Welcome to the IELTS Reading Lessons!
Welcome to your lesson on how to get as high of a score as possible in the IELTS reading section. Work through these two videos, then practice the techniques with the exam simulations listed below.
Here are a few IELTS Reading Exams that you can practice with.
Regardless of if you are going to take the Academic or General version of the exam, remember that the procedures we are implementing are the same, even though there is slight difference in content. For this reason, it is recommended to work through both the General and Academic options below.
Reading Exam 1
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Information
This is your IELTS Reading Exam Simulation #1 from English Exam Prep!
Complete all of the questions in 60 minutes.
At the end, you will see:
1) How your score correlates with the IELTS Band.
✓ This will help you know where you are right now.
2) A breakdown of your individual score in each individual question type.
✓ This will help you see if there are any weaknesses (and strengths!) for certain question types.
3) Click on View Questions and you will see the explanation of why each answer you chose is correct or incorrect.
✓ This will help you to link your English knowledge in an IELTS-context.
Good luck!
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Question 1 of 40
1. Question
SECTION 1
Read the text below and answer questions 1—7
Fitness Centre classes
Find the perfect class for your needs and get fit today! All classes are drop-in-friendly, unless otherwise stated.A. Yin Yoga
With its gentle movements, Yin Yoga focuses on your deep connective tissues to get you feeling refreshed and energized. Participants should expect to hold poses for three to five minutes, and to come away with the ability to sit comfortably for longer periods of time. Great for the joints and a perfect introduction to yoga for beginners.B. Spin101
An introduction to the basics of indoor cycling, Spin101 will have you working up a sweat and strengthening your heart in a fun, relaxed group setting. Follow the lead of our enthusiastic cycling experts Ashley and Clare as you pedal your way to improved heart health! As bikes fill up quick, members must book their spots in Spin101 at least 24 hours in advance.C. Hot Power Yoga
Think yoga is all slow stretching and quiet meditation? Think again! This intermediate yoga class combines the fast-paced flow of power yoga with the 35° heat of hot yoga to help you move deeper into poses and improve your flexibility, stamina and posture. In Hot Power Yoga gives seasoned yogis the chance to push themselves to limits they never thought possible.D. Zumba
Dance like no one’s watching! Zumba is a fitness dance party (complete with a soundtrack of Latin dance hits) that will have you sweating off the calories and boosting your heart rate. It doesn’t matter if you have two left feet: all are welcome at Zumba! Come in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive footwear, and get ready to sweat!E. Body Bootcamp
This high-intensity class combines calisthenics, body weight exercises, cardio and strength training to get you feeling stronger and fitter. Classes are held in the park next to the Fitness Centre.Questions 1—7
The above text has five fitness class descriptions labelled A—E.
To which fitness classes do the following statements apply?
Write the correct letter A—E in boxes 1—7 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
- A specific dress code is recommended.
Correct
A dress code is a set of rules regarding the clothing one can wear in a certain situation or location. The only class to mention clothing is D, Zumba; the class description asks participants to come “in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive footwear”.
Incorrect
A dress code is a set of rules regarding the clothing one can wear in a certain situation or location. The only class to mention clothing is D, Zumba; the class description asks participants to come “in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive footwear”.
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Question 2 of 40
2. Question
2. You should come out of the class feeling less tired than before.
Correct
The only class description that explicitly tells participants that they can expect to come out of (or leave) feeling less tired than before is that of A, Yin Yoga. The description states that the participants will feel refreshed and energized, another word for enlivened, roused or stimulated.
Incorrect
The only class description that explicitly tells participants that they can expect to come out of (or leave) feeling less tired than before is that of A, Yin Yoga. The description states that the participants will feel refreshed and energized, another word for enlivened, roused or stimulated.
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Question 3 of 40
3. Question
3. This class uses music.
Correct
According to its description, the Zumba class features a “soundtrack of Latin dance hits”. The term “soundtrack” is typically used to describe the musical album that accompanies a film, but it can be used colloquially, as in this case, to describe the music that accompanies other events (people might use the phrase “the soundtrack of my life” to describe collections of songs that have been significant to their lives, for example). “Latin dance hits” refers to the specific kind of music that is played in the Zumba class; hits (well-known songs) from the genre of Latin dance music.
Incorrect
According to its description, the Zumba class features a “soundtrack of Latin dance hits”. The term “soundtrack” is typically used to describe the musical album that accompanies a film, but it can be used colloquially, as in this case, to describe the music that accompanies other events (people might use the phrase “the soundtrack of my life” to describe collections of songs that have been significant to their lives, for example). “Latin dance hits” refers to the specific kind of music that is played in the Zumba class; hits (well-known songs) from the genre of Latin dance music.
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Question 4 of 40
4. Question
4. Reservations are mandatory.
Correct
A reservation is an arrangement made in advance to secure a place for yourself (or your group) at a certain event or location, like a dinner reservation at a restaurant. We make reservations; we can also say that we are booking or reserving a “spot”, a more colloquial term for a reservation. Participants must book their spots in the Spin101 class to ensure there are enough stationary bicycles for all class members.
Incorrect
A reservation is an arrangement made in advance to secure a place for yourself (or your group) at a certain event or location, like a dinner reservation at a restaurant. We make reservations; we can also say that we are booking or reserving a “spot”, a more colloquial term for a reservation. Participants must book their spots in the Spin101 class to ensure there are enough stationary bicycles for all class members.
