General Training Reading 2025-01 Test 1 — IELTS General Training Reading Practice Test with Answers

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

Lodging Packages

A: Acorn Lodge

Enjoy the magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife of the Shenandoah Mountains from our lovely log home which is perfect for ski trips or weekend getaway. It has a 6-person hot tub and a spacious family room with HDTV and ping pong table. Only minutes away is one of the golf courses, ski lodge, go-carts, mini-golf, tubing, zip lines, adventure park, ropes course, bumper cars and water park.

B: Grand Pine Lodge

It is a 5,000 square feet, white pine lodge offering year-round, beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort offers snow skiing, snow tubing, an indoor water park, an outdoor water park, go-carts, bungee jumping, 2 golf courses, miniature golf as well as numerous shops, restaurants and pubs.

C: Massanutten resort

A very relaxing home located 8 miles from Harrisonburg Virginia. This 2400 square feet home features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a modern kitchen, living room and a large game room. Also offers snow skiing, snow tubing, an indoor water park, outdoor water park, a stocked fishing area, go carts, bungee jumping, 2 golf courses, miniature golf as well as numerous shops, restaurants and pubs.

D: Blue Ridge Overlook

At 2050 feet above sea level, the house includes 2 decks, a screened porch, a game room featuring pool and foosball, and a living room featuring a state-of-the-art audio/video system. 10% military discount on the rental fee given when you reserve this home.

E: Owl Lodge

The cathedral ceilings and exposed wooden beams give you a sense of being on a rustic retreat. When the weather's right, fire up the grill on the back deck for a barbecue dinner and dine in the great outdoors while soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest. Beer and wine lovers in your group will enjoy doing a brewery or winery tour of the area.

F: Marshall's lodge

Enjoy the 16 x 32 foot indoor swimming pool all year! Rain or shine, it's always pool time! It is the only house with a swimming pool in the mountains. Be sure to bring some marshmallows to roast in the courtyard on the outdoor fire pit.

Questions 1–6: Matching facilities to Lodges

Which of the linked sections A-F contains the following facility. Write the correct letter A-F

1
Splendid picturesque with no wild life
- A. Acorn Lodge
- B. Grand Pine Lodge
- C. Massanutten resort
- D. Blue Ridge Overlook
- E. Owl Lodge
- F. Marshall's lodge
2
Indoor swimming pool
3
Commercial wine making area
4
A few more people than half in hot tub
5
Percent armed forces discount
6
Accumulated fishing area for recreation

Health Promotion and Consultant

It can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%. It's free, easy to take, has an immediate effect, and you don't need a doctor to get some. Its name? Exercise. Exercise is the miracle cure we've always had, but for too long we've neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence. This is no snake oil. Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life. People who do regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality, and energy, as well as reduce your risk of stress, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

"If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented," says Dr. Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant.

People are less active nowadays because technology has made our lives easier. We drive cars or take public transport. Machines wash our clothes. We entertain ourselves in front of a TV or computer screen. Fewer people are doing manual work, and most of us have jobs that involve little physical effort. Work, house chores, shopping, and other necessary activities are far less demanding than for previous generations. Research suggests that many adults spend more than seven hours a day sitting down, at work, on transport, or in their leisure time. People aged over 65 spend 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down, making them the most sedentary age group.

To stay healthy, adults should try to be active daily and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities. For most people, the easiest way to get moving is to make activity part of everyday life, like walking or cycling instead of using the car to get around. However, the more you do, the better, and taking part in activities such as sports and exercise will make you even healthier.

For any type of activity to benefit your health, you need to be moving quickly enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster, and feel warmer. This level of effort is called moderate-intensity activity. One way to tell if you're working at a moderate intensity is if you can still talk, but can't sing the words to a song. If your activity requires you to work even harder, it is called vigorous intensity activity. There is substantial evidence that vigorous activity can bring health benefits over and above that of moderate activity. You can tell when it's a vigorous activity because you're breathing hard and fast, and your heart rate has gone up quite a bit. If you're working at this level, you won't be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.

Questions 7–14: 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.

