General Training Reading 2024-12 Test 3 — IELTS General Training Reading Practice Test with Answers

Rebuilt from test-taker recalls — not official IELTS material. Audio and passages are recreations for practice.

Unique Holiday Stays

A. Riad - A traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard, often converted into an intimate hotel or guesthouse.

B. Cortijo - Characteristic to Southern Spain, a Cortijo is a type of rural property usually consisting of multiple buildings, a large patio, and cultivated lands.

C. Palazzo - Although often translated to palace, the word palazzo has a broader meaning in Italy. It can be anything from a block of flats to the home of a noble family to a historic hotel. From an architectural point of view, however, palazzo describes a grand, imposing building belonging to the Renaissance style.

D. Chateau - In Bordeaux, the term chateau is synonymous with vineyard estates, but it can also be used to describe a French country house or castle.

E. Pension - A type of guesthouse or B&B, where in addition to lodging and breakfast, guests are also offered lunch and dinner. Pensions are usually family-run and cost less than other accommodation options.

F. Finca - A Spanish rural property, usually characterized by traditional architecture and an agricultural heritage.

G. Yurt - Popular in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey, yurts are circular tents covered with felt or skins, and appointed with conical roofs.

H. Pousada - Pousada is the Portuguese term for guesthouse, inn, or historic independently-owned hotel. They usually have a traditional restaurant and offer guests an authentic local experience.

I. RV - Usually used for traveling, an RV is a recreational vehicle outfitted with the amenities found in a home, including bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping facilities. Depending on region, RVs are also called caravans, camper vans, or motorhomes.

Questions 1-7: Matching holiday stays

For which type of holiday stays are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-I. NB You may choose any letter more than once.

1
You can find agricultural fields in close vicinity of buildings.
2
You get all your meals covered during your stay.
3
The old structure is customised to make it fit for the guests.
4
This does not have a solid structure.
5
A mobile hotel fixed with all the amenities
6
Architecture and agriculture are its traditional heritage.
7
This is perfect to escape from the city life

The ISRO's PSLV

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into sun-synchronous orbits, a service that was, until the advent of the PSLV in 1993, commercially available only from Russia. PSLV can also launch small size satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). Some notable payloads launched by PSLV include India's first lunar probe Chandrayaan-1, India's first interplanetary mission, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and India's first space observatory, Astrosat. PSLV has gained credence as a leading provider of rideshare services for small satellites, due its numerous multi-satellite deployment campaigns with auxiliary payloads usually ride sharing along an Indian primary payload. As of February 2021, PSLV has launched 342 foreign satellites from 36 countries. Most notable among these was the launch of PSLV-C37 on 15 February 2017, successfully deploying 104 satellites in sun-synchronous orbit, tripling the previous record held by Russia for the highest number of satellites sent to space on a single launch, until 24 January 2021, when SpaceX launched the Transporter-1 mission on a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 143 satellites into orbit. Payloads can be integrated in tandem configuration employing a Dual Launch Adapter. Smaller payloads are also placed on equipment deck and customized payload adapters.

Studies to develop a vehicle capable of delivering 600 kg payload to 550 km sun-synchronous orbit from SHAR began in 1978. Among 35 proposed configurations, four were picked and by November 1980, a vehicle configuration with two strap-on on a core booster (S80) with 80 tonne solid propellant loading each, a liquid stage with 30 tonne propellant load (L30) and an upper stage called Perigee-Apogee System (PAS) was being considered. The PSLV was first launched on 20 September 1993. The first and second stages performed as expected, but an attitude control problem led to the collision of the second and third stages at separation, and the payload failed to reach orbit.

After this initial setback, the PSLV successfully completed its second mission in 1994. The fourth launch of PSLV suffered a partial failure in 1997, leaving its payload in a lower than planned orbit. In November 2014, the PSLV had launched 34 times with no further failures. (Although launch 41: August 2017 PSLV-C39 was unsuccessful.) PSLV continues to support Indian and foreign satellite launches especially for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It has undergone several improvements with each subsequent version, especially those involving thrust, efficiency as well as weight. In November 2013, it was used to launch the Mars Orbiter Mission, India's first interplanetary probe. In June 2018, the Union Cabinet approved 6,131 crore (US$860 million) for 30 operational flights of the PSLV scheduled to take place between 2019 and 2024. ISRO is scheduling to privatise the operations of PSLV and will work through a joint venture with private industries. The integration and launch will be managed an industrial consortium through Antrix Corporation.