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Question 5 of 40
5. Question
5. Takes place outside.
Correct
The only class that is described as taking place anywhere outside of the Fitness Centre is Body Bootcamp, which is said to be held “in the park next to the Fitness Centre.”
Incorrect
The only class that is described as taking place anywhere outside of the Fitness Centre is Body Bootcamp, which is said to be held “in the park next to the Fitness Centre.”
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Question 6 of 40
6. Question
6. Previous experience is recommended.
Correct
While most class descriptions specifically mention being beginner-friendly (in other words, appropriate for participants with no previous fitness experience), the Hot Power Yoga class description states that it’s an “intermediate” (somewhere between beginner and advanced) class for “seasoned yogis” (people who have been practicing yoga for a long time).
Incorrect
While most class descriptions specifically mention being beginner-friendly (in other words, appropriate for participants with no previous fitness experience), the Hot Power Yoga class description states that it’s an “intermediate” (somewhere between beginner and advanced) class for “seasoned yogis” (people who have been practicing yoga for a long time).
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Question 7 of 40
7. Question
7. This class has multiple instructors.
Correct
Only one class mentions instructors at all: Spin101, the description for which notes that participants will be following the lead of (in other words, following the example of) cycling experts Ashley and Clare.
Incorrect
Only one class mentions instructors at all: Spin101, the description for which notes that participants will be following the lead of (in other words, following the example of) cycling experts Ashley and Clare.
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Question 8 of 40
8. Question
Read the text below and answer Questions 8—15
Vacancy for Sous Chef
Full time, permanent
A modern French-style fine dining establishment is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our team immediately.
The Sous Chef will assist our Executive Chef in menu development and will oversee the daily operation of the kitchen. Day-to-day responsibilities will include maintaining the kitchen stock and ordering supplies as necessary, instructing and supervising line cooks and ensuring that they follow all standards and regulations, preparing dishes for customers that meet our impeccably high standards and accommodating requests related to dietary restrictions and allergies as they arise. As our guests’ satisfaction and comfort are of the utmost importance to us, we are always willing to meet whatever unique requests come our way, and have come to be especially known for our vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The Sous Chef will be expected to continue satisfying such dietary requests.
The Sous Chef will be expected to arrive sometime after the lunchtime rush and remain in the kitchen until close, Tuesday to Saturday.
The ideal candidate will have five or more years of kitchen experience, at least one of which should be in a management role. Formal culinary training is a major asset, but not a necessity. Candidates should be highly knowledgeable about classic French culinary techniques and willing to learn (and teach) new recipes.
In addition to creativity and culinary expertise, the successful candidate will have strong leadership skills and will demonstrate the ability to run a large, fast-paced kitchen, often with little oversight from the Executive Chef, who will be focusing on menu planning and the development of a restaurant cookbook in the coming months.
Because our restaurant prides itself on its status as a leader in eco-friendly gastronomy, the Sous Chef will also be responsible for ensuring all waste-minimizing activities are maintained, including adhering to our composting and recycling procedures and reducing the usage of single-use plastics in the kitchen.
We will only be considering local candidates. Compensation will be calculated based on the experience level of the successful candidate. We’re proud to offer a competitive health and dental plan for our full-time employees.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. We will keep all CVs on file and return to them should any relevant positions become available in the future.
Questions 8—15
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 8—15 on your answer sheet.
Vacancy for Sous Chef Job requirements:
· Ability to run the kitchen with minimal supervision from the (8) ________
· (9) ________ years of kitchen experience
· At least one year of (10) ________ experience
· Experience with ‘green kitchens’ an asset
· Should be well-versed in the techniques of (11) ________ cooking
Duties:
· Ordering supplies and ensuring the kitchen is well-stocked
· Preparing dishes
· Managing a team of (12) ________
· Accommodating vegan, vegetarian and (13) ________ diets
· Minimizing waste by composting, (14) ________ and reducing the use of plastics
As our guests’ satisfaction and comfort are of the utmost importance to us, we are always willing to meet whatever unique requests come our way, and have come to be especially known for our vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Working conditions:
· The Sous will be expected to work Tuesday to Saturday.
· Compensation will be determined according to the (15) ________ of the candidate.
· Competitive benefits, including health and dental coverage.
8.
Correct
Executive Chef is another name for a Head Chef.
In the fifth paragraph, the job ad specifies that the Sous Chef will need to complete various tasks with “little oversight from the Executive Chef”.
Oversight is the act of watching over something or someone, and is a synonym of supervision.
Incorrect
Executive Chef is another name for a Head Chef.
In the fifth paragraph, the job ad specifies that the Sous Chef will need to complete various tasks with “little oversight from the Executive Chef”.
Oversight is the act of watching over something or someone, and is a synonym of supervision.
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Question 9 of 40
9. Question
9.
Correct
The number of years in a kitchen role (in other words, the experience level) required for the role can be found in the fourth paragraph, which states that “the ideal candidate will have five or more years” of experience in the kitchen.
*Note because the instructions state ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,’ be sure to write the word five and not the number 5!
Incorrect
The number of years in a kitchen role (in other words, the experience level) required for the role can be found in the fourth paragraph, which states that “the ideal candidate will have five or more years” of experience in the kitchen.