7
Exercise can reduce the risk of early death by up to 50%.
8
Exercise has even greater benefits for older people.
9
Exercise can have positive effects on our mental well-being as well.
10
Technology is a contributing factor to making us more sedentary.
11
Previous generations lead a more active lifestyle than the current generation.
12
The chances that a person could suffer from heart disease are greater today than in the past.
13
Adults must ensure that they get at least 150 minutes of physical activity every day.
14
Jogging is a better physical activity than walking.

Westley University Department of Media — BA Honours Media Course Outline

The BA Media is primarily an academic programme of study in which information media forms are scrutinised and critically analysed in their full social, cultural and political context. Through a variety of teaching approaches and different forms of coursework, you will gain a fuller understanding of the many factors in the production processes and circulation of media products and messages, the ways media represent the world and ourselves and how audiences engage with media. If you want to train for courses in television, film, photographic or print production, this is not the degree for you. Of course it benefits from Westley's high reputation for Journalism training at postgraduate diploma level, built up in the University over many years, and a number of modules involving the study of journalism, online work, and some writing for media. But mostly the BA requires students with strong academic credentials, who will develop the intellectual rigour and communication skills to work in a range of careers. Such careers though will include journalism - where there is a continuing demand for well-qualified academic graduates from many subject areas. The BA programme is also a valuable qualification for postgraduate study in specific media related courses and some of our graduates go on to our own, and other, professional diploma and postgraduate courses after their BA.

Course Duration, Aspects and Teaching Methods

The 3 year Honours degree Course consists of 25 hours of material, incorporating lectures, seminars and tutorials every week. Classes will be taught over the course of the three semesters of the academic year. Students have a series of 10 compulsory modules they will follow over the three years and three elective modules that they must choose from a list of 10.

Requirements of Entry

Students are individually assessed on their academic and professional qualifications and experience. Mature student applications are welcomed. There is a minimum requirement of GCSE maths and English language or an equivalent qualification. Some degree of computer literacy will be needed and improved upon throughout the course.

Assessment

Years 1 and 2 are examined by sessional examinations at the end of the academic year. These marks do not go towards the final degree evaluation but must be passed to continue to the following year. The final degree is a mixture of 50% course mark, 25% final exams mark and 25% dissertation (to be submitted at the end of the Easter vacation of the final year). 8 assignments are given every year. The 5 best marks of each year count to provide a coursework mark for the year. Each year's coursework mark goes towards the final coursework mark for the final degree grade.

Resources

A full reading list will be sent to undergraduates taking the course 2 months before the start of lectures. Students will be expected to have access to a computer and internet connection.

Questions 15–21: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

15
The Westley University Media department enjoys __________ from other courses it has run
16
Prospective candidates should have very good scholastic qualifications, mental firmness and __________
17
Students not in their final year are only assessed by __________
18
The students' BA grade is mostly derived from a __________
19
What type of work does the Course Outline give as an example of the type of jobs successful graduates could get?
20
The 3 year Honours degree Course consists __________ of material?
21
How many assignments are given every year?

Africa arts and crafts

Below is a list of what a child would do in a camp in Africa

Craft Area: Add African animal stamps and pens.

Weaving: Use a styrofoam tray with rubber bands around it and weave with ribbon, feathers, sticks, etc.

The Village of Round and Square Houses: Read "The Village of Round and Square Houses." Make round and square houses with paper straw etc., after reading this book.

Beads: use 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt and small amount of water to make a dough. Knead the dough. Have the children make circles and square shapes. Stick a small toothpick into the clay to make the hole. Bake in an oven at 225 degrees for 1 hour. Once cool, let the children use markers to decorate them. Then let the children string them into a necklace. You could make a bracelet using elastic thread.

African Masks: Masks have been made for thousands of years from all kinds of materials and for many different uses. Some are religious, or represent nature and tribal ancestors. Dancers wear masks in ceremonies to bring rain or chase away evil or sickness. By using a paper plate fold into half. Cut out eyes, nose and mouth. These can be painted. You can punch holes all around edges and add yarn or raffia.