Questions 8-14: True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? 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.

8
The PSLV rockets launch vehicle is much more powerful than its Russian counterpart.
9
The Mangalyaan was hurled into the trajectory by PSLV.
10
Currently, the PSLV embraces the record for transporting maximum figure of satellites in the orbit.
11
Payloads can be united in corresponding configuration commissioning a Dual Launch Adapter.
12
The foremost launch of the PSLV was a triumph.
13
There have been no enhancements in the successive types of the PSLV.
14
ISRO is looking to collaborate with private firms for the operations of PSLV.

Room Cleaning Schedule

When a guest arrives the room must be perfectly clean, with no sign of previous stay. This needs to be done quickly and efficiently. However, the cleaner needs to take the time to make sure that the room is disinfected and sanitary.

On entering the room, make sure the guests have actually left. Check that they are not sleeping in the bed or are in the bathroom. Make sure there is no luggage or any other possessions. Open all the windows. Firstly, do a lost and found check. Look under the bed, in the wardrobe, in the bedside drawers, on the window sills and on the back of the door for valuables. These include: wallets/makeup bags, clothes and shoes, eyeglasses, sunglasses, jewellery, watches and cash books, medication, electronic devices, and electrical cords. These are to be placed into a Ziplock plastic bag and the number of the room and date should be written on the bag. The bags should be delivered to housekeeping at the end of your cleaning session. These will be returned to guests. Performing this service for guests is unique to this hotel, so please search carefully.

Put all rubbish, debris, empty shopping bags, used tea and coffee supplies into the large trash bag on your cart. Replace dirty cups. Empty rubbish bins for bedroom and bathroom into this. Spray and wipe insides of bins. Strip beds and put sheets and pillow cases down the laundry chute. Do the same with all the towels. Remake beds with fresh sheets. Make sure the bedspread is clean. If it is soiled, replace it with a clean one and add bedspread to chute. Wipe and disinfect all surfaces in the bedroom and bathroom, including remote control, taps, door handles and light switches. Clean the toilet and shower and mop the bathroom floor. Change the roll of toilet paper for a new one. Replace hotel soap, shampoo and disposable bathroom accessories. Clean the mirror and Shower door.

Vacuum the bedroom floor, particularly around the telephone console and under the bed. Close the windows again before you leave.

Questions 15-21: Cleaning hotel rooms

Choose ONLY ONE WORD for each answer.

CLEANING HOTEL ROOMS

Check that the guests are not in the room and open the windows.

Put any objects the guests have left behind in a Ziplock bag and label it with the room number and the 15. __________

Empty all the rubbish bins and clean them.

Switch the 16. __________ for clean ones and throw away used tea and coffee supplies

Change the 17. __________ and pillowcases on the beds

Clean all the 18. __________ with disinfectant

Don't forget light 19. __________ and doorknobs

Completely clean the bathroom.

Wipe mirror and shower door and 20. __________ the floor

Vacuum the bedroom floor.

Don't forget to do it under the 21. __________

15
Put any objects the guests have left behind in a Ziplock bag and label it with the room number and the 15. __________
16
Switch the 16. __________ for clean ones and throw away used tea and coffee supplies
17
Change the 17. __________ and pillowcases on the beds
18
Clean all the 18. __________ with disinfectant
19
Don't forget light 19. __________ and doorknobs
20
Wipe mirror and shower door and 20. __________ the floor
21
Don't forget to do it under the 21. __________

How to Achieve a Better Work-life Balance

As more and more employees work from home full time and everyone has 24/7 access to email, balancing work and family may not seem like an easily attainable goal. So how can you juggle the demands of both worlds? Below are some tips to help you get started. It's easy to get sucked into habits that, make us less efficient without realizing it – like keeping your social media page open at work so you don't miss something 'important'. Draw up a list with all the activities that don't enhance your life or career. Then minimize the time you spend on them.

