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IELTS General Practice Test 1

GENERAL TRAINING

Reading (1 hour)

PART 1

Look at the article on the next page about university accommodation and at the statements
(1-8) below.

Questions 1-8

In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet write

TRUE if the statement is true


FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage

1. A fresher goes through more emotional distress than other undergraduates.

2. Few students are fond of staying in a place which resembles their home.

3. Second year students do not stand a chance of being offered a room in halls of residence.

4. House-hunting is more exciting than moving to university-managed accommodation.

5. A range of financial terms is included in a property rental agreement.

6. New friends should have parties in communal areas in halls of residence.

7. Students will be in the red unless they set a budget before they go house-hunting.

8. Reasonable rental prices can be found near university and local amenities.

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Uni Accommodation -

Should you stay or should you leave?

You have been through the whole process – Having said that, second-year undergraduate
filled in an UCAS application form, sent the students are not so keen on staying in halls of
results of your A-levels, passed your residence or flats administered by their
English exam and was finally given an offer university. At this stage, either the
to join university. Now you are on your way accommodation bureau is not up to offer a
to move to the university accommodation of place to older students (as there is a policy
your choice, a question arises in your head – for welcoming first-year students before
where is the best place for a student to stay anyone else, and, then, if a room remains
while being at uni in the UK? empty, they will consider other applications)
or they have met a few friends who they get
A survey has shown that over 60 percent of along with, and they feel it is time to go
first-year students look for a room within house-hunting. This is when the adventure
the available university-managed for undergraduate students starts again. Now
accommodation houses. The reason for that they are familiar with their university
is simple – a fresher tends to feel lonely, lost policies and the new city life, they are about
and homesick more often than a final year to be bombarded with new rules and
undergraduate. In addition to that, halls of regulations set by estate agencies. Payments
residence are like a refugee camp where the are to be made pcm. (per calendar month), a
newcomers can gather together so as to monthly deposit is to be given beforehand,
survive in the new environment, which flat and house rents are either bills inc. or
initially may be so obscure that they often bills exc. (including or excluding bills) and
get lost amid the disturbing and exciting big so on.
city.
No matter what they go for, around 30
On-campus housing facilities also count for percent of final year undergraduates send
their final choice – the majority of the their applications forms and hope to come
residents said that a place with a homey back to the university accommodation and
atmosphere, like a lounge with comfortable their halls of residence so that they can
sofas and a TV or a fully-equipped kitchen finally complete their degree.
and a launderette, was very important for
their well-being.

When you cook or Check out the facilities


Tips for Undergraduates
do the washing, think included in the rental
In the halls of residence about the others – do not price before you move to
leave your personal stuff the new place. Do they
Make the most of your lying around. meet your needs?
room, keep it neat and Take a look at the
When house-hunting
clean and you will have neighbourhood and local
a nice study Set your own budget and ask transport – cheap
environment. your flatmates to do the accommodation in
same. This way, you do faraway suburbs turns out
Socialise – the kitchen, not end up signing over- to be overpriced at the end
lounge and bar are budget contracts and of the day!
there for you so that getting into debt.
you can make new
friends.

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Questions 9-14

Match the adventure holidays to the statements 9-14.

Write the appropriate letters (A-H) in the boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet.

NB Some of the holidays may be chosen more than once.

9. The water is very salty there.

10. You can see natural landscapes from a different angle.

11. As you swim, the flowing water splashes over the rocks.

12. There is a range of wild animals in this place.

13. You can find ancient ruins there.

14. Do not attempt to swim there without appropriate equipment.

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Natural Landscapes for you!
If you are eager to be in contact with nature, then these options of adventure holidays are
definitely to be in your choice list

A. Incas in the jungle! E. Visit the Treasure Island!


Enjoy the mysterious trail in the Andes Come on hiking over the coastal area of
mountains and be astounded with the Ireland! Known as the Emerald Island, this
magical monuments of Machu Pichu! The can be an exciting journey as you can go
historical Incas and the fascinating horse-riding there! Enjoy the freedom of
reminiscences of their culture will be a the greenest countryside you have ever
thrilling moment in your life! seen!