African Shields: Shields were made in a great variety of sizes and shapes. Some only a few inches long were carried in dance rituals and were merely symbols of their original use. Shapes varied from tribe to tribe. Using a paper plate staple a strip of strong paper to the back and staple on each side of the plate. The child will insert a hand into the back of the plate and the paper will keep the shield in place. Let the children decorate the plate. Color and glue on wallpaper pieces, sequins, yarn, etc. Let the kids dance around with the shields.

Kofis: Kofis look like a pillbox hat and are a traditional headdress for celebrations. These special hats add authenticity in role-playing and the study of African culture. Use dark construction paper 24" X 2" for the headband. Cut 6 strips of 12" long X 2" wide. Arrange strips in the shape of a wheel, overlapping in the center. Staple the center or use a brad (paper fastener). Punch holes all around the hat and attach the strips with the brads.

Calabash Bowls: A Calabash is a bowl made from dried gourds. We make papier-mâché to create our bowls. I turn over a small foam bowl with a piece of plastic wrap taped over it. Let the children lay strips of newspaper that have been dipped in glue over the bowls. Do more than one layer. When dry, remove and cut them into a circle or bowl shape. Paint with bright colors and spray with clear acrylic.

Flags: Each African country has its own flag of meaningful colors: green symbolizes growing things, yellow symbolizes the sun, red the blood of the people, blue the sea, white peace, and black the people or African freedom. Have the children make their own flags, be sure to ask them what the colors that they have used signify to them!

Questions 22–26: Short Answer

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.

22
A child would require __________ and a pen for making crafts
23
Children are supposed to read a __________ for preparing craft work
24
Children can make decorative items which they can wear as a __________ or a __________
25
Apart from its religious and natural representation masks are also utilized to symbolize __________
26
Masks are commonly used by __________ to woo a natural phenomenon

How to be a Good Teacher

A discussion of how to be a good teacher sounds a little narrow and probably not very relevant to most of us. Few of us want to be in a school, instructing children in some narrow academic subjects, which is what we overwhelmingly associate with the word "teacher", the person in a rather frayed jacket in front of the class, the type who bored us rigid for long stretches of our early years

However, teaching is far from being something that we only need to learn if we're contemplating a career in education. Considered properly, teaching – by which we mean the vital business of getting an important idea from one mind into another – is one of the most crucial life skills that any of us ever require. Every one of us, whatever our occupation, needs to become a good teacher, for our lives constantly require us to deliver crucial information with effectiveness into the deep minds of others. We can admit quite candidly that most of us have probably started by being quite bad teachers. This is nothing to be ashamed of, like most things, teaching can and must be learned. What, then, are some prerequisites of a good teacher?

It seems paradoxical once it is pointed out. But the truth is, we often get very annoyed by the fact that another person doesn't know something yet, even though we have never actually told them what it might be. Certain ideas can seem so important to us, that we simply can't imagine that others don't already know them. We suspect they may be deliberately upsetting us by pretending not to have a clue. This attitude makes it unlikely that what we have to teach will make its way successfully into the unfortunate other person's head. Good teaching starts with the idea that ignorance is not a defect of the individual we're instructing: it's the consequence of never having been properly taught. So the fault, rightly, really only ever belongs with the people who haven't done enough to get the needed ideas into others' heads: in other words, with you.

The more we need other people to know something, the less we may be able to secure a calm frame of mind, which is indispensable if we are to have a chance of conveying it to them effectively. The possibility that they won't quickly understand something that matters immensely to us can drive us into an agitated fury, which is the very worst state in which to conduct any lesson. By the time we've started to insult our so-called pupils, to call them a blockhead or a fool, the lesson is quite plainly over. No one has ever learned anything under conditions of humiliation. Paradoxically, the best sort of teachers can bear the possibility that what they have to teach will not be understood. It is this slightly detached, slightly pessimistic approach that stands the best chance of generating the relaxed frame of mind essential to successful pedagogy.

