training. There are valid reasons for a lack of staff training departments. HR company Guptar associates revealed that a substantial percentage of both in-house and out-house training is actually unproductive. As an alternative they propose more effective training with specific measurable goals as opposed to more qualitative and hard to assess personal improvement aims. They additionally point to the need for whole team involvement from the top of the department all the way down to the shop floor. We have taken this onboard and are devising new courses to be offered on a larger scale. Training has become a large market as greater numbers of companies outsource to training „experts‟. One important fact that remains is that it is still on the bottom of most manager‟s priorities, possibly in fear of highly trained employees who have received expensive training resigning and taking their expensive skills with them. To tackle both these issues we have started a mentoring system for new staff which brings larger benefits than external trainers and coupled with our online training provides a more effective solution with lower costs. As a result, we no longer need to tie employees to the company with set contracts to recover training costs.

Questions 15-21 Choose the correct letter, A, B or C. 15. Why does the company incorporate training? A. Because it makes the company better. B. Because it makes a better working environment. C. Because it is good for the environment. 16. How does the company deal with the effects of the economic climate? A. They continue developing. B. They invest more money in the company. C. They expand and promote existing staff. 17. What is the main benefit of online courses? A. Their flexibility. B. They are certified. C. They are popular with staff. 18. What do mobile phones offer employees? A. 24 hours of training. B. Access to training all day.

C. Mobile phone training 19. What do Guptar associates suggest? A. Training for every employee which can be measured. B. Personal training. C. New courses on a bigger scale. 20. Why is training unpopular with managers? A. Because training is expensive. B. Because some staff leave after receiving training C. Because staff do not enjoy training. 21. What are the benefits of the mentoring system? A. It is effective and cheap. B. It uses external trainers. C. It does not recover costs.

IELTS Reading Text 4 Recruitment process for a personal assistant for the marketing manager Applicants for the post of personal assistant to the marketing manager are encouraged to note the following procedural steps. The job application form and job-related information can be accessed from the company website at http://www.telcon.com For a.n informal discussion about the post please email Sarah Paul at [email protected]. Applicants should complete the form in full online before the 26 September deadline. 1) Candidates must read the job description which includes relevant responsibilities associated with the post. Linked to this is the job specification which is a list of all the necessary skills, experience and qualifications the required employee must hold in order to carry out the job satisfactorily. Candidates should check they meet all these criteria before proceeding with the application process. 2) The 4 page application form should be thoroughly completed with all requested personal details, qualifications and experience. Neither CVs nor cover letters should be attached to the application form. However, 3 references are required but these will not be contacted prior to interview. The application form can then be submitted and applicants will receive a confirmation email immediately. 3) On receipt of all applications dossiers will be compiled and a short-list of potential candidates drawn up. This is based on who meets the criteria stated in the advertisement. Candidates will receive an email informing them of their success or failure to secure an interview. Unsuccessful candidates may request a more detailed explanation to aid them in their future job search.

4) Interviews are then to be scheduled and arranged over 2 consecutive days from 10-11 November. There will be a panel consisting of a member of HR, the line manager and the marketing manager. The company‟s interview procedure involves 3 steps. The first being 10 a minute questioning period with each candidate, the second is a 5 minute individual presentation on a set topic and finally a group problem solving task related to the job is to be observed and recorded. 5) Following a selection meeting the successful candidate will be notified and an in-depth criminal disclosure check carried out. Once the necessary checks are completed a formal job offer will be issued to which the candidate should reply with a formal acceptance. At this point related issues such as relocation assistance and induction training can be finalised and the contract will be drawn up and signed.

Questions 22-27 Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer. Candidates make sure they are suitable for the position by reading the job description and job 22____________ The candidates complete the 23____________ form in full. Short-listed candidates will receive notice via 24____________. A 25____________ of 3 people will conduct the interviews. The chosen candidate will only receive an official 26____________ when he/she passes the background checks. The contract will be 27____________ after discussions about the candidate moving location and carrying out initial training are discussed.

IELTS Reading Text 5 Eco Holidays in Costa Rica A. Saving the world is something we all wish we could do but may never get the chance. One way we can make a contribution is through our daily lives and the choices we make. Ever since the „green‟ movement people have become increasingly concerned about this issue. Sadly, we can‟t all quit our jobs and go volunteer in the jungles of Peru or fight to save endangered animals in the Congo. But those of us who would like to do something this summer instead of sitting at home or on the beach now can without sacrificing a well earned break. E-Hols offer Eco Holidays in the exotic location of Costa Rica where holidaymakers can enjoy themselves in a less environmentally damaging way and have the holiday of a life time. B. For holidaymakers like me, used to travelling in style and staying in four and five star hotels in Europe, an Eco Holiday can be a bit of a shock to the system. On my first day I was bustled into a

local bus and travelled 60 km in scorching heat which took over 3 hours. Arriving at the Jose Bondita conservation park I was greeted by Mr Bondita himself. As we drove through the wild vegetation in his 4 by 4 to my wooden hut for the next 2 weeks he pointed out the vast array of iguanas, toucans and monkeys dotted throughout the reserve. In excess of 420 other species of birds are also said to be in the rainforest and along the rocky coastline on the borders of the park. For many of these creatures Jose Bondita is a safe refuge away from poachers and the animal trade. C. Founded in 1984 the park shot to fame after a BBC documentary revealed its beautiful unspoiled landscapes and rugged terrain to the world and they haven‟t looked back since. Everything on the site is environmentally friendly from the natural gas used to power the vehicles to the solar power for heating the water and all the amenities. Even the vegetables are grown locally and completely GM and pesticide free. Sustainability is paramount according to Mr Bonita who is keen to avoid turning the park into a tourist destination. Bondita is adamant that his park will not become commercialised. “We are not and never will be for that matter, in it for the money”. He asserts his desire to couple education and conservation, 2 themes which his park is built on. “We are not about holidays, we offer life changing experiences that will change how people view their role in our world” he says. D. As I had purchased the standard „eco-tourist‟ package I was granted full access to all the park‟s activities and facilities. For those on a tighter budget there‟s the „eco-basic‟ package which includes a pass to the park and the facilities only. On my second day we headed off into the unknown on a jeep safari at dusk through the indescribably beautiful scenery. Looking for further excitement I later opted for a zip line tour of the rainforest canopy but turned down bungee jumping off the cliff. Although I still found time for some relaxing strolls and late night fire side chats with other visitors, all of whom were left amazed by the whole experience. My favourite free time activity though was feeding baby wild animals and even helping out with park maintenance fixing fences. By the time my trip had come to an end I had promised never to stay in a hotel complex again. It is safe to say that these experiences are not for everyone but provide a once in a lifetime experience which will alter anyone‟s view of the importance of animal conservation. E. With bookings set to increase even further next year Jose Bondita may become a victim of its own success. Demand has far outstripped the park‟s capacity to comfortably accommodate visitors. Trails tend to be congested and as the amount of vehicles rises so does the impact on the natural ecosystem. The park itself is one of several in the area with more on the way as Bonita‟s success seems to be spreading. According to a local council representative “we have become aware of the potential for attracting tourism and using that money to protect our environment”. In fact, yearly ecovisitors to Costa Rica are estimated at around 1.8 million. Actually, it is somewhat of an international success story. The revenue alone is in the region of $1.9 billion.

Questions 28-31 The passage has 5 paragraphs labelled A-E. Which paragraph contains the following information? 28. a large variety of animals 29. a belief about the future of the park 30. 2 dangerous sports 31. a negative result of increased tourists

Questions 32-37 Complete the summary below using words from the box. amazement belief bird break experience holiday location perception park power refuge time An Eco 33____________ offers an exciting and more environmentally friendly experience than normal more breaks. The Bondita park contains a large number of birds and other creatures and is a 34____________ where they are safe from hunters. Everything about the35____________ is environmentally friendly. It is aimed to educate visitors and change their36____________ of our world. There are many activities for visitors to take part in and guests are generally positive about the entire 37____________. The park has become popular and others will be created in the area.

Questions 38-40 Choose THREE letters A- F Which THREE of the following benefits does the park provide according to the writer of the text? 28. A. a memorable holiday 29. B. luxury hotels 30. C. a way to save animals 31. D. a sustainable way of life 32. E. an opportunity to meet similar people 33. F. a range of packages to suit different budgets