General Training Reading 2025-08 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.

Local Campsites

A. Prettycoat Farm: This well-known campsite in the wild near Browbourne is a winner with campers who are looking for time out from their fast-paced jobs in the capital. Despite its limited facilities, the site, with its large tent pitches, is an ideal base for exploring the area and driving to the rock museum, the craft workshops or Gaydon Castle. Just follow the signs.

B. Newgammon Wild: This campsite looks like it's going to be a winner. It only opened last year, but already the website has some very positive reviews from the handful of campers who know about it so far. It offers splendid views over some of the country's most attractive beaches, which can be accessed by steep, narrow cliff steps. You need a good level of fitness for these, and don't forget to leave some energy for the return trip at the end of the day.

C. Oakerly Estate: You won't be disappointed when you reach Oakerly, despite the problems of getting there by car on such narrow roads. You'll see quite a lot of motorhomes when you hit the clifftop, but there's still plenty of room for tents on the spacious lawn that also offers a camp kitchen, restaurant and bar. Make sure you stay safe and pitch your tent within the white line around the cliff edge, though.

D. South Turnbull: The emphasis at this site is on back-to-basics camping. It's advisable to come in a group as there are few facilities and you need to do all your own cooking. The area is rather exposed, and in periods of bad weather it can't be reached at all so check on the website before you go.

E. Boxer Trepis: The 20-metre high rock faces that surround this site are especially attractive to rock climbers, who come here to camp from hundreds of miles away so that they can attempt the climb - and not always with success, according to the website! It's not compulsory of course, and there are plenty of other activities for campers to get involved in, such as: birdwatching and bathing in the sea.

Questions 1-7: Matching campsites to statements

Look at the five descriptions of campsites. For which campsite are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-E. NB You may use any letter more than once.

1
The site is impossible to get to at certain times.
2
It is in a convenient place for going by car to various tourist spots.
3
You should camp somewhere inside the marked zone.
4
Campers who enjoy a particular physical challenge come here.
5
The difficult journey to the site is worth the effort.
6
Few people have heard of this site.
7
Some physical effort is needed to enjoy nearby coastal areas.

Guidelines for Home-Based Online Workers in India

As the number of remote workers grows across India, the National Remote Work Council (NRWC) has published updated guidelines for individuals working from home. These apply to freelancers, contractors, and employees who regularly perform tasks online from their residence.

Work Hours & Breaks: Remote workers are encouraged to follow a consistent routine. Although no fixed hours are required, it is suggested that individuals work between 7 AM and 9 PM, allowing one 30-minute break every 5 hours. Companies are not allowed to demand work beyond 10 hours in one day without written consent.

Workspace Setup: The NRWC recommends setting up a dedicated work area with a proper desk and ergonomic chair, ideally in a quiet location with natural lighting. Internet speed should be at least 10 Mbps for video calls and file transfers. Workers are responsible for maintaining their own devices unless stated otherwise in their contract.

Health & Wellbeing: To support mental and physical wellbeing, workers are advised to take short screen breaks every hour and do at least 15 minutes of physical activity daily. Employers are encouraged to offer virtual mental health support, but it is not mandatory.

Privacy & Security: Remote workers must use secure passwords and avoid working in public places with unsecured Wi-Fi. Sharing client data through personal email is strictly prohibited. All confidential documents must be stored on company-approved platforms only.

Tax Obligations: Freelancers earning more than 2.5 lakh annually must file income tax returns. In some cases, remote workers may also be responsible for paying GST depending on their service type and location. The NRWC suggests consulting a certified tax advisor for clarity.

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
Remote workers must begin work before 9:00 AM.
9
Employers are responsible for providing work equipment.
10
Employees are required to exercise for at least 15 minutes a day.
11
It is against the rules to send client data through personal email.
12
Confidential files can be stored on any digital platform.
13
Workers earning under 2.5 lakh are exempt from income tax filing.
14
The NRWC offers free tax advice to remote workers.

How to Submit Articles to Lifestyle Magazines

If you're an aspiring writer looking to get published in a lifestyle magazine, understanding the submission process is crucial. Lifestyle magazines typically cover a wide range of topics, including wellness, fashion, relationships, food, and travel.

Before writing your article, research the magazine's audience and style. Most magazines provide writer's guidelines on their websites. These documents outline important details such as preferred article length, tone, formatting, and submission deadlines. Ignoring these can result in your work being rejected immediately.

Editors often look for fresh ideas or personal experiences that haven't been published elsewhere. Articles with a unique angle or original voice tend to stand out. Lifestyle magazines also prefer content that is informative yet conversational. First-person narratives are acceptable if written in a relatable and engaging way.

When submitting your article, include a brief bio and any relevant writing samples. Some magazines require a query letter before accepting a full article. This letter explains your proposed topic and why you're the right person to write about it.

Turnaround times vary. Some magazines respond within two weeks, while others may take up to two months. If you don't hear back, it's acceptable to send a polite follow-up email after the time frame stated in the guidelines.

If your article is accepted, the magazine may request revisions. Editors might cut down the word count or ask for more details. Professionalism and flexibility during this phase are essential.