*Note because the instructions state ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,’ be sure to write the word five and not the number 5!
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Question 10 of 40
10. Question
10.
Correct
This can also be found in paragraph four. Of the five years of kitchen experience the Sous Chef must have, at least one of those years should have been in a management role.
One can have a certain level of experience or years of experience in a certain role, or the field one has worked in can be used to describe the experience itself; for example, “I have kitchen experience”, “I have management experience”, “I have accounting experience”, etc.
In the reading and listening sections of the IELTS, it is always best to use the exact term given to you in the text/listening whenever possible. In this case, if you put managing, rather than the noun (management) your answer might be wrong, even though the idea is right.
Incorrect
This can also be found in paragraph four. Of the five years of kitchen experience the Sous Chef must have, at least one of those years should have been in a management role.
One can have a certain level of experience or years of experience in a certain role, or the field one has worked in can be used to describe the experience itself; for example, “I have kitchen experience”, “I have management experience”, “I have accounting experience”, etc.
In the reading and listening sections of the IELTS, it is always best to use the exact term given to you in the text/listening whenever possible. In this case, if you put managing, rather than the noun (management) your answer might be wrong, even though the idea is right.
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Question 11 of 40
11. Question
11.
Correct
Specific cooking techniques are only mentioned in the fourth paragraph, which states that candidates should be highly knowledgeable in French culinary techniques. To be well-versed is to be highly experienced, knowledgeable or practiced in something.
Does the F in French need to be capitalized? Yes!
However, in the Reading and Listening test, capitalization does not affect the score.
So if you are ever worried bout whether or not to capitalize in the listenign and reading portions, don’t!
However, it is essential to capitalize properly in the writing portion of the exam.
Incorrect
Specific cooking techniques are only mentioned in the fourth paragraph, which states that candidates should be highly knowledgeable in French culinary techniques. To be well-versed is to be highly experienced, knowledgeable or practiced in something.
Does the F in French need to be capitalized? Yes!
However, in the Reading and Listening test, capitalization does not affect the score.
So if you are ever worried bout whether or not to capitalize in the listenign and reading portions, don’t!
However, it is essential to capitalize properly in the writing portion of the exam.
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Question 12 of 40
12. Question
12.
Correct
In the second paragraph, most of the primary duties of the Sous Chef are listed, including “instructing and supervising” (in other words, teaching and overseeing/managing) the line cooks.
Since punctuation doesn’t play a role in the listening and reading answer sheet/online form, it is always best to avoid adding hyphens, even if it works grammatically.
For example, in this answer, putting in the answer line-cooks might lead to a wrong answer, even though the idea is correct.
Incorrect
In the second paragraph, most of the primary duties of the Sous Chef are listed, including “instructing and supervising” (in other words, teaching and overseeing/managing) the line cooks.
Since punctuation doesn’t play a role in the listening and reading answer sheet/online form, it is always best to avoid adding hyphens, even if it works grammatically.
For example, in this answer, putting in the answer line-cooks might lead to a wrong answer, even though the idea is correct.
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Question 13 of 40
13. Question
13.
Correct
Towards the end of the second paragraph, the necessity for the Sous Chef to continue satisfying requests for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options is stated. It can be said that the Sous Chef will be expected to accommodate (in other words, oblige or help to satisfy) such requests.
Incorrect
Towards the end of the second paragraph, the necessity for the Sous Chef to continue satisfying requests for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options is stated. It can be said that the Sous Chef will be expected to accommodate (in other words, oblige or help to satisfy) such requests.
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Question 14 of 40
14. Question
14.
Correct
The sixth paragraph states that the waste-minimizing duties of the Sous Chef will include adhering to “composting and recycling procedures and reducing the usage of single-use plastics in the kitchen.”
Incorrect
The sixth paragraph states that the waste-minimizing duties of the Sous Chef will include adhering to “composting and recycling procedures and reducing the usage of single-use plastics in the kitchen.”
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Question 15 of 40
15. Question
15.
Correct
The seventh paragraph notes that compensation will be calculated (worked out or determined) based on the “experience level” of the successful (meaning chosen) candidate.
Incorrect
The seventh paragraph notes that compensation will be calculated (worked out or determined) based on the “experience level” of the successful (meaning chosen) candidate.
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Question 16 of 40
16. Question
SECTION 2
Read the text below and answer Questions 16—22
15th Annual Seaside Half Marathon
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2020
Start time: 9:00 a.m.
ENTRY FEES
General (from July 1 until October 23): $115
Early bird (until June 30): $95
Charity entry: $60 (please list the charity you’re running for and the number they’ve assigned you on your registration form)
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION
- Participation medal (to be presented at the finish line)
- Refreshments
- Race t-shirt
- Race bib with timing chip
- Course and finish line entertainment
- Free swag from our sponsors
RACE PACKETS
These will contain your bib (with your race number and timing chip) and t-shirt, and will be posted to racers the first week of October. These packets will also include training advice, coupons from our sponsors and information about future races and events!
RACE DAY
The race begins on Madeira Drive. Participants will be divided between five corrals, which will start the race at five-minute intervals from 9:00 a.m. until 9:20 a.m. Upon registration, you’ll be assigned a colour (based on your projected finish time) which will appear on your bib and determine your corral; look for the coloured flags (red, blue, green and yellow) to find your group.
WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE COURSE
Water and sports drinks will be available at six tables located every three km along the course and will be handed out by our enthusiastic volunteers. Medical attendants will also be present at each drink table, should any participants require assistance.
Portable toilets can be found at 6K, 12K and 18K.
Entertainment will also be provided along the course, including performances by local musicians and dancers. Further entertainment will wrap up the day at the finish line. Acts will be revealed closer to race day, so keep an eye on the “Updates” tab on our website! The entertainment will go ahead rain or shine!
TIME RESTRICTIONS
The course will be blocked off from traffic and monitored by our team of volunteers until 1:20 p.m., four hours after the final wave of participants crosses the start line. Following this time, racers who continue toward the finish line do so at their own risk, and are advised to be mindful of traffic.
Questions 16—22
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text above?
In boxes 16—22 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
16. Signing up for the race is less expensive if you do so before July.
Correct
Since True/False/Not Given is the most difficult question type for a lot of people, we will pay special attention to the answers to these questions throughout this IELTS prep series.
For this question, under the ENTRY FEES heading, three levels of fees are noted: the regular fee, “early bird” fee and charity entry fee.
The general entry fee is stated to apply from July 1 to October 23, while the early bird fee applies only until June 30, which means that signing up for the race (in other words, registering to enter) is less expensive before July.
The expression “early bird” (which comes from the idiom “the early bird catches the worm”) is often used for events that require registration to denote dates before which entry is cheaper.
Incorrect
Since True/False/Not Given is the most difficult question type for a lot of people, we will pay special attention to the answers to these questions throughout this IELTS prep series.
For this question, under the ENTRY FEES heading, three levels of fees are noted: the regular fee, “early bird” fee and charity entry fee.
The general entry fee is stated to apply from July 1 to October 23, while the early bird fee applies only until June 30, which means that signing up for the race (in other words, registering to enter) is less expensive before July.
The expression “early bird” (which comes from the idiom “the early bird catches the worm”) is often used for events that require registration to denote dates before which entry is cheaper.
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Question 17 of 40
17. Question
17. The time recorded by the timing chip will be sent to all participants following the race.
Correct
A timing chip is a piece of technology that is used to record runners’ speed during events. While one might assume that the timing chips mentioned under WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION would be used to send participants their race times, nothing in the text explicitly states what will be done with the race times (the length of time it takes each runner to complete the race) the chips record.
Incorrect
A timing chip is a piece of technology that is used to record runners’ speed during events. While one might assume that the timing chips mentioned under WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION would be used to send participants their race times, nothing in the text explicitly states what will be done with the race times (the length of time it takes each runner to complete the race) the chips record.
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Question 18 of 40
18. Question
18. The race packet will be mailed to all participants before race day.
Correct
Under the RACE PACKETS header, it’s stated that “these will contain your bib (with your race number and timing chip) and t-shirt, and will be posted to racers the first week of October”; it can be inferred, based on the header, that “these” refers to the race packets. “Posted” is a synonym for mailed, and is more common in British English.
Incorrect
Under the RACE PACKETS header, it’s stated that “these will contain your bib (with your race number and timing chip) and t-shirt, and will be posted to racers the first week of October”; it can be inferred, based on the header, that “these” refers to the race packets. “Posted” is a synonym for mailed, and is more common in British English.
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Question 19 of 40
19. Question
19. The start and finish lines for the race are located in the same place.
Correct
Only the start line for the race is explicitly given: “the race begins on Madeira Drive.” We’re told that the day will be “wrapped up” (brought to a close) by entertainment at the finish line, but no information is provided about where that will be.
Incorrect
Only the start line for the race is explicitly given: “the race begins on Madeira Drive.” We’re told that the day will be “wrapped up” (brought to a close) by entertainment at the finish line, but no information is provided about where that will be.
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Question 20 of 40
20. Question
20. Participants will have three opportunities to use the bathroom during the race.
Correct
Under the WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE COURSE header, it’s stated that portable toilets (which can also be referred to as porta potties or porta loos) can be found at 6K, 12K and 18K (as in, at the 6-kilometre, 12-kilometre and 18-kilometre marks on the course).
Incorrect
Under the WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE COURSE header, it’s stated that portable toilets (which can also be referred to as porta potties or porta loos) can be found at 6K, 12K and 18K (as in, at the 6-kilometre, 12-kilometre and 18-kilometre marks on the course).
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Question 21 of 40
21. Question
21. The musicians and dancers will not perform if there are showers.
Correct
It’s noted under WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE COURSE that the entertainment provided will go ahead “rain or shine!” To say that something will happen rain or shine (or “come rain or shine”) means that it will happen regardless of whether or not there is rain. “Showers” (as per question 21) describes a light, brief rain.
Incorrect
It’s noted under WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE COURSE that the entertainment provided will go ahead “rain or shine!” To say that something will happen rain or shine (or “come rain or shine”) means that it will happen regardless of whether or not there is rain. “Showers” (as per question 21) describes a light, brief rain.
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Question 22 of 40
22. Question
22. Racers must cross the finish line within four hours or abandon the course.
Correct
The suggestion that racers must cross the finish line (in other words, finish the race) within four hours or “abandon” (desert or leave) the course is false because, as is stated under the TIME RESTRICTIONS heading, racers can still continue toward the finish line “at their own risk”, which means they can do so if they are willing to take personal responsibility for any dangers that should befall them.
