General Training Reading 2025-07 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.

SECTION 1 — Penguins

Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds that are highly adapted to life in the water. Here is a list of some types of penguins:

A. Emperor Penguins: Standing just over 4 feet tall and weighing up to 100 pounds, the stately Emperor Penguin is the tallest and heaviest of all penguin types and among the largest birds on the planet. This species is at home along the entire coastline of Antarctica.

B. King Penguins: King Penguins are the second largest penguin species, inhabiting several island chains in the sub-Antarctic. As serial monogamists, these penguins form massive colonies every breeding season, several of which are composed of well over 100,000 pairs, each working in tandem to hatch just a single egg.

C. Chinstrap Penguin: With a distinctive band of black feathers across their necks to either side of their heads, Chinstrap Penguins look somewhat like they're wearing a biker's helmet. The species, which congregates on icebergs and small, barren islands in the sub-Antarctic region, are said to be the boldest and most aggressive of all penguin species.

D. Gentoo Penguin: Gentoo Penguins are the third largest of all penguins, standing around 35 inches tall. The penguins can be found in colonies on the continent of Antarctica as well as islands throughout the sub-Antarctic. Gentoos are listed as "near threatened," with some populations having experienced declines of two-thirds in the last 25 years.

E. Little Blue Penguin: Growing just 13 inches tall, Little Blue Penguins certainly earn that name when compared to their larger counterparts. The species is found on the southern coasts of Australia and New Zealand, and like many flightless birds there, they are prone to attack by invasive predators.

F. Magellanic Penguin: Magellanic Penguins are native to South America. The species numbers in the millions, but are still considered under significant threat from climate change and oil spills along their migration routes, which is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of young penguins every year.

G. Galapagos Penguins: The only penguin species that lives entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, Galapagos Penguins take their name from the archipelago they inhabit. During the 1980s, the penguins' numbers declined by around 70 percent, reducing the population to just around 1,500 by 2004. Conservation efforts are helping Galapagos Penguins to recover, though they are still listed as an endangered species.

H. Snare Penguins: These take their name from the small group of islands they are found in, off the coast of New Zealand, The Snares. Snare Penguins are distinguished by black coloring on the base of their beaks. Though not directly under threat, because of their centralized population, they are particularly vulnerable to sudden environmental changes.

Questions 1-7: Matching penguin types to statements

For which penguins are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-H.

1
You will not find this penguin south of the Equator.
2
These penguins are just over one foot tall.
3
Not only are they the largest penguins, they are also among the largest birds on the planet.
4
In some colonies of these penguins, only one in three have survived in the last quarter of a century.
5
These penguins are very loyal to their mates and do not change partners.
6
These penguins are not afraid to pick up a fight if need be.
7
They take their name from the small cluster of islands which they inhabit.

Freelancing with Full-Time Work

Freelancing has become increasingly popular among full-time employees seeking to diversify their income or pursue their passions. However, balancing a side gig with a full-time job requires planning, discipline, and legal awareness.

Know Your Contract

Before taking on freelance work, it's crucial to review your current employment contract. Some employers have non-compete clauses or restrict freelance activities, especially if they overlap with your job's responsibilities or industry.

Time Management

Freelancing alongside a 9-to-5 job can be demanding. Experts recommend using weekends, early mornings, or evenings for freelance projects. Keeping a digital calendar, setting realistic deadlines, and avoiding burnout are key to long-term sustainability.

Choose the Right Freelance Work

Pick projects that are flexible and align with your interests. Popular choices include graphic design, content writing, language tutoring, or digital marketing. These can often be done remotely and scheduled outside regular work hours.

Financial Considerations

Freelancers must manage their own taxes, which may include filing self-assessment tax returns or registering as a sole trader. It's advisable to keep freelance income in a separate bank account to make tax reporting simpler.

Ethical and Legal Boundaries

Avoid using your employer's equipment, software, or client contacts for personal freelancing. This could lead to disciplinary action. Maintain transparency and integrity at all times.

Questions 8-14: TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? TRUE - if the statement is true; FALSE - if the statement is false; NOT GIVEN - if the information is not given in the text.

8
Some companies forbid employees from freelancing.
9
Freelancing during normal office hours is generally encouraged.
10
Digital marketing is one of the more flexible freelancing options.
11
Freelancers are required to file their own taxes.
12
It is illegal to do freelance work at your workplace.
13
Freelancers should use the same bank account for personal and freelance income.
14
Freelancing can be both financially rewarding and personally satisfying.

