IELTS GENERAL TRAINING READING


IELTS GENERAL TRAINING READING

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 SECTION 1
Questions 1-14

Questions 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage “Bicycling for Recycling” ?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet write
            TRUE  if the statement agrees with the information
            FALSE            if the statement contradicts the information
            NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this

1          Last year’s bike rally was a great success.
2          Compared to last year’s route, this year’s is longer.
3          Larger donations are expected from commercial companies.
4          Individual sponsors can donate any amount.
5          Participants are invited to attend a press conference before the date of the rally.
6          Emergency support will NOT be available in isolated areas.
7          Some government officials will be present at the end-point of the rally.


Bicycling for Recycling

Dear Environmentally-Conscious Friend,

After the remarkable achievements of last year, we have again organised a Bicycle Rally to promote the recycling of resources and usage of recycled goods for the protection of our environment.  Unlike last year, this year, the rally will start in Werribee and will cover a slightly shorter 45-kilometre route.  The reduction in distance is due to the new area being quite hilly!

This year we have set ourselves the goal of raising £50,000 for our worthy cause.  To help us do this, we have invited sponsorship from 20 large, commercial companies.  If you would like to suggest a sponsor that we might not have considered, please contact us – there is no minimum donation amount.  The funds raised will be used to launch our Recycled Resources, Recycled Goods countrywide awareness program in the coming months.  We have also contacted numerous social organisations who will help us to best utilise the funds raised.  

We will provide all support to participants including arranging bicycles for those who do not have one, all safety measures throughout the route, food, drinks and transportation to and from Werribee - Western, Northern and Southern suburbs will be covered.  Here are the particulars:
DATE:
16 June 2007

START TIME:
8AM

START POINT:
Werribee

FINISH:
Beacon Park   

COST:
£12

Channel 2 has agreed to be our media partner and will telecast the entire rally.  Don’t miss your chance to be on national TV!

You are also invited to attend a post-rally press conference at the National Press Auditorium.  Contact G. Jaisin on 0425 652 254 for more details.



Bicycling for Recycling: RALLY DETAILS

Enquiry and Assistance:
·         General enquiries are welcome any time.
·         Sponsorship enquiries – at least 7 days prior to the rally.
·         Any special needs, call during business hours – 021 254 256 231. 

Safety measures:
The route has five designated checkpoints – Werribee, Mentone, Parade Ground, William Port and Beacon Park.  The first half of the route from Werribee to the Parade Ground passes through Bush Park and continues along the Eastern Coast.  This section is quite isolated so we will establish emergency stops and drink booths with greater frequency. Each booth staff member will be issued with communication equipment to report any emergency situation from all remote areas.  All emergency assistance, including paramedics, will be on standby.

Accessories:
Considering the unpredictable weather during this season you should be prepared for all conditions.  This means being prepared for all climatic possibilities!  All participants are advised to do a complete check of their bike brakes and gears prior to the start of the rally.  Our bike mechanics will be on hand at the starting point 2 hours prior to the start of the rally.  This service is free for all participants. 

Photo session:
The finishing line at the north gate of Beacon Park will have a stage with a backdrop containing our Recycled Resources, Recycled Goods slogan.  All the participants, upon finishing, will receive a bouquet and individual placard – both highlighting our recycling message.  There will be a photo session involving all the participants.  Photos will be forwarded to the local newspapers with a press release.  

This year we have decided to put a Support Book at the finishing point.  We encourage you to sign the book and express your views on our rally theme or any other feedback you may care to provide.  We are planning to forward all comments to the respective government policymakers as well as to the Ministry of Environment.

Thanks in advance for your support and see you on the big day!
G. Jaisin
President, Rally Committee
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Questions 8 - 14
Look at the seven film descriptions A-G in paragraph “ Movie Mania – Upcoming Films” on next page and answer questions 8-14.
For which film(s) are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter A-G in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.
NB           You may use one letter more than once.

8               This film is based on a book.
9               These TWO films are all about mysteries.
10             This film is based on imaginary animal behaviour.
11             This film demonstrates the importance of keeping a promise.
12             This film focuses on environmental issues.
13             The need to choose is a focus of this film.
14             These TWO films will best entertain a fun-loving audience.


Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14

Movie Mania – Upcoming Films

A. Friends (June 1st)
A group of friends go on a vacation together.  They book a hotel and, upon arrival, discover that due to a misunderstanding, their booking got cancelled.  In a new and strange city they determine to spend the whole night on the street.  They meet some peculiar people and observe unusual behaviours not seen during the day time.  A lot of laughs throughout! 

B. Four Feet (June 7th)
An animation-based fantasy film where animals take control of a city.  Excellent special effects, hilarious scenarios and even some commentary about the environment!  The animal’s adventures put human beings into some difficult situations.  In the home or office, in markets and on the streets, the animals make the rules - although a friendly understanding between animal and man enables both to co-exist…eventually! 

C. House Story (June 14th)
A rich family buys a large country-house and discovers the existence of pre-historic residents! With pre-history meeting modern history, the clever plot intrigues from start to finish.   People from the past keep visiting the everyday environment of the family in the house.  The suspense in this supernatural thriller comes to a climax in a most interesting way.

D. Runner (June 21st)
Peter Goode has made a commitment to literally run around the world.  The final leg of his journey involves running from New Mexico to Kansas, USA.  Apparent mysteries stop him from time to time, but Peter’s will proves there is a way and we learn that not every life is filled with fun. Experience Peter’s struggles and the lengths to which one man will go to keep his word.

E. Silver Ring (June 28th)
True romantic story of a young couple who aspire to wealth in order to lead a happy life. Dedicated to Allison Walsh and based on her bestselling novel, this film shows that money and happiness are not necessarily linked.  Abstract love and affection on one side and material need and want on another – which side must this young couple take?

F. The Creatures (July 5th)
This is a documentary film sponsored by The Zoological Society.  The film focuses on Global Warming and its effects on wild animals.  Full of interesting facts and some expert interviews.  Shot in the deep forests of the world.  Incredible wild animal action adds real excitement to the film.  Real-life footage in digital surround sound.

G. The Trigger (July 12th)
Having learned of the disappearance of two children, a retired detective undertakes a mission to locate them.  They are eventually found by the detective, living in a small town in Italy.  Although missing, the kids believe that they are still very much in their normal living environment.  These American kids know Italy lane by lane and can speak the local dialect fluently.  Nobody ever taught them the language.   From beginning to end, unexplained occurrances keep the viewer guessing to the end.



SECTION 2
Questions 15 - 27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20
 
NURSE ASSISTANTS IN NEW ZEALAND

 IntroductionWorking as a Nurse Assistant in New Zealand provides a number of unique opportunities in an interesting work environment.  Nurse Assistants work with registered nurses and nursing practitioners to promote health, prevent disease and to manage public health needs. Nurse Assistants do not make independent assessments.  They assist in delivering nursing care in community, residential and hospital settings.  Over the last three years there has been an increase in the demand for Nurse Assistants in child and aged care and public health.  Qualified men and women are encouraged to consider this career opportunity.

Certificate in Nursing Assistance
To graduate with a Certificate in Nursing Assistance, students must complete a 12-month Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved education program and pass the examination.  Successful course completion requires attendance at 75% of all class lectures, participation in a minimum of 200 clinical hours and for all written reports to be completed satisfactorily.  Applicants should be mature and healthy, both mentally and physically and their previous academic record must demonstrate the ability to manage a study environment.  They should also have a keen interest in working with people and be at least 20 years of age.

If English is not the first, or native, language an approved English language test score must be presented along with the usual character references required for all applicants.

Additional Information
Certified Nurse Assistants are often the principal caregivers in nursing homes, assisting with the activities of daily living. This may include, but is not limited to, helping people in and out of bed, assisting with eating, bathing and dressing, as well as administering medications when requested to do so. As the relationship develops between the residents and their caregivers, Nurse Assistants often find that providing emotional support becomes another important aspect of their occupation.

Because hospitals and nursing homes must provide 24-hour care, Nurse Assistants employed in these institutions can often be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and must be available for shift work.

The workload can be very demanding and there is often some lifting of patients involved in the daily work routine.  If employed in hospitals or in community care, there can also, on occasion, be exposure to some infectious diseases.

Pay scales vary according to the area and the type of work involved.  Additional information, pertaining to careers as a Nurse Assistant, can be obtained from the nearest, relevant educational institution.


Questions 15-20
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15 - 20 on your answer sheet.