Incorrect
The suggestion that racers must cross the finish line (in other words, finish the race) within four hours or “abandon” (desert or leave) the course is false because, as is stated under the TIME RESTRICTIONS heading, racers can still continue toward the finish line “at their own risk”, which means they can do so if they are willing to take personal responsibility for any dangers that should befall them.
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Question 23 of 40
23. Question
Read the text below and answer Questions 23—30
How Do Languages Change Our View of the World?
In the 2016 science fiction blockbuster Arrival, the protagonist—a linguist tasked with helping the government communicate with recently-landed extra-terrestrials—finds herself, after months of losing her in their world, dreaming in the aliens’ language. Eventually, her very perception of reality is altered by their strange, complex method of communication.
This is far from just a convenient sci-fi plot point, and Arrival is far from a typical sci-fi action flick. The film is about language and its ability to change how we see the world—a concept based very much in reality.
The belief that the languages we speak change our perception of the world was first proposed hundreds of years ago, and was further developed into the theory we know today (as “linguistic relativity”, or the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis) in the 1920s. Proponents of linguistic relativity argue that language forms our world view, and therefore, people who speak different languages (with different vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures) will have different world views.
A popular example in support of this claim is the name (or rather, names) for the colour blue in Russian. Unlike in most other languages, there is no all-encompassing name for the colour most of us know of as “blue”. Russian has two words—goluboj, or light blue, and siniy, dark blue—and this linguistic difference means the two shades are treated as entirely separate colours.
So, what does this mean for perception? Well, in studies of English and Russian speakers, the Russians were shown to be faster at matching shades of blue in a colour discrimination study.
If this isn’t significant enough evidence for you, look to the Guugu Yimithirr language of Australia, which utilizes words related to cardinal points (in English: north, east, south and west) to talk about direction rather than position related to oneself (like left, right, in front of, beside, etc.). Because of this feature, speakers must therefore be constantly directionally-aware, whether they’re inside or out, in a familiar place or a new one—an ability that few speakers of languages without this attribute can claim to have.
As a still-developing hypothesis, linguistic relativity has its detractors, but however much (or little) language does influence our perceptions, there’s no question that acquiring a new language means acquiring a new perspective, even if just for the simple fact that it enables you to access a whole new range of opinions, media and works of art.
Picking up a new language may not completely alter your perception of time and reality like it did for the linguist in Arrival, but we can guarantee it will change how you look at things at least a little bit—just ask the many multilingual speakers who declare with absolute certainty that their thoughts, and even their personalities, change when the language coming out of their mouths does. It’s not sci-fi, but it is pretty magical all the same.
Questions 23—30
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes on your answer sheet.
23. What is the genre of Arrival, the film referenced in the text?
Correct
A genre is a category of entertainment or artistic creations (e.g. films, television series, books, etc.). The genre of the film Arrival, as stated in the very first line, is science fiction.
Incorrect
A genre is a category of entertainment or artistic creations (e.g. films, television series, books, etc.). The genre of the film Arrival, as stated in the very first line, is science fiction.
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Question 24 of 40
24. Question
24. What job does the main character of the film Arrival have?
Correct
The main character of a piece of fiction (films, books, and so on) can also be referred to as the protagonist, as is the case in the first line of the above article. The protagonist of Arrival is described as a “linguist (someone who studies the subject of linguistics) tasked with helping the government communicate with recently-landed extra-terrestrials”.
Incorrect
The main character of a piece of fiction (films, books, and so on) can also be referred to as the protagonist, as is the case in the first line of the above article. The protagonist of Arrival is described as a “linguist (someone who studies the subject of linguistics) tasked with helping the government communicate with recently-landed extra-terrestrials”.
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Question 25 of 40
25. Question
25. Whose language is the protagonist of Arrival immersed in?
Correct
To be immersed in something means to be absorbed by or lost in it.
In the first paragraph of the article, the protagonist of Arrival (the aforementioned linguist) is said to have been tasked with (or assigned the duty of) communicating with extra-terrestrials, and to have spent months “losing herself” in their language.
Later in the same sentence, the extra-terrestrials are referred to as “aliens”, a synonymous term.
Incorrect
To be immersed in something means to be absorbed by or lost in it.
In the first paragraph of the article, the protagonist of Arrival (the aforementioned linguist) is said to have been tasked with (or assigned the duty of) communicating with extra-terrestrials, and to have spent months “losing herself” in their language.
Later in the same sentence, the extra-terrestrials are referred to as “aliens”, a synonymous term.
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Question 26 of 40
26. Question
26. When was the idea that language changes our view of the world first suggested?
Correct
The second paragraph begins by noting that the belief (or idea) “that the languages we speak change our perception of the world was first proposed hundreds of years ago”. Thus, this is when that idea was first suggested (a synonym for proposed).
If you are ever unsure of whether or not to use a number or word for the number, use the word. In this case, writing 100s of years ago would be wrong as it is too informal of a term for the exam.
Incorrect
The second paragraph begins by noting that the belief (or idea) “that the languages we speak change our perception of the world was first proposed hundreds of years ago”. Thus, this is when that idea was first suggested (a synonym for proposed).