SECTION 2 — Haast Legal Services

Here at Haast, we run regular staff-orientation sessions for our new employees. In your first week with Haast, you can expect to attend an orientation program to help you familiarise yourself with the workplace. Generally, this will be conducted for groups of three or more. Below is a rough outline for the day:

9:00 Induction session, Boardroom 2: Here you will learn about the history of our company and meet some of our team. Our HR manager will take you through what is expected of employees from an HR policy perspective and outline the chief priorities of our firm.

10:15 Tour, morning tea, Cafeteria: Our office manager will take you around the office to show you where everything is, including bathroom facilities, stationery and photocopying, first aid kit and payroll. You'll finish in the cafeteria where you'll have the chance to speak to our administrative support staff as well as some of the executives who sit on the board. This is an informal yet important part of the day.

11:00 Sensitive information awareness, Boardroom 3: Here at Haast we often deal with matters of a sensitive nature whether they be personal / family disputes or financial difficulties. This requires a clear understanding of privacy concerns and a commitment to respecting our clients' information. One of our senior staff will outline our policies.

12:30 Lunch

1:30 HR session, 1 Atrium: Be here after lunch to have your photo taken. You will be issued with an employee card (which can be collected from reception at the end of the day). Topics that will be covered include how to apply for various types of leave, submission of timesheets and our dress code.

2:30 Training in your own department: This is where you will learn more about your specific position. If possible, you will join the person who previously held your role for a handover. If this is not possible, your team leader will tell you what you need to know.

Online modules: You will have a week to complete two online modules which cover Haast's sustainability policy and safety in the workplace. Feedback will be given via the portal or in person if necessary.

Questions 15-20: Note completion — Haast Legal Services Induction

Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

General induction session:

the organisation's main 15.________

Meet in Reception, session in Boardroom 2

Tour, Morning tea:

meet members of the 16.________ and the admin team

Cafeteria

Information awareness session:

Introduction to issues relating to 17.________

HR:

go to 18.________ for employee photo

Training:

start 19.________ with predecessor or manager in particular roles

Various departments

finish training about environmental impact and 20.________ matters within the week

15
the organisation's main 15.________
16
meet members of the 16.________ and the admin team
17
Introduction to issues relating to 17.________
18
go to 18.________ for employee photo
19
start 19.________ with predecessor or manager in particular roles
20
finish training about environmental impact and 20.________ matters within the week

Fruit Picking Work in Australia

Because Australia is such a large place, it has several weather zones and many different crops are grown. This means that there is usually work for fruit pickers somewhere in the country. It's worth remembering that there are other related jobs available after the harvest period, such as pruning and planting. If you're interested in picking fruit in Australia, plan well and be prepared to work hard! Here are some tips to help you:

Working in the sun

Wearing sunglasses, to avoid the glare, and sunscreen is absolutely essential if you want to avoid sunburn. A long-sleeved cotton shirt may not seem appealing, but you will be thankful for it in the heat of the day.

Keeping hydrated is crucial. You will find that you may drink up to eight litres of water a day if you are working outside. It will save time if you keep your water in something that is clipped onto your belt so that you can take a drink whenever you need to.

Other requirements

Every farm is different. Sometimes, employers don't supply tools, so workers need to use their own. Check first to make sure you have what you need.

Consider taking an MP3 player or another device so that you can listen to music. The days can be long, and it makes the time go faster.

Various roles

Instead of working in the orchard, you may find yourself in a packing shed. There is a lot to be done here too, from packing fruit into boxes, checking quality control and using a forklift to loading large pallets onto trucks.

Payment methods

Fruit should not be picked when wet so, in the case of rain, you will have to stop work. Therefore, you will not be paid in most instances.

Some farms pay a flat rate (by the hour), but getting a fixed amount is not common for work that involves collecting fruit; this type of payment is generally for work in the shed. The other, more usual, model is the piece rate: your pay depends on the amount of fruit you bring in at the end of the day.

Remember conditions vary greatly from farm to farm so be sure to check anything you need to know with the employer before you start.

Questions 21-27: Note completion — Fruit Picking in Australia

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

FRUIT PICKING IN AUSTRALIA

Sometimes there are employment opportunities following the 21.________ time when fruit is picked.

Wearing appropriate clothing, eyewear and 22.________ is necessary to protect your body.

It is recommended to take a water bottle that can be attached to a 23.________.

It is necessary for fruit pickers to bring 24.________ if these are not provided.

Other jobs on the farm may involve moving big 25.________.

26. ________ can affect how much work is done and how much money is earned.

Most picking jobs pay workers a 27.________.