15        Only registered nurses and nursing practitioners make ................... .          
16        To work as a Nurse Assistant, individuals must be ................... .
17        To be accepted into the course ................... must be provided by every applicant.
18        After working with patients for some time ................... often becomes a significant work task.
19        Shift work may be required because hospitals have to offer ................... .
20        Interested individuals should contact an appropriate local ................... for further details.


Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.

WORK SAFETY AT MONOTON ELECTRONICS

Fire can occur anywhere and at any time.  An outbreak of fire in a large industrial building is very dangerous to everyone working in the area. There could also be the added risk of being exposed to hazardous spills and gas leaks, which significantly increases the risk of injury in a smoke-filled environment.

United States Fire Regulations requires employers to conduct regular fire drills to familiarise employees with what to do should a fire break out.  The development of an effective fire drill procedure involves both planning and practice. Studies have proven that people who plan and rehearse how they will get out of the building in a crisis are better prepared than those who do not have an exit strategy.

Planning
The first step employers at Monoton Electronics undertake, in conjunction with their employees, is to develop an evacuation plan. The objective of the plan is to provide a set of procedures in the event of an emergency which requires the workforce to leave the building.

Once the plan is completed, it is posted in a prominent area along with maps of the building which clearly show all entry/exit points. Other information in the evacuation plan would include the location of the smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, where the assembly site is located, who has been appointed to account for the evacuated workers, visitors and customers as they arrive at this area and who will supervise the shutdown of critical operations.  All employees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this information. Employers should also ensure that workers know where the emergency exits are and how to use fire extinguishers.

Practice
Practicing the evacuation of a hazardous area in a fast and orderly manner can be the key to surviving a fire emergency and regular fire drills are a way of accomplishing this.  It is recommended that every member of staff is involved in the exercise.  If this is not possible, at least half the personnel in each department should be present.

During the fire drill the supervisors should note in the incidents register inappropriate activity such as delays in the collection of personal items, difficulties experienced by those with disabilities.  If any doorways or fire escapes are obstructed this must also be noted.

The fire drill is usually timed and after it is over, procedures are evaluated to see if there need to be any improvements made to the evacuation plan.  Practice makes perfect, so it is important to repeat fire drills at least a couple of times a year - vigilance could save lives.  All staff are encouraged to contact the Warden Attendant if they have any queries regarding evacuation procedures and general fire safety issues.

Questions 21 - 27  
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.

21        ................  help staff to prepare for a fire.     
22        Planning and going over a fire escape procedure helps staff to be ................  .      
23        Establishing a process in case of emergency is the aim of the ................ . 
24        Once outside, staff meet at an ................ .   
25        Staff must know how to operate ................ .              
26        Blocked doorways or fire escapes must be recorded in the ................ .        
27        Questions about safety procedures should be directed to the ................ .



SECTION 3
Read the passage and answer questions 28-40.

 From Londinium to London


A The history of London spans a period of approximately 2,000 years.  On its way to becoming one of the present-day financial and cultural capitals of the world, momentous highs and lows have accompanied the town.  By 43 AD, an early point in its history, a time when Romans had invaded Britain, it had already been a target of several external invasions.  The Roman settlers there at the time named the area Londinium, which is commonly believed to be the origin of the present-day name, London.

B Researchers believe that before the Romans, no city existed where London is today.  It was just a rural area with significant richness and attractiveness in terms of natural resources and location.  They base this on the fact that only very scattered evidence of farming, burial and habitation have been uncovered in the area.  Early Roman London, which is also referred to as The First London, was a very small area that existed for just 17 years.  Around 61 AD the Celtic-speaking Iceni tribe from Eastern Britain, who opposed the occupying forces of the Roman Empire, stormed the city and burnt it to the ground.  By 100 AD it was re-built according to a development plan and was made the capital of the Roman province of Britannia.  By the 2nd century AD, London had a population of approximately 60,000.  In the 3rd century AD however, due to internal troubles within the Roman Empire, the city was brought down again.  By the 5th century AD, it had become an abandoned city.