If you are ever unsure of whether or not to use a number or word for the number, use the word. In this case, writing 100s of years ago would be wrong as it is too informal of a term for the exam.
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Question 27 of 40
27. Question
27. Which linguistic hypothesis was first suggested in the 1920s?
Correct
The second paragraph follows up on the origins of the belief in language changing our perception of the world by stating that the idea “was further developed into the theory we know today”—called “linguist relativity” or “the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis”—in the 1920s.
Incorrect
The second paragraph follows up on the origins of the belief in language changing our perception of the world by stating that the idea “was further developed into the theory we know today”—called “linguist relativity” or “the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis”—in the 1920s.
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Question 28 of 40
28. Question
28. How many words does the Russian language have for the colour English speakers know of as “blue”?
Correct
The third paragraph of the article deals with the difference between the language used to describe the colour blue in Russian versus other languages. The article notes that “Russian has two words—goluboj, or light blue, and siniy, dark blue” to describe the colour.
Incorrect
The third paragraph of the article deals with the difference between the language used to describe the colour blue in Russian versus other languages. The article notes that “Russian has two words—goluboj, or light blue, and siniy, dark blue” to describe the colour.
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Question 29 of 40
29. Question
29. Speakers of which language use cardinal points rather than position to discuss direction?
Correct
The fourth paragraph discusses the Guugu Yimithirr language, which the article notes “utilizes words related to cardinal points (in English: north, east, south and west) to talk about direction rather than position related to oneself (like left, right, in front of, beside, etc.)”.
*Be sure to use the exact spelling from the text!*
Incorrect
The fourth paragraph discusses the Guugu Yimithirr language, which the article notes “utilizes words related to cardinal points (in English: north, east, south and west) to talk about direction rather than position related to oneself (like left, right, in front of, beside, etc.)”.
*Be sure to use the exact spelling from the text!*
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Question 30 of 40
30. Question
30. Many multilingual speakers claim that these things change when they speak different languages:
Correct
In the final paragraph of the article, the author suggests that, to find evidence that picking up a new language changes how you look at things, you can “ask the many multilingual speakers who declare with absolute certainty that their thoughts, and even their personalities, change when the language coming out of their mouths does”.
Incorrect
In the final paragraph of the article, the author suggests that, to find evidence that picking up a new language changes how you look at things, you can “ask the many multilingual speakers who declare with absolute certainty that their thoughts, and even their personalities, change when the language coming out of their mouths does”.
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Question 31 of 40
31. Question
SECTION 3
Read the text below and answer Questions 31—40
The Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri
The Changing Face of Santorini Over the Millennia
Santorini, Greece—known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed architecture and distinctive blue domes—is a dream destination for travellers and honeymooners around the globe. While the blue and white buildings that dot its hills have come to be symbolic of the island, they are, in fact, a rather recent development, having only become a trademark of Santorini in the late 1960s, and thus represent only a tiny blip in its lengthy history—one that extends back thousands of years into the past.
While the island’s city of Ancient Thera was excavated back in the 19th century (and now stands in remarkably well-preserved condition on a ridge of the Mesa Vuono mountain), it wasn’t until 1967 that a Greek archaeologist by the name of Spyridon Marinatos began excavating in the area and stumbled upon a vast settlement that predated Thera by thousands of years.
The settlement, the original name of which has been lost to history but which is now known as Akrotiri, was part of the great Minoan civilization, a Bronze Age civilization that was primarily located on the island of Crete. Archaeologists determined that Akrotiri had begun as a farming and fishing village, and evidence points to the settlement having been inhabited by humans as far back at the fifth millennium BC. It flourished around the third millennium BC, likely due to trade with other Aegean settlements. Its people were prosperous and enjoyed stone-paved roads and town squares and an impressively sophisticated drainage system that allowed for indoor toilets. Many of the town’s building were multi-level and featured intricate architecture, as well as gorgeous frescoes, which were recovered in the excavation and which show a rather advanced society.
So, what happened to this once-great settlement? The reason for its decline is the same reason we’re able to know so much about it today; Akrotiri was victim to one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history, which—much like Italy’s Pompeii—preserved the town in the lava that destroyed it. Unlike at Pompeii, no human remains were discovered by archaeologists at Akrotiri, which suggests that the town’s inhabitants were spared.
The fateful event occurred sometime between 1642 and 1540 BC. The people of Akrotiri, who’d been busy repairing the settlement following the earthquake that preceded the eruption, were forced to flee and leave their lives on the island behind. In addition to wiping out the Akrotiri settlement, the eruption and its associated earthquakes and tsunamis destroyed other settlements on surrounding islands, including Crete, 120km to the north, and may have in fact contributed to the ultimate decline of the Minoan civilization. It’s no surprise that a volcanic eruption factors so significantly in Santorini’s history; the island itself is part of the remains a volcanic caldera, a crater that forms as the result of a volcanic eruption.
From all appearances, Akrotiri continued to thrive right up until the eruption that resulted in the community being lost to history for several millennia, which has led some to speculate that Akrotiri was the inspiration for Plato’s story of the lost city of Atlantis.
Following the desertion of the island by the Minoan people, Santorini remained uninhabited until the Phoenicians eventually established a settlement there after the Bronze Age, and in the 9th century BC, the Dorians set up the city that is now known as Ancient Thera. Another mass exodus took place in the middle of the last century following the economic devastation that resulted from the world wars, as well as a 1956 earthquake.