21
employment opportunities following the 21.________ time when fruit is picked
22
Wearing appropriate clothing, eyewear and 22.________ is necessary to protect your body.
23
It is recommended to take a water bottle that can be attached to a 23.________.
24
It is necessary for fruit pickers to bring 24.________ if these are not provided.
25
Other jobs on the farm may involve moving big 25.________.
27
Most picking jobs pay workers a 27.________.

SECTION 2 — Nuthatch Birds

A. The name nuthatch is derived from nut hacker, reflecting the bird's method of opening up nuts by jamming them into a crevice then hammering at them. Old country names include mud dabbler and mud stopper, both of which note the bird's curious habit of plastering mud around the entrance hole to its nest.

B. Unlike the treecreeper, which only moves up the trunk of a tree, nuthatches will move both up and down. Once restricted largely to south-eastern England, the nuthatch spread to the north during the 20th century, with breeding in Scotland first confirmed in 1989. Studies have shown that large gardens with oak trees provide the optimum habitat for this species. One of the reasons for the expansion seems to be the nuthatch's increasing use of bird feeders and bird tables.

C. As anyone who has nuthatches visiting their feeders will know, they are bold and aggressive, able to stand their ground when larger birds such as starlings attempt to intimidate them. They will take food from the bird table to store elsewhere: this can lead to sunflowers sprouting in unexpected places. Pairs are strongly territorial throughout the year. The fact that food is stored within the territory strengthens the need to defend it.

D. Though they will readily adopt nest boxes, they cannot resist plastering mud around the entrance hole, even if the latter is already the right size. The most favoured natural site for a nuthatch is the old nest hole of a great spotted woodpecker. Nuthatches are one of the noisiest woodland birds in the early spring but are relatively silent when breeding.

E. There are 24 different species of nuthatches in the world: our bird has much the widest distribution, as it breeds continually from Portugal to Korea and Japan. The nuthatch has never been recorded in Ireland. Most nuthatches are highly sedentary, seldom moving far from where they hatched. The average distance travelled by a ringed adult nuthatch is less than a kilometre.

F. No British-ringed individuals have ever been recovered abroad, while similarly no birds ringed on the Continent have been found here. Individuals breeding in Sweden and Norway have distinctive white underparts, unlike the peachy buff of our birds. Remarkably, a red-breasted nuthatch from North America spent nearly seven months at Holkham in Norfolk from October 1989 to May 1990.

G. Perhaps surprisingly, the nuthatch has been little studied in Britain, and most of our knowledge comes from work carried out in Sweden and Belgium. Numbers are known to fluctuate quite widely from year to year, probably reflecting the availability of seed during the winter.

Questions 28-34: Heading matching — Nuthatch Birds

Choose the most suitable headings for Paragraphs A-G from the list below. Use each heading once only. LIST OF HEADINGS i. Sightings in Britain ii. Origins of the name iii. Eating Habits iv. Dwelling places v. Sightings in the world vi. Favourite places vii. Amount of species viii. Food storage facilities ix. Appearance and temperament

28
Section A
- i. Sightings in Britain
- ii. Origins of the name
- iii. Eating Habits
- iv. Dwelling places
- v. Sightings in the world
- vi. Favourite places
- vii. Amount of species
- viii. Food storage facilities
- ix. Appearance and temperament
29
Section B
30
Section C
31
Section D
32
Section E
33
Section F
34
Section G

Questions 35-37: Sentence completion — Nuthatch Birds

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

35
As people who regularly see nuthatches will know, they are very confident and can be quite ________ so that they are able to defend themselves when larger birds come and try to scare them.
36
They will take food from bird tables and feeders to store, which can lead to many flowers including _______ growing in many places.
37
They often travel two together, and are tied to their dwelling place, because their food is housed here, they ________ their territory.

Questions 38-40: Sentence completion — Nuthatch Birds

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

38
The name nuthatch comes from nut hacker, which reflects the bird's method of opening up nuts by jamming them into a crevice then ________ at them.
39
Unlike the ________ which only moves up the trunk of a tree, nuthatches will move both up and down.
40
Studies have shown that large gardens with oak trees provide the best ________ for this species.