C During the next century, the area near London saw the settlement of a new race of people, the Anglo-Saxons.  These people started to migrate about 1 kilometre upstream from the Roman London city.  Their settlement was called Lundenwic, and had fishing and trading as its economic base.  Disaster struck for the city in 850 AD when its defence was broken down by a major Viking1 raid.  However, the Viking occupation which had lasted for 20 years was overturned by Alfred the Great, the new King of England, who succeeded in establishing power via a peaceful agreement.  He rebuilt the defensive wall for the city to protect his people.  Gradually, as a result of contributions by the then ruling kings, London once again became an international trading centre and political powerhouse.  However, in the late 10th century Vikings raided again and took control of the city and forced the ruling King Ethelred to flee.  His army then made a counter attack and won.  Thus, English control was once more established.    

D King Canute ruled London and the adjacent countryside until his death in 1042, when his son, Edward, took control and re-founded Westminster Abbey.  By this time London had already become the largest city in the whole of England.  In 1066 William the Conqueror, became the King of England and built a castle in the southeast part to better keep a watchful eye on its inhabitants.  The later kings expanded the castle, which is now known as the Tower of London.  During 1097 William II built Westminster Hall adjacent to the Westminster Abbey as a key structure in the new Palace of Westminster, which was the main royal residence all through the Middle Ages.  Primarily, because of the unique administration through the Corporation of London, which was the municipal governing body that later became the City of London Corporation, London became a centre of trade and commerce and was named the capital of England in the 12th century.    

E In 1588 the Spanish Armada sailed against England and was defeated.  The defeat of the Spanish led to more political stability in England allowing London to prosper even more.  Good times followed until tragedy struck during the middle and late 16th century through The Great Fire of London.  Starting from a small bakery, the fire burnt to the ground, the homes of 70,000 of London’s 80,000 inhabitants.  Rebuilding the city would take ten long years.  The middle of the 17th century was also a matter of great misfortune for London due to an outbreak of the Great Plague, which caused the deaths of almost a fifth of the population.

F The first quarter of the 18th century saw London become and remain the world’s largest city. Major developments within this period included the building of a rail network and a city metro system; the systematic development of a workforce; a local government system and other large-scale building of infrastructure.  After World War II, London became home to a large number of immigrants - especially those from other parts of the Commonwealth - making London one of the most culturally diverse cities in the whole of the Europe.  Despite occasional set-backs - like the Brixton Riots in early 1980s - the integration of new migrants into London was comparatively smoother than other regions around the United Kingdom.
G From the 1980s onward, some successful economic reforms and revival programs were implemented in London that significantly contributed to re-establish it as a pre-eminent international centre.  Today London is considered by many to be the most important and influential city in Europe with around 32% of all foreign exchange around the world occurring in the city on a daily basis.  The British government continues to devote more resources to the development of London with the people of the city now preparing to hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics.

1Ship-borne warriors originating from Scandinavia i.e. northern Europe.

Questions 28 - 35
The passage has seven paragraphs A-G.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-G in boxes 28-35 on your answer sheet.
NB      You may use any letter more than once.

28        an example of two groups of people making an agreement not to war
29        a big upcoming event for London
30        London as a deserted city
31        commonly believed to be the origination of the word ‘London’
32        London and a mass disease
33        most of the city dwellers lost their dwelling place
34        the main reason why London became the capital of England
35        an example of a conclusion made by those who study history.
Questions 36-40
Do the following information agree with the information given in the passage?
In boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet, write:

            TRUE  if the statement agrees with the information
            FALSE            if the statement contradicts with the information
            NOT GIVEN   if there is no information in this

36        The Romans gave London its name.
37        A sudden attack on The First London totally destroyed it.
38        The area once known as Early Roman London now joins with modern-day London.
39        In order to control the people of London more effectively, William the Conqueror built a castle.
40        70,000 houses were burnt by the Great Fire of London.
Answers
1 True
2 False
3 Not Given
4 True
5 False
6 False
7 Not Given
8 E
9 C, G
10 B
11 D
12 F
13 E
14 A, B
Lab 2, Reading Passage 2: Answers and Suggestions
Quest. Number Answer
15 independent assessments
16 qualified
17 character references
18 emotional support
19 24-hour care
20 educational institution
21 fire drills
22 (better) prepared
23 evacuation plan
24 assembly site
25 fire extinguishers
26 incidents register
27 Warden Attendant
Lab 2, Reading Passage 3: Answers and Suggestions
Quest. Number Answer
28 C
29 G
30 B
31 A
32 E
33 E
34 D
35 B
36 Not Given
37 True
38 Not Given
39 True
40 Not Given