Today, the island is thriving once again, and hosts roughly two million tourists each year. Visitors to Santorini can now take a break from their caldera-side hikes and sunset cocktails to visit the excavation site of the real-life Atlantis that is Akrotiri and experience the once-great settlement firsthand.
Inhabitants come and go, but through volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and world wars, it appears that nothing can stop people from eventually finding their way back to this gem of the Agean.
Questions 31—35
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D
Write the correct answer in boxes 31—35 on your answer sheet
31. What is said about Akrotiri in the second paragraph?
A) It was located on a ridge of Mesa Vuono.
B) It was excavated and rediscovered in the 1960s.
C) It remains well preserved to this day.
D) It was inhabited around the same time as Ancient Thera.
Correct
Akritori is the prehistoric settlement that was discovered by Spyridon Marinatos in 1967. That the settlement discovered in 1967 was called Akritori is only made clear later in the article; it is necessary to read at least until the third paragraph to discover this. The other town that is referenced in the second paragraph, Ancient Thera, is a separate settlement that existed hundreds of years after Akritori, a timeline that is further discussed in paragraph seven.
Incorrect
Akritori is the prehistoric settlement that was discovered by Spyridon Marinatos in 1967. That the settlement discovered in 1967 was called Akritori is only made clear later in the article; it is necessary to read at least until the third paragraph to discover this. The other town that is referenced in the second paragraph, Ancient Thera, is a separate settlement that existed hundreds of years after Akritori, a timeline that is further discussed in paragraph seven.
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Question 32 of 40
32. Question
32. According to the article, where have archaeologists found human remains?
A) At Pompeii.
B) At Akrotiri.
C) On Crete.
D) On Mesa Vuono.
Correct
In the fourth paragraph, it is noted that “unlike at Pompeii, no human remains were discovered by archaeologists at Akrotiri”, which means that they were discovered in Pompeii. Human remains—in other words, bodies of the dead—were not mentioned in relation to any other locations in the article.
Incorrect
In the fourth paragraph, it is noted that “unlike at Pompeii, no human remains were discovered by archaeologists at Akrotiri”, which means that they were discovered in Pompeii. Human remains—in other words, bodies of the dead—were not mentioned in relation to any other locations in the article.
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Question 33 of 40
33. Question
33. Which event may have prompted the decline of Minoan Civilization?
A) A volcanic eruption and the resulting disasters in the second millennium BC.
B) The earthquake of 1956.
C) Economic devastation.
D) World wars.
Correct
The fifth paragraph deals with the volcanic eruption (“the fateful event”) that destroyed Akritori sometime between 1642 and 1540 BC (a.k.a. the second millennium BC). Later in the paragraph, it is noted that “the eruption and its associated earthquakes and tsunamis destroyed other settlements on surrounding islands, including Crete, 120km to the north, and may have in fact contributed to the ultimate decline of the Minoan civilization”.
Incorrect
The fifth paragraph deals with the volcanic eruption (“the fateful event”) that destroyed Akritori sometime between 1642 and 1540 BC (a.k.a. the second millennium BC). Later in the paragraph, it is noted that “the eruption and its associated earthquakes and tsunamis destroyed other settlements on surrounding islands, including Crete, 120km to the north, and may have in fact contributed to the ultimate decline of the Minoan civilization”.
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Question 34 of 40
34. Question
34. The city now known as Ancient Thera was established by which people?
A) The Minoans
B) The Phoenicians
C) The Dorians
D) The Aegeans
Correct
The seventh paragraph discusses the establishment (in other words, the creation) of the settlement of Ancient Thera, noting that in the 9th century BC, the Dorians set up the city that is now known as Ancient Thera.
Incorrect
The seventh paragraph discusses the establishment (in other words, the creation) of the settlement of Ancient Thera, noting that in the 9th century BC, the Dorians set up the city that is now known as Ancient Thera.
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Question 35 of 40
35. Question
35. What is said in the text about the population of Santorini in the 20th century?
A) The 20th century saw the establishment of Ancient Thera.
B) The island and its people began thriving once again.
C) Little is known about the inhabitants of the island during the 20th
D) The population declined following the world wars.
Correct
The population of Santorini in the 20th century is mentioned briefly in the seventh paragraph: “another mass exodus took place in the middle of the last century following the economic devastation that resulted from the world wars, as well as a 1956 earthquake”. A “mass exodus” describes a situation in which many people leave a place at the same time. It can be inferred that this migration took place in the 20th century because of the reference to the 1956 earthquake, as well as the two world wars (WWI and WWII).
Incorrect
The population of Santorini in the 20th century is mentioned briefly in the seventh paragraph: “another mass exodus took place in the middle of the last century following the economic devastation that resulted from the world wars, as well as a 1956 earthquake”. A “mass exodus” describes a situation in which many people leave a place at the same time. It can be inferred that this migration took place in the 20th century because of the reference to the 1956 earthquake, as well as the two world wars (WWI and WWII).
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Question 36 of 40
36. Question
Questions 36—40
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 36—40 on your answer sheet.
36. Santorini’s famous blue and white buildings only became a trademark of the island in the ________.
Correct
The answer here would be 1960s or you could write the words ‘nineteen sixties’ and have this be correct, although we strongly recommend you keep it simple and write it the same way as presented (1960s) with this type of question because if you get a spelling mistake, the answer is wrong.