It's hard to say no', especially to a supervisor or loved one, but sometimes that powerful little word is essential. Learn to use 'no' judiciously and it will become a powerful tool in balancing work and family.

Research shows that exercise helps you remain alert. Finding time to hit the gym may be hard, but it will ultimately help you get more things done because exercise really boosts energy and improves your ability to concentrate.

Study after study shows that significant sleep deprivation affects your health and well-being. Exposure to electronics can significantly negatively impact your sleep, so try to unplug an hour before you go to sleep.

What would you do if you had a whole day to yourself with no demands on your time? While most people don't have the luxury of a whole day dedicated to relaxation, constantly putting off that downtime and putting everyone's needs before yours will wear you down. Pick a time to do something just for you. Even just a few minutes of 'me time' a day will help to recharge your batteries.

Don't assume your family and manager are aware of your concerns. If you feel you have to adjust your schedule to discover a better work-life balance, then voice that requirement. If that means asking your boss for permission to leave a few minutes early once a week so you can hit that yoga class on the way home, do it.

All new habits require time to build, so if you find yourself sneaking your smartphone to bed, that's okay. Leave your phone downstairs tomorrow night. Tiny steps are the key to finding that balance, so start small, and go from there. Most of all, know your limitations and what works best for you; then decide what really matters, what

Questions 22-27: Achieving a better work-life balance

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Achieving a better work-life balance

How to begin

Make a complete 22. __________ of things that are not helpful and reduce involvement in them

Refuse some requests as this can be a useful 23. __________ in gaining a better work-life balance

Things that cars help

Regular exercise o can increase 24. __________ significantly

Sleep o insufficient sleep can make people ill o avoid focusing on 25. __________ in the lead-up to bedtime

Issues that require attention

Those who see other people's 26. __________ as more important than their own will suffer

If the working day is too long, get 27. __________ to shorten it occasionally

22
Make a complete 22. __________ of things that are not helpful and reduce involvement in them
23
Refuse some requests as this can be a useful 23. __________ in gaining a better work-life balance
24
Regular exercise o can increase 24. __________ significantly
25
Sleep o insufficient sleep can make people ill o avoid focusing on 25. __________ in the lead-up to bedtime
26
Those who see other people's 26. __________ as more important than their own will suffer
27
If the working day is too long, get 27. __________ to shorten it occasionally

Plastic Is No Longer Fantastic

A. In 2017, Carlos Ferrando, a Spanish engineer-turned-entrepreneur, saw a piece of art in a museum that profoundly affected him. 'What Lies Under', a photographic composition by Indonesian digital artist Ferdi Rizkiyanto, shows a child crouching by the edge of the ocean and 'lifting up' a wave, to reveal a cluster of assorted plastic waste, from polyethylene bags to water bottles. The artwork, designed to raise public awareness, left Ferrando angry – and fuelled with entrepreneurial ideas.

B. Ferrando runs a Spanish-based design company, Closca, that produces an ingenious foldable bicycle helmet. But he has now also designed a stylish glass water bottle with a stretchy silicone strap and magnetic closure mechanism that means it can be attached to almost anything, from a bike to a bag to a pushchair handle. The product comes with an app that tells people where they can fill their bottles with water for free.

C. The intention is to persuade people to stop buying water in plastic bottles, thus saving consumers money and reducing the plastic waste piling up in our oceans. 'Bottled water is now a $100 billion business, and 81 per cent of the bottles are not recycled . It's a complete waste – water is only 1.5 percent of the price of the bottle!' Ferrando cries. Indeed, environmentalists estimate that by 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish and that's mainly down to such bottles. 'We are trying to create a sense that being environmentally sophisticated is a status symbol,' he adds. 'We want people to clip their bottles onto what they are wearing, to show that they are recycling – and to look cool.'

D. Ferrando's story is fascinating because it seems like an indicator of something unexpected. Three decades ago, conspicuous consumption – the purchase of luxuries, such as handbags, shoes, cars, etc. on a lavish scale – heightened people's social status. Indeed, the closing decades of the 20th century were a time when it seemed that anything could be turned into a commodity. Hence the fact that water became a consumer item, sold in plastic bottles, instead of just emerging, for free, from a tap.

