General Training Reading 2025-09 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.

Reading Passage 1 — Birds of New Zealand

Albatross: Albatross spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land (usually remote islands) to breed and raise their young. Their naturally low productivity, combined with changes in climate and habitat conditions and certain fishing practices, makes these seabirds vulnerable.

Bell bird: Most New Zealanders can easily recognize the bellbird by its song, which Captain Cook described as sounding like small bells exquisitely tuned. Bellbirds live in native forest and regenerating forest. Research has shown that mammalian predators, such as rats and stoats, keep their numbers low.

Banded rail: They are usually quite shy but may become very tame and bold in some circumstances. Banded rail are sparsely distributed on the three main islands and many small offshore islands. In northern North Island they are confined to freshwater wetlands, mangroves, salt marshes and shrub lands. Predators such as cats, dogs, mustelids, and rats are a major problem for banded rails.

The kingfisher: The kingfisher is a distinctive bird with a green-blue back, buff to yellow undersides and a large black bill. It has a broad black eye-stripe and a white collar in adults. The females are slightly greener and duller. Nest sites are in cavities in trees, cliffs and banks with breeding from September to February. After leaving the nest chicks are fed by both parents for 7-10 days before they start to catch food for themselves.

The kiwi: The kiwi is a unique and curious bird. It cannot fly, has loose hair like feathers, strong legs and no tail. The kiwi is the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem. New Zealanders have been called "Kiwis" since the nickname was bestowed by Australian soldiers in the First World War. Kiwi can't fly, have under-developed wing and chest muscles, and lack a sternum (breastbone). This makes them particularly vulnerable