B. Magnificent Serra da Canastra F. Desert Landscape


Ever seen huge waterfalls? Not yet? Then, Explore the desert lands in Chile! As you
you are welcome to a unique place! walk through the hot, arid plateau during
Follow trails through the jungle and go the day, you will be surprised with the
hiking on Minas’ mountains so as to reach historical importance of Atacama! And the
astonishing waterfalls! As you celebrate salt basins will impress you with its
your arrival, you can swim in the clearest exuberance!
water and have an unforgettable
experience! G. Bonito is really beautiful!
Go on a trip to the Pantanal jungle and
C. Seven Sisters & You watch a variety of fauna and flora as you
Here is a long walk through the English travel by a boat on the river! When you
countryside - among sheep and goats and arrive at Bonito, you can go water-rafting
an amazing lake - until you reach an on the waterfalls or snorkelling in the lakes
untouched beach, full of pebbles, and under the caves!
seven white cliffs! Contemplate the sea
that always greets the seven sisters! H. Come on rocky time!
If you are into rock-climbing, then you are
D. Long way down in Queenstown coming to the right place! Join groups of
Fancy a radical sport? Well, you are in the rock-climbers and you can see terrific
ideal place for bung-jumping! Walk views whether you are going up or down!
through the forest and enjoy the natural Camping is an alternative to those who
landscape before you see yourself want to go on longer journeys!
jumping over it!

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PART 2

Questions 15-21.

From the list of headings below, choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph A-G.

Write the appropriate numbers (i-x) in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.

List of headings

i Allow the best fluid intake


ii Have a joyful time
iii Overcome difficulties
iv Mind your own business
v Renew your body cells
vi Review your meals
vii Become proactive
viii Control your diabetes
ix Be in touch with nature
x Count your calories

15. Paragraph A

16. Paragraph B

17. Paragraph C

18. Paragraph D

19. Paragraph E

20. Paragraph F

21. Paragraph G

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Food for Thought
Seven steps to a healthier life

A. First of all, dieting does not only consist of dashing to the supermarket and glancing
through shelves in search of a miserable, tiny chocolate bar with the word ‘diet’ written in
gold letters. Dieting is about balancing the food you eat! In other words, you cannot eat
some green salad and sip a glass of grapefruit juice and, then, ask for three hamburgers and
a pack of chips. You should think about the food you eat as if you had to put it on a scale.
Instead of dragging your feet when you step on a scale, consider a fast handwriting in
calorie scale. How many calories am I supposed to have on a daily basis? And how many
calories do I actually eat?
B. Taking down the amount of calories you have is not the only step for a healthier life.
Exercising, whether we like it or not, is vital to our organs and body systems. Have you got
any problems with diabetes? Then, walking is important to help your pancreas reactivate
itself so as to burn the sugar and the carbohydrates. Whatever physical activity you take up,
you can be certain that the first one to be benefited from it is your own body.
C. Breathing fresh air is as crucial to your body as regular exercise. Wherever you live,
wherever you work or study in, there should always be some free time to rest under a tree or
a garden for a few minutes. However, a good air quality should also be followed by a deep
breath. This way, inhaling and exhaling can actually feed your cells and lungs with oxygen
while reinvigorating your mind and body.
D. As well as oxygen, our bodies need the most wonderful cleansing system – water! Yes,
you should drink about two litres of water per day. This is crucial to the function of your
kidneys as they do keep kidney stones away. Water hydrates your cells and it is a refreshing
drink. No wonder why human body is 60 or 70 percent water.
E. A change in your lifestyle is inevitably important to the quality of your life. No matter
how hardworking you are at home and in your workplace, there is a time when you should
definitely avoid stress! This includes getting involved in stressful situations, such as family
conflicts, heavy workload and unnecessary emotional distress. You are not a hero and if you
carry such problems over your shoulders, you will not do anyone any good.
F. At the end of the day, there should be a relaxing night. You have probably heard that
you should sleep between 7 and 8 hours per night. This is vital to the replenishment of
energy stores, repair of damaged tissues, recovery of cells and maintenance of our bodies
and minds. For this reason, the next time you go for a session of sleep deprivation, you
should remember the effects you are missing out from a good night’s sleep.
Last but not least, you should take some time to relax and smile! Smiling attracts other
smiles and can make your life much happier. You will also feel less tense, worried and
anxious and your life can be changed into a state of relaxation and happiness.