It's pretty humiliating to be in the learning position. Someone else has information you don't. That can be so irritating, that the person learning may shut their ears and hate the alleged superiority of the one in the teaching role. That's why another fundamental skill of the good teacher is to admit that they are, in most areas of life, pretty ignorant and stupid. This might seem to undermine their authority. Far from it; it creates an atmosphere of goodwill and modesty which puts the pupil at ease. They might not know this particular thing that's being taught, but they are, overall, not inferior to the teacher, and so they can dare to face up to their ignorance in a given area and submit to the discipline of having it nicely corrected.

As bad teachers, we tend automatically to try to teach a lesson at the moment the problem arises, rather than selecting a time when it is most likely to be attended to properly. Crises aren't the best times for a lesson. We might have to wait a long time, three days after an argument, for example, to pick just the opportune occasion to deal with those issues. When our partners are stacking the dishwasher and humming a song, it might be wisest cheerfully and innocently to refer back to something that truly maddened us a little while back, but over which we were at the time sagely silent.

As we're beginning to see, the more desperate we feel inside, the less likely we are to get through to others effectively. It is deeply unfortunate that we typically end up addressing the most delicate and complex teaching tasks just when we feel most irritated and distressed. We suffer from a panicked feeling that if we don't jump on this right now, an issue is going to go on and on unchecked forever. Precisely not. We should be more confident that not jumping on an issue is what is going to allow us to fix it properly a little way down the line.

Good teachers know that everyone has a lot to learn, and everyone has something important to impart to others. We should never get incensed if someone is trying to teach us something and snap back, ‘I wanted you to like me just as I am’. Only a perfect being would be committed to staying just as they are. For all the rest of us, good learning and teaching are the only ways we'll ever be able to progress, and that's why we should welcome them as the gifts they truly are.

Questions 27–34: Heading Matching

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-ix

List of Headings

i. Good teachers don't get angry

ii. Good teachers pick their moments

iii. A narrow interpretation of who teachers are

iv. Good teachers are also good students

v. The importance of mastering teaching skills

vi. Good teachers can admit they aren't all-knowing

vii. Good teachers can tolerate ignorant students

viii. The good teacher never blames another person for not already knowing

ix. Good teachers need to be aware of the significance of postponing teaching tasks

27
Section A
28
Section B
29
Section C
30
Section D
31
Section E
32
Section F
33
Section G
34
Section H

Questions 35–36: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct heading A, B, C or D

35
In the fourth paragraph, the writer suggests that
- A. We are easily prone to anger if we cannot understand important things quickly.
- B. Good teachers are willing to accept the chances of failing to impart lessons to other people.
- C. Indirect insults heavily affect the learning process.
- D. Teachers have to bear the responsibility for not trying to convey understandable messages
36
The writer refers to "three days after an argument" to make a point that
- A. People can tackle teaching tasks more effectively when they are no longer in desperation.
- B. It would be better for people to solve problems immediately without talking.
- C. Being skilled at timing in solving problems is necessary.
- D. Crises require bad teachers to conduct lessons at the right time.

Questions 37–40: Sentence Completion

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

37
Because we associate __________ so strongly with schools, it's natural to assume somewhere in our minds that 'teaching' is something most people leave behind as they grow up.
38
But in truth, being a teacher is one of the most __________ of human life.
39
Whether we like it or not, things in life frequently __________ us to teach, which means getting an insight, emotion, state of mind, or skill from your head into the
40
or skill from your head into the __________ of others.