E. Today, though, conspicuous extravagance no longer seems desirable among consumers. Now, recycling is fashionable – as is cycling rather than driving. Plastic water bottles have become so common that they do not command status; instead, what many millennials – young people born in the late 20th century – prefer to post on social media are 'real' (refillable) bottles or even the once widespread Thermos bottles. Some teenagers currently think that these stainless-steel vacuum-insulated water bottles that are coming back onto the market are ultra 'cool'; never mind the fact that they feel oddly out-of-date to anyone over the age of 40 or that teenagers in the 1970s would have avoided ever being seen with one.

F. It is uncertain whether Closca will succeed in its goal. Although its foldable bike helmet is available in some outlets in New York, including the Museum of Modern Art, it can be very hard for any design entrepreneur to really take off in the global mass market, though not as hard as it might have been in the past. If an entrepreneur had wanted to fund a smart invention a few decades ago, he or she would have had to either raise a bank loan, borrow money from a family member or use a credit card. Things have moved on slightly since then.

G. Entrepreneurs are still using the last two options, but some are also tapping into the ever-growing pot of money that is becoming available in the management world for 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR) investments. And then there are other options for those who wish to raise money straight away. Ferrando posted details about his water-bottle venture on a large , recognised platform for funding creative projects. He appealed for people to donate $30,000 of seed money – the money he needed to get his project going – and promised to give a bottle to anyone who provided more than $39 in 'donations'. If he received the funds, he stated that the company would produce bottles in grey and white; if $60,000 was raised, a multicolored one would be made. Using this approach, none of the donors has a stake in his idea, nor does he have any debt. Instead, it is almost a pre-sale of the product, in a manner that tests demand in advance and creates a potential crowd of enthusiasts. This old-fashioned community funding with a digital twist is supporting a growing array of projects ranging from films to card games, videos, watches and so on. And, at last count, Closca had raised some $52,838 from 803 backers. Maybe, 20 years from now, it will be the plastic bottle that

Questions 28-34: Matching headings

The text has seven paragraphs, A-G. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-viii.

List of Headings

i. A time when opportunities were limited

ii. The reasons why Ferrando's product is needed

iii. A no-risk solution

iv. Two inventions and some physical details

v. The contrasting views of different generations

vi. A disturbing experience

vii. The problems with replacing a consumer item

viii. Looking back at why water was bottled

28
Section A
29
Section B
30
Section C
31
Section D
32
Section E
33
Section F
34
Section G

Questions 35–37: Multiple choice

Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

35
What does Ferrando say about his glass water bottle?
- A. It matches his bicycle helmet.
- B. It is cheaper than a plastic bottle.
- C. He has designed it to suit all ages.
- D. He wants people to be proud to show it
36
What does the writer find fascinating about Ferrando’s story?
- A. the youthfulness of his ideas.
- B. the old-fashioned nature of his products.
- C. the choice it is creating for consumers.
- D. the change is revealing in people’s attitudes
37
What does the writer say about the way entrepreneurs used to fund their projects?
- A. They had to borrow from family or banks.
- B. They could easily get money from the government.
- C. They used to sell their products in advance.
- D. They relied on social media campaigns.

Questions 38-40: Summary completion

Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Thirty years ago, the methods used by creators to fund their projects involved getting money from the bank or from someone in the 38. __________ Banks today are still a useful source of finance, but investments may also be sought from 'corporate social responsibility' projects. In order to get immediate funding, the method Ferrando took was to use a well-known 39. __________ to advertise his product and request financial support. People who gave a certain figure or over were offered a free gift. In addition, Ferrando advised his donors that his company would create bottles in two colors, followed by a 40. __________ bottle once they had received a more significant amount. In this way Ferrando avoided debt and found out how many people might want his products before manufacturing them.

38
Thirty years ago, the methods used by creators to fund their projects involved getting money from the bank or from someone in the 38. __________
39
the method Ferrando took was to use a well-known 39. __________ to advertise his product and request financial support.
40
Ferrando advised his donors that his company would create bottles in two colors, followed by a 40. __________ bottle once they had received a more significant amount.