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Now read the information below and answer questions 22-29.

Degree in Human Geography

ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES

1. Fieldtrip - The first assessment consists of a trip to a London area known as ‘The City
of London’ or Square Mile, as its area covers about a mile (2.6km²). It is a modern
conurbation and holds the UK financial centres and industry. You will spend a day
walking though the monuments and buildings that are of historical and cultural
importance and are expected to take leaflets and talk to engineers and architects about the
development of this urban area.
Portfolio – Once the first assessment is completed, you will build up a portfolio on the
geographical and urban planning of the ‘City of London’. You are expected to consider
both the emergent growth companies that have settled there and the environmental impact
on the site.

Further Information:

• The fieldtrip will take place during the week 9. This is a date set between Monday, 4th
April and Friday, 8th April. Two tutors will accompany the group and guide them through
the major buildings. Introductory information will also be given to the students.
• Professionals such as planning managers, engineers and architects will be available in
specific buildings. Students should take the initiative to talk to them, i.e. write down
relevant questions and interview them.
• The portfolio should be handed in by the end of the week 14. Therefore, the deadline
for this assignment is 13th May. Only under special circumstances will this assignment be
considered after this date.
Building up a portfolio means that each student will organise a set of appropriate
informative leaflets and information sheets, responses during the interviews and their own
reflections on it. The development of reflective skills is an important issue and they are to
be assessed and evaluated in this assignment.

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Questions 22-29

Look at the assessment guidelines for students on how to approach their assignments.

Complete the flow chart below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 22-29

22. Undergraduate students have two types of assignments in order to complete their
……………………… course.

<

23. The first one ……………………….. to the ‘City of London’.

<

24. It will be held on ………………….. during week 9.

<

25. Students will be guided by …………………….

<

26. The second assessment is a ……………………..

<

27. It consists of gathering ………………………….

<

28. Students are expected to …………………………., i.e. end of week 14.

<

29. …………………….. will be evaluated and will count towards the final mark.

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PART 3

Beyond the limits of land exploited


Despite deforestation within the last few centuries, rainforests still remain a biodiversity treasure
hidden from human touch
Throughout the centuries, rainforests have eagles, bats and butterflies. The canopy layer
played a significant role in enriching society. contains the densest areas of biodiversity since
Firstly, there were the indigenous tribes, who adjacent treetops are thought to protect 50
worshiped the rainforests with their own culture percent of the flora that live on Earth.
and their love and respect for nature. Then, there Underneath the canopy we can find the
were the members of a new civilisation, and understory layer and its variety of birds, snakes,
wherever they stepped on, forests faced lizards and predators, such as jaguars and
devastation. Whether they looked for gold and leopards. The last one is the forest floor, a
precious stones or a new land to settle down, the mysterious area with only 2 percent of sunlight
result was deforestation. and living beings that can survive under this
condition.
Life changed, and so did the meaning of richness.
Nowadays, there are those who seek to do Thus, an inconceivable diversity of ecosystems
business with the wood being cut illegally. And is believed to live underneath the magnificent
there are the members of the science community treetops in both temperate and tropical
– they are biologists, chemists, naturalists and rainforests. Furthermore, the importance of flow
health professionals who have been struggling to of information has meant that wealth lies in the
learn about the secrets of biodiversity. provision of new information to this postmodern
society. Therefore, recent government
The name rainforests designates the forests intervention to save the Brazilian rainforest from
which are under heavy rainfall throughout the deforestation, for example, has clearly
year. They are located in the intertropical contributed to scientific research since the object
convergence zone, i.e. the area surrounding the of study is to be kept away from destruction.
equator. They fall into two categories – the
tropical rainforest and the temperate one. The In fact, 50 percent of the fauna found in the
first one is found in the tropical areas, including world is thought to inhabit in the rainforest.
Central America, South America, Sub-Saharan There is a wide range of species, including
Africa and Southeast Asia. The second one is mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates, and
located in the temperate regions of North an incredible flora that live in natural ecosystems.
America, South America, Europe, East Asia, Biodiversity is a singular feature of the
Australia and New Zealand. rainforests. As they protect amazing species,
they are also home to the natural resources for
Studies have shown that a rainforest is comprised new medicine and a healthier life. Yet, the more
of four layers. The emergent layer carries a small we learn about them, the more there is to
amount of large trees, which are home to discover.