While not all lifestyle magazines offer payment, many provide contributor credit and a platform to reach thousands of readers. For beginners, this exposure can lead to future writing opportunities and even long-term collaborations.

Questions 15-20: Sentence completion

Write ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

15
You should check a magazine's ________ before submitting your article.
16
Articles with an original ________ or viewpoint are preferred.
17
A ________ letter may be needed before submitting a complete piece.
18
Some magazines respond within ________ weeks, while others may take up to two months.
19
Not all magazines offer payment, but they may provide public ________
20
Writers should handle the editing process with ________ and respect.

Urban Pet Park Rules and Regulations

The Maplewood Urban Pet Park is a specially designed public space in the city center where pet owners can bring their animals for exercise and socializing. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the following rules must be followed:

Operating Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including public holidays.

Entry & Supervision:

Only domesticated pets (such as dogs and cats) are allowed.

All pets must be under the control of their owners at all times.

Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Leash Policy:

Pets must remain on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters when entering and exiting the park.

Inside the designated off-leash area, pets may be released but must remain under voice control.

Hygiene & Waste:

Owners are required to clean up after their pets immediately using the bins provided.

Any pet showing signs of illness must not be brought into the park.

Food for pets or humans is not permitted inside the off-leash zones.

Behavioural Conduct:

Aggressive pets or those involved in fights must be removed from the park immediately.

Continuous barking or disturbance may lead to a warning or fine.

Dog training or commercial pet services are not allowed without a special permit.

Emergency Contact: Report any incidents to Park Security: +9100000 33451

Questions 21-27: Note completion

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

21. Operating Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including ________

Entry & Supervision:

23. Only ________ can enter the park.

24. Children under 12 must be with ________

Leash Policy:

22. Pets must stay on a leash when ________ the park

26. Dogs can be off-leash only in the ________

Hygiene & Waste:

25. Any pet showing signs of illness cannot be brought in the ________

Behavioural Conduct:

27. Continuous barking can result in a ________

The World of Thrift Shopping - A Growing Trend

A. Thrift shopping, once associated with financial necessity, has evolved into a popular lifestyle choice across the globe. Thrift stores, sometimes called second-hand or charity shops, sell donated items such as clothes, books, electronics, and home goods at heavily reduced prices. In recent years, thrift shopping has become trendy, especially among younger generations, who see it not only as a way to save money but also as a means of expressing individuality and supporting sustainable consumption.

B. One of the major reasons people are turning to thrift shopping is environmental awareness. The fashion industry is among the top contributors to pollution, with fast fashion resulting in millions of garments ending up in landfills annually. Buying second-hand reduces demand for new clothing production, lessens waste, and prolongs the life cycle of existing products. For environmentally conscious shoppers, thrifting is a simple way to reduce their carbon footprint.

C. In addition to sustainability, affordability is another key factor. New clothing and household items can be expensive, especially during economic downturns. Thrift stores offer quality goods at a fraction of the retail price. Many shoppers report finding brand-name items or even designer labels in excellent condition. Some stores even offer discounts on already low prices, making thrift shopping a budget-friendly solution for families and students alike.

D. Beyond saving money, thrift shopping has developed into a form of treasure hunting. Each visit to a second-hand store can lead to unexpected discoveries—from vintage fashion pieces and antique furniture to rare books or collectibles. Unlike traditional shopping, thrift store inventories change daily, which keeps the experience exciting. Many hobbyists enjoy visiting different stores regularly in hopes of finding valuable or unique items.

E. Thrift stores are also known for their charitable impact. In many countries, these shops are operated by non-profit organizations that use the proceeds to support community services, including shelters, employment programs, and healthcare outreach. By shopping at or donating to these stores, individuals indirectly contribute to social causes. Some organizations even employ people facing barriers to work, offering them skills training and income.

F. However, thrift shopping is not without its challenges. Sizes can be inconsistent, items may be worn or damaged, and there's often no guarantee of finding something specific. In addition, some critics argue that increased interest in thrifting has led to higher prices, making it harder for low-income communities to afford basic goods. Others question whether the trend has become more about fashion than genuine support for reuse and sustainability.

Questions 28-33: Matching information to paragraphs

Match the information below to the correct paragraph. Write the correct letter, A-F.

28
Concerns about the affordability of thrift items for poor communities.
29
How second-hand stores help reduce pollution.
30
Reasons why every visit to a thrift store can feel like a new adventure.
31
How thrift shopping supports local charities and social programs.
32
Examples of valuable or rare items found in thrift stores.
33
How buying used items can help decrease demand for new production.

Questions 34-40: Sentence completion

Write ONE WORD ONLY from the passage.

34
Younger people see thrift shopping as a way to show their ________
35
Many thrift stores are operated by non profit ________.
36
Thrift shopping helps reduce the number of items going to ________
37
People looking for rare or antique goods enjoy the ________ of thrifting
38
Budget-conscious shoppers are often students or ________
39
Critics say that thrifting has become more focused on ________ than sustainability.
40
In some stores, people with limited job opportunities receive ________ training.