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1. B
B (Cortijo) is described as a rural property with multiple buildings and cultivated lands, meaning agricultural fields are close to the buildings.
2. E
E (Pension) offers lodging, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so all meals are included during your stay.
3. A
A (Riad) is a traditional house that is often converted into a hotel or guesthouse, meaning it is customized for guests.
4. G
G (Yurt) is a circular tent covered with felt or skins, so it does not have a solid structure.
5. I
I (RV) is a recreational vehicle with home amenities and is mobile, fitting the description of a mobile hotel.
6. F
F (Finca) is a Spanish rural property with traditional architecture and agricultural heritage, so both architecture and agriculture are part of its tradition.
7. D
D (Chateau) is described as a French country house or castle, making it ideal for escaping city life.
8. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because the passage does not compare the power of PSLV rockets to Russian launch vehicles.
9. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the passage says PSLV launched the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
10. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage says SpaceX broke the record for most satellites in one launch in 2021, so PSLV no longer holds it.
11. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the passage says payloads can be integrated in tandem configuration using a Dual Launch Adapter.
12. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage says the first PSLV launch failed to reach orbit.
13. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage says PSLV has undergone several improvements with each version.
14. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the passage says ISRO plans to privatise PSLV operations and work with private industries.
15. date
The passage says to label the Ziplock bag with the room number and date.
16. cups
The passage says to replace dirty cups with clean ones and throw away used tea and coffee supplies.
17. sheets
The passage says to strip beds and put sheets and pillowcases down the laundry chute, then remake beds with fresh sheets.
18. surfaces
The passage says to wipe and disinfect all surfaces in the bedroom and bathroom.
19. switches
The passage says to disinfect light switches and door handles.
20. mop
The passage says to clean the mirror and shower door and mop the bathroom floor.
21. bed
The passage says to vacuum the bedroom floor, particularly under the bed.
22. list
The passage says to draw up a list of activities that don't enhance your life or career.
23. tool
The passage says learning to say 'no' is a powerful tool in balancing work and family.
24. energy
The passage says exercise boosts energy and improves your ability to concentrate.
25. electronics
The passage says exposure to electronics can negatively impact sleep, so avoid them before bed.
26. needs
The passage says putting everyone's needs before yours will wear you down.
27. permission
The passage says to ask your boss for permission to leave early if you need to adjust your schedule.
28. vi
Section A is best summarized by vi ('An artwork that inspired a business idea'), as it describes how a piece of art inspired Ferrando.
29. iv
Section B is best summarized by iv ('A new product with a practical design'), as it describes the design and features of Ferrando's water bottle.
30. ii
Section C is best summarized by ii ('A solution to a global problem'), as it discusses how the bottle aims to reduce plastic waste.
31. viii
Section D is best summarized by viii ('Changing attitudes to status and consumption'), as it discusses the shift from conspicuous consumption to recycling and eco-friendly habits.
32. v
Section E is best summarized by v ('A new trend among young people'), as it discusses how millennials and teenagers now prefer refillable bottles.
33. i
Section F is best summarized by i ('The challenges of launching a new product'), as it talks about the difficulties entrepreneurs face in the market.
34. iii
Section G is best summarized by iii ('A modern approach to raising funds'), as it explains how Ferrando used crowdfunding to support his project.
35. D
D is correct because Ferrando says he wants people to clip their bottles on to show they are recycling and to look cool. A is wrong because there is no mention of matching the helmet, B is wrong because price is not compared, and C is wrong because he does not mention all ages.
36. D
D is correct because the writer finds it fascinating that Ferrando's story shows a change in people's attitudes, from valuing luxury to valuing recycling. The other options do not match the main point discussed.
37. A
A is correct because the passage says entrepreneurs used to raise a bank loan or borrow money from family. B is wrong because government funding is not mentioned, C is wrong because advance sales are described as a new method, and D is wrong because social media campaigns are not mentioned as the old way.
38. family
The passage says creators used to get money from the bank or from someone in the family.
39. platform
The passage says Ferrando posted his project on a large, recognised platform for funding creative projects.
40. multicolored
The passage says if $60,000 was raised, a multicolored bottle would be made.

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