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Questions 30-31

Choose the appropriate letter A-D and write them in boxes 30-31 on your answer sheet.

30. What do you learn about the rainforests in the first paragraph?

A the reasons why different civilisations came to the rainforests


B the amount of wealth that is found in the rainforests
C the degree of deforestation so far
D the lack of respect humans have for the rainforests.

31. In the second paragraph, what piece of information is accurate about the human beings
who have been to the rainforests?

A The scientists who explore the rainforest are very rich.


B Biologists and chemists aim to gain knowledge on biodiversity.
C Criminals gave up cutting wood illegally.
D Naturalists and health professionals intend to live there.

Questions 32-34

Choose THREE letters A-G and write them in boxes 32-34 on your answer sheet.

Which THREE of the following does the writer highlight when describing the rainforests?

A the etymological origin of the word ‘rainforest’.


B all the countries where portions of rainforest are found.
C the rainforests subdivisions.
D the reason behind the name ‘rainforest’.
E the difference between tropical and temperate rainforests.
F the area where rainforests are located.
G the biodiversity available in the rainforests.

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Questions 35-37

Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS, answer the following questions.

Write your answers in boxes 35-37 on your answer sheet.

35. Which layer holds a high degree of biodiversity?

36. What is the name of the third layer mentioned in the passage?

37. What does the term ‘under this condition’ refer to?

Questions 38-40

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

In boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet write

TRUE if the statement is true


FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage

1. Postmodern society seeks information as a source of wealth.

2. Government intervention in activities of deforestation is the result of a partnership with


the scientific community.

3. Biodiversity is the only characteristic of the remaining rainforests.

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IELTS Reading Answer Sheet

1. 1 21. 21

2. 2 22. 22

3. 3 23. 23

4. 4 24. 24

5. 5 25. 25

6. 6 26. 26

7. 7 27. 27

8. 8 28. 28

9. 9 29. 29

10. 10 30. 30

11. 11 31. 31

12. 12 32. 32

13. 13 33. 33

14. 14 34. 34

15. 15 35. 35

16. 16 36. 36

17. 17 37. 37

18. 18 38. 38

19. 19 39. 39

20. 20 40. 40

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IELTS GENERAL TRAINING READING TEST 1

Answer Key

PART 1 Assessment Guidelines


22. degree / Human Geography
Uni Accommodation 23. is a fieldtrip
1. T 24. a date set / a weekday
2. F 25. two tutors
3. F 26. portfolio
4. N 27. informative leaflets / information sheet
5. T 28. meet the deadline
6. N 29. reflective skills
7. T
8. N

Natural Landscapes for You! PART 3


9. C
10. D or H Beyond the limits of land exploited
11. B 30. A
12. G 31. B
13. A 32. C/D/F (any order)
14. G 33. C/D/F (any order)
34. C/D/F (any order)
35. the canopy layer
36. the understory layer
PART 2 37. 2 percent sunlight / low sunlight / poor
light
Food for Thought 38. T
15. x 39. N
16. vii 40. F
17. ix
18. i
19. iv
20. v
21. ii

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IELTS Writing Practice

Writing Task 1

Spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1. We recommend 15 minutes.

You have recently watched a new programme on TV. You like the programme
but have just discovered that the TV station has moved it to a later time, when
you’re unable to watch it.