According to the first paragraph of the text, Santorini’s blue and white buildings became a “trademark” (or, in other words, became symbolic of) the island “in the late 1960s”, making them a “rather recent development”, as the article states.
Incorrect
The answer here would be 1960s or you could write the words ‘nineteen sixties’ and have this be correct, although we strongly recommend you keep it simple and write it the same way as presented (1960s) with this type of question because if you get a spelling mistake, the answer is wrong.
According to the first paragraph of the text, Santorini’s blue and white buildings became a “trademark” (or, in other words, became symbolic of) the island “in the late 1960s”, making them a “rather recent development”, as the article states.
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Question 37 of 40
37. Question
37. Spyridon Marinatos was the _______ who discovered Akrotiri.
Correct
Spyridon Marinatos is referenced in the second paragraph of the article; he was the Greek archaeologist (a person who studies human activity through the excavation and examination of historical sites and objects) who began excavating Akritori in 1967.
Incorrect
Spyridon Marinatos is referenced in the second paragraph of the article; he was the Greek archaeologist (a person who studies human activity through the excavation and examination of historical sites and objects) who began excavating Akritori in 1967.
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Question 38 of 40
38. Question
38. In the beginning, Akrotiri’s people sustained themselves through ________ and fishing.
Correct
The answer to this question can be found in paragraph three. The article notes that archaeologists determined (discovered) “that Akrotiri had begun as a farming and fishing village”.
Incorrect
The answer to this question can be found in paragraph three. The article notes that archaeologists determined (discovered) “that Akrotiri had begun as a farming and fishing village”.
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Question 39 of 40
39. Question
39. The advanced nature of the Akrotiri settlement was depicted in its ________.
Correct
The end of the third paragraph references the frescoes (paintings done on plaster walls or ceilings), which the articles notes show “a rather advanced society”. To be “depicted” means to be portrayed or represented.
Incorrect
The end of the third paragraph references the frescoes (paintings done on plaster walls or ceilings), which the articles notes show “a rather advanced society”. To be “depicted” means to be portrayed or represented.
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Question 40 of 40
40. Question
40. Akrotiri has been suggested as the inspiration for the mythical land of ________.
Correct
The answer here is Atlantis.
From the sixth paragraph: “Akrotiri continued to thrive right up until the eruption that resulted in the community being lost to history for several millennia, which has led some to speculate that Akrotiri was the inspiration for Plato’s story of the lost city of Atlantis”. In other words, the sudden disappearance of Akrotiri is what led (or guided) some people to speculate (suggest or theorize) that Akrotiri was the source for Plato’s story of Atlantis.
Incorrect
The answer here is Atlantis.
From the sixth paragraph: “Akrotiri continued to thrive right up until the eruption that resulted in the community being lost to history for several millennia, which has led some to speculate that Akrotiri was the inspiration for Plato’s story of the lost city of Atlantis”. In other words, the sudden disappearance of Akrotiri is what led (or guided) some people to speculate (suggest or theorize) that Akrotiri was the source for Plato’s story of Atlantis.
From the British Council:
- Reading practice test 1 IELTS General Training – blank answer sheet (PDF, 97 kb)
- Reading practice test 1 IELTS General Training – questions (PDF, 61 kb)
- Reading practice test 1 IELTS General Training – answers (PDF, 14 kb)
- Reading practice test 1 IELTS Academic – blank answer sheet(PDF, 97 kb)
- Reading practice test 1 IELTS Academic – questions (PDF, 79 kb)
- Reading practice test 1 IELTS Academic – answers (PDF, 13 kb)
From IELTS.org:
| Downloadable Academic Reading sample tasks |
|---|
| Academic Reading sample task – Diagram label completion (PDF, 61KB) |
| Academic Reading sample task – Matching information (PDF, 35KB) |
| Academic Reading sample task – Matching features (PDF, 22KB) |
| Academic Reading sample task – Matching headings (PDF, 26KB) |
| Academic Reading sample task – Multiple-choice questions (PDF, 21KB) |
| Academic Reading sample task – Table completion (PDF, 59KB) |
| Downloadable General Training Reading sample tasks |
|---|
| General Training Reading sample task – Flow Chart Completion (PDF, 40KB) |
| General Training Reading sample task – Identifying Information (PDF, 99KB) |
| General Training Reading sample task – Matching Information (PDF, 43KB) |
| General Training Reading sample task – Matching Features (PDF, 32KB) |
| General Training Reading sample task – Matching Headings (PDF, 31KB) |
| General Training Reading sample task – Sentence Completion (PDF, 19KB) |
| General Training Reading sample task – Short-Answer Questions (PDF, 18KB) |
From IDP IELTS Canada:
| Description AC | Worksheet |
| Answer sheet |  |
| Identifying information | |
| Identifying writer’s views | |
| Matching features | |
| Matching headings | |
| Multiple choice questions | |
| Table completion | |
| Diagram label completion | |
| Description GT | Worksheet | |
| Flow Chart Completion | |
|
| Identifying Information | |
|
| Matching Information | |
|
| Matching Features | |
|
| Matching Headings | |
|
| Sentence Completion | |
|
| Short Answer Questions | |
|
| Reading Answer sheet | |