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1. B
B (Grand Pine Lodge) is correct because it offers 'beautiful views' and 'year-round, beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains,' but does not mention wildlife, unlike Acorn Lodge which highlights 'abundant wildlife.'
2. F
F (Marshall's lodge) is correct as it states, 'Enjoy the 16 x 32 foot indoor swimming pool all year!' and 'It is the only house with a swimming pool in the mountains.'
3. E
E (Owl Lodge) is correct because it says, 'Beer and wine lovers in your group will enjoy doing a brewery or winery tour of the area,' indicating a commercial wine-making area.
4. A
A (Acorn Lodge) is correct as it mentions 'a 6-person hot tub,' and 'a few more people than half' would be 4, which fits the description.
5. D
D (Blue Ridge Overlook) is correct because it offers a '10% military discount on the rental fee.'
6. C
C (Massanutten resort) is correct as it lists 'a stocked fishing area' among its amenities.
7. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage says exercise can lower the risk of early death by up to 30%, not 50%.
8. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because the passage does not compare the benefits of exercise for older people to other age groups.
9. TRUE
TRUE is correct as the passage states, 'Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality, and energy, as well as reduce your risk of stress, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.'
10. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the passage explains that 'technology has made our lives easier' and people are less active nowadays due to things like cars, machines, and screen entertainment.
11. TRUE
TRUE is correct as the passage says, 'Work, house chores, shopping, and other necessary activities are far less demanding than for previous generations.'
12. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because the passage does not directly compare the current risk of heart disease to the past.
13. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage says adults should aim for 'at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week,' not every day.
14. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because the passage does not compare jogging and walking.
15. high reputation
'high reputation' is correct as the passage says, 'it benefits from Westley's high reputation for Journalism training at postgraduate diploma level.'
16. communication skills
'communication skills' is correct because the passage says the BA requires students who will develop 'the intellectual rigour and communication skills to work in a range of careers.'
17. sessional examinations
'sessional examinations' is correct as the passage says, 'Years 1 and 2 are examined by sessional examinations at the end of the academic year.'
18. final coursework mark
'final coursework mark' is correct because the passage says, 'The final degree is a mixture of 50% course mark, 25% final exams mark and 25% dissertation.'
19. journalism
'journalism' is correct as the passage says, 'Such careers though will include journalism - where there is a continuing demand for well-qualified academic graduates.'
20. 25 hours
'25 hours' is correct as the passage says, 'The 3 year Honours degree Course consists of 25 hours of material, incorporating lectures, seminars and tutorials every week.'
21. 8
'8' is correct because the passage says, '8 assignments are given every year.'
22. animal stamps
'animal stamps' is correct as the craft area says, 'Add African animal stamps and pens.'
23. book
'book' is correct because the passage says, 'Read "The Village of Round and Square Houses." Make round and square houses... after reading this book.'
24. necklace / bracelet
'necklace / bracelet' is correct as the passage says, 'let the children string them into a necklace. You could make a bracelet using elastic thread.'
25. tribal ancestors
'tribal ancestors' is correct as the passage says, 'Some [masks] are religious, or represent nature and tribal ancestors.'
26. dancers
'dancers' is correct because the passage says, 'Dancers wear masks in ceremonies to bring rain or chase away evil or sickness.'
27. iii
'iii' is correct as Section A discusses how teaching is often narrowly associated with schools, matching heading iii.
28. v
'v' is correct as Section B explains that teaching is a crucial life skill for everyone, matching heading v.
29. viii
'viii' is correct as Section C discusses the idea that ignorance is not a defect, matching heading viii.
30. i
'i' is correct as Section D talks about the importance of a calm frame of mind in teaching, matching heading i.
31. vi
'vi' is correct as Section E discusses the importance of modesty in teaching, matching heading vi.
32. ii
'ii' is correct as Section F discusses the importance of timing in teaching, matching heading ii.
33. ix
'ix' is correct as Section G discusses the need for patience and not rushing to address issues, matching heading ix.
34. iv
'iv' is correct as Section H discusses the value of learning and teaching for progress, matching heading iv.
35. B
B is correct because the paragraph says, 'the best sort of teachers can bear the possibility that what they have to teach will not be understood,' showing good teachers accept the chance of failing to impart lessons. Option A is tempting but focuses on learners, not teachers.
36. C
C is correct because the paragraph explains that 'Crises aren't the best times for a lesson' and suggests waiting for the right moment, showing the importance of timing. Option A is tempting but does not directly mention timing skills.
37. teaching and teachers
'teaching and teachers' is correct as the passage says, 'we overwhelmingly associate with the word "teacher"...'
38. crucial life skills
'crucial life skills' is correct because the passage says, 'teaching... is one of the most crucial life skills that any of us ever require.'
39. require
'require' is correct as the passage says, 'our lives constantly require us to deliver crucial information...'
40. deep minds
'deep minds' is correct as the passage says, 'getting an important idea from one mind into another... into the deep minds of others.'

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