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Show answer key

1. D
The passage for South Turnbull (D) says, 'in periods of bad weather it can't be reached at all,' which means it is impossible to get to the site at certain times.
2. A
Prettycoat Farm (A) is described as 'an ideal base for exploring the area and driving to the rock museum, the craft workshops or Gaydon Castle,' showing it is convenient for car trips to tourist spots.
3. C
Oakerly Estate (C) tells campers to 'pitch your tent within the white line around the cliff edge,' so you must camp inside the marked zone.
4. E
Boxer Trepis (E) is popular with rock climbers who come to 'attempt the climb,' showing that campers who enjoy a physical challenge come here.
5. C
Oakerly Estate (C) says, 'despite the problems of getting there by car on such narrow roads. You'll see...,' but then says 'You won't be disappointed,' meaning the difficult journey is worth it.
6. B
Newgammon Wild (B) 'only opened last year' and 'the handful of campers who know about it so far,' so few people have heard of this site.
7. B
Newgammon Wild (B) says the beaches 'can be accessed by steep, narrow cliff steps. You need a good level of fitness for these,' so physical effort is needed.
8. FALSE
The guidelines say remote workers are 'encouraged' to work between 7 AM and 9 PM, but 'no fixed hours are required,' so they do not have to begin before 9:00 AM.
9. FALSE
Workers are responsible for maintaining their own devices 'unless stated otherwise in their contract,' so employers are not always responsible for providing equipment.
10. TRUE
Workers are 'advised to...do at least 15 minutes of physical activity daily,' so employees are required to exercise for at least 15 minutes a day.
11. TRUE
It says, 'Sharing client data through personal email is strictly prohibited,' so it is against the rules.
12. FALSE
'All confidential documents must be stored on company-approved platforms only,' so files cannot be stored on any digital platform.
13. TRUE
'Freelancers earning more than 2.5 lakh annually must file income tax returns,' so those earning under 2.5 lakh are exempt.
14. FALSE
The NRWC 'suggests consulting a certified tax advisor for clarity,' so it does not offer free tax advice itself.
15. guidelines
'Most magazines provide writer's guidelines on their websites... Ignoring these can result in your work being rejected immediately,' so you should check the guidelines.
16. angle
'Articles with a unique angle or original voice tend to stand out,' so an original angle is preferred.
17. query
'Some magazines require a query letter before accepting a full article,' so a query letter may be needed.
18. two
'Some magazines respond within two weeks, while others may take up to two months,' so the answer is two.
19. exposure
'Many provide contributor credit and a platform to reach thousands of readers,' so they may provide public exposure.
20. professionalism
'Professionalism and flexibility during this phase are essential,' so writers should handle editing with professionalism.
21. public holidays
The rules say, 'Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including public holidays,' so the answer is public holidays.
22. entering and exiting
'Pets must remain on a leash...when entering and exiting the park,' so the answer is entering and exiting.
23. domesticated pets
'Only domesticated pets (such as dogs and cats) are allowed,' so only domesticated pets can enter.
24. an adult
'Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult,' so the answer is an adult.
25. park
'Any pet showing signs of illness must not be brought into the park,' so the answer is park.
26. off-leash area
'Inside the designated off-leash area, pets may be released,' so dogs can be off-leash only in the off-leash area.
27. warning or fine
'Continuous barking or disturbance may lead to a warning or fine,' so the answer is warning or fine.
28. F
Section F says, 'some critics argue that increased interest in thrifting has led to higher prices, making it harder for low-income communities to afford basic goods,' so it discusses affordability concerns.
29. B
Section B explains, 'Buying second-hand reduces demand for new clothing production, lessens waste, and prolongs the life cycle of existing products,' showing how thrift stores help reduce pollution.
30. D
Section D says, 'Each visit...can lead to unexpected discoveries...thrift store inventories change daily, which keeps the experience exciting,' explaining why every visit feels like a new adventure.
31. E
Section E says, 'these shops are operated by non-profit organizations that use the proceeds to support community services,' showing how thrift shopping supports charities and social programs.
32. D
Section D mentions 'vintage fashion pieces and antique furniture to rare books or collectibles,' giving examples of valuable or rare items found in thrift stores.
33. B
Section B says, 'Buying second-hand reduces demand for new clothing production,' so buying used items helps decrease demand for new production.
34. individuality
Section A says, 'younger generations...see it...as a means of expressing individuality,' so the answer is individuality.
35. organisations
Section E says, 'these shops are operated by non-profit organizations,' so the answer is organisations.
36. landfills
Section B says, 'fast fashion resulting in millions of garments ending up in landfills annually,' so thrift shopping helps reduce items going to landfills.
37. experience
Section D says, 'thrift shopping has developed into a form of treasure hunting...which keeps the experience exciting,' so people enjoy the experience.
38. families
Section C says, 'making thrift shopping a budget-friendly solution for families and students alike,' so the answer is families.
39. fashion
Section F says, 'some critics argue...the trend has become more about fashion than genuine support for reuse and sustainability,' so the answer is fashion.
40. skills
Section E says, 'Some organizations even employ people facing barriers to work, offering them skills training,' so the answer is skills.

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