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1. G
G is correct because it says, 'The only penguin species that lives entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, Galapagos Penguins...' meaning you will not find them south of the Equator.
2. E
E is correct as it states, 'Growing just 13 inches tall, Little Blue Penguins certainly earn that name...' which is just over one foot.
3. A
A is correct because it says Emperor Penguins are 'the tallest and heaviest of all penguin types and among the largest birds on the planet.'
4. D
D is correct since it mentions, 'some populations having experienced declines of two-thirds in the last 25 years,' meaning only one in three survived.
5. B
B is correct as it describes King Penguins as 'serial monogamists,' forming pairs each season and working together, showing loyalty to their mates. The tempting wrong option is A, but Emperor Penguins' loyalty is not mentioned.
6. C
C is correct because it says Chinstrap Penguins 'are said to be the boldest and most aggressive of all penguin species,' meaning they are not afraid to fight.
7. H
H is correct as it states, 'These take their name from the small group of islands they are found in, off the coast of New Zealand, The Snares.'
8. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the passage says, 'Some employers have non-compete clauses or restrict freelance activities,' meaning some companies do forbid freelancing.
9. FALSE
FALSE is correct as the passage recommends using weekends or evenings for freelance work, not normal office hours.
10. TRUE
TRUE is correct since the passage lists digital marketing as a popular freelance choice that 'can often be done remotely and scheduled outside regular work hours,' showing it is flexible.
11. TRUE
TRUE is correct because it says, 'Freelancers must manage their own taxes, which may include filing self-assessment tax returns or registering as a sole trader.'
12. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct as the passage warns not to use employer's equipment or contacts, but does not say it is illegal to do freelance work at your workplace.
13. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage advises, 'It's advisable to keep freelance income in a separate bank account to make tax reporting simpler.'
14. TRUE
TRUE is correct as the passage says freelancing is popular among those 'seeking to diversify their income or pursue their passions,' showing both financial and personal rewards.
15. priorities
The answer is 'priorities' because the outline says the HR manager will 'outline the chief priorities of our firm.'
16. board
The answer is 'board' because the tour ends in the cafeteria where you can 'speak to... some of the executives who sit on the board.'
17. privacy
The answer is 'privacy' as the session is about 'Sensitive information awareness,' and it mentions 'a clear understanding of privacy concerns.'
18. Atrium
The answer is 'Atrium' since the HR session after lunch is in '1 Atrium' for the employee photo.
19. training
The answer is 'training' because at 2:30, 'Training in your own department' starts, possibly with your predecessor or team leader.
20. safety
The answer is 'safety' because the online modules cover 'Haast's sustainability policy and safety in the workplace.'
21. harvest
The answer is 'harvest' as it says, 'there are other related jobs available after the harvest period.'
22. sunscreen
The answer is 'sunscreen' because it says, 'Wearing sunglasses... and sunscreen is absolutely essential if you want to avoid sunburn.'
23. belt
The answer is 'belt' since it says, 'keep your water in something that is clipped onto your belt.'
24. tools
The answer is 'tools' because it says, 'Sometimes, employers don't supply tools, so workers need to use their own.'
25. pallets
The answer is 'pallets' as it mentions using a forklift to load 'large pallets onto trucks.'
26. rain
The answer is 'rain' because 'Fruit should not be picked when wet so, in the case of rain, you will have to stop work. Therefore, you will not be paid in most instances.'
27. piece rate
The answer is 'piece rate' since 'the more usual model is the piece rate: your pay depends on the amount of fruit you bring in at the end of the day.'
28. ii
ii (Origins of the name) is correct because Section A explains the name nuthatch comes from 'nut hacker,' describing how the bird opens nuts.
29. iv
iv (Dwelling places) is correct as Section B discusses where nuthatches live, their spread in Britain, and their preferred habitat.
30. iii
iii (Eating Habits) is correct because Section C talks about how nuthatches eat, store food, and defend their food from other birds.
31. vi
vi (Favourite places) is correct as Section D describes their favorite nesting sites and habits with nest boxes.
32. vii
vii (Amount of species) is correct because Section E says, 'There are 24 different species of nuthatches in the world.'
33. v
v (Sightings in the world) is correct as Section F discusses where nuthatches have been found or not found in the world.
34. i
i (Sightings in Britain) is correct because Section G mentions that the nuthatch has been little studied in Britain and where most knowledge comes from.
35. aggressive
The answer is 'aggressive' as it says nuthatches 'are bold and aggressive, able to stand their ground when larger birds... attempt to intimidate them.'
36. sunflowers
The answer is 'sunflowers' because it says, 'this can lead to sunflowers sprouting in unexpected places.'
37. defend
The answer is 'defend' since it says, 'Pairs are strongly territorial throughout the year. The fact that food is stored within the territory strengthens the need to defend it.'
38. hammering
The answer is 'hammering' as the name comes from their method of 'hammering at' nuts.
39. treecreeper
The answer is 'treecreeper' because it says, 'Unlike the treecreeper, which only moves up the trunk of a tree, nuthatches will move both up and down.'
40. habitat
The answer is 'habitat' since it says, 'large gardens with oak trees provide the optimum habitat for this species.'

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