Write a letter to the TV station. In your letter

• Describe why you like the programme


• Explain why you believe it should not be on at a later time
• Say what action you would like the TV station to take

You should write at least 150 words. 160-170 words is recommended.

You do NOT need to write any addresses

Start your letter as follows:

Dear ……………………….,

Writing Task 2

Spend no more than 40 minutes on this task. We recommend 35 minutes.

Children should be forced to read novels from every major genre including science
fiction, sport, romance, horror and crime. Being widely read will mean children will
have a better understanding of the world around them.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words. 270-290 words is recommended

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IELTS Writing Preparation - Suggested Answers
These are one of many possible ways of writing the answers to these questions. There is no
write or wrong answer, just correct or incorrect English!

Letter 1

Dear Sir

Subject: Broadcast Schedule Of "Health Capsule" Programme

I write to you about the recent change in the broadcast schedule of the programme - "Health
Capsule" - from its earlier slot of 9:00 pm to the present slot of 11:00 pm.

Let me first compliment you for the excellent content and presentation of this bi-weekly programme. It
gives a succinct snapshot of the happenings in the health-and-fitness world. Being avid fitness
enthusiasts, I and my friends at the gym relate quite well to it.

However, the shifting of the broadcast slot to such a late hour is an inconvenience. Besides my
friends, I am sure I echo the sentiments of the other fans of the programme in the locality, who have
to get up early the next morning and so cannot stay awake till so late in the night.

I appreciate your rationale behind the decision to shift the programme. However, perhaps you have
underestimated the fan-following that this programme has acquired over such a short period of time?
Given its popularity, I request you to revert back to the original broadcast schedule.

Thank you for your attention regarding this matter.

Yours faithfully

_____________[your name]
[Over 190 words. Suggested score - Band 8.5]

Essay 1

For an average child growing up in the cocooned environs of home, school and playground, the
world appears to be just what they see around them - doting parents who take care of all their needs,
school staff who nourish their intellect with structured learning, and fellow friends whom to share and
fight with. How should we make the children aware of the existence of the rest of the world and its
grown-up ways?

One very good way of introducing the real world that exists beyond this shielded life is by putting
novels into their hands. As the child begins to turn page after page, they are inexorably drawn into
the fantasy woven by the author. As they navigate the story arc, they begin to get an inkling of what
exactly to expect when they become adult. Well-read parents or seniors can discuss the pros and
cons of the plot over lunch or dinner with the child and give their thinking the right, constructive
direction.

Each genre - whether science fiction or sport, romance or crime and horror - has some different
perspective to offer to the child. Because the children themselves do not know which genre of novel
might hold their interest, the best way is to let them discover what attracts them most by forcing them
to read novels of all possible genres. Quite naturally, the kids will discard the genre that is not to their
liking, and will gravitate towards the one that is.

The best way to give children an education that goes beyond the learning of the classroom is to
inculcate in them the taste for literature. What better way to round out their personality than by gently
handholding their imagination into the world of fantasy of diverse authors?

[Over 290 words. Suggested score - Band 8.5]


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IELTS Speaking Practice Test 1

Hi. My name is _________________. I’m your examiner today. Can you


tell me your full name please? What would you like me to call you? May I
see your ID please? It’s just a security precaution. Thank you.

Are you working or studying?


Study Questions:
What did you need to do to get into the course you are in now?
When you finish this course, will you need to do further study?
Job Questions
What training did you have to do to get your job?
What further training do you need to do to keep your job?

Do you have a lot of spare time?


What do you like to do in your spare time?
Do you prefer to invite your friends over to your home, or go out
somewhere with them?

Describe an electronic item that you would like to buy

You should say


Where you can buy the item
What you like about the item
Why you want the item
And explain how the item will help you in your life

How important do you think technology is for the education industry?


Should the technology used in education be paid for by the government or
from school fund raising programmes?
Do you think a teacher is still important in a classroom?

What sort of students would be attracted to a school which uses up-to-date


technology?
Do you think people doing IT think differently to those who work in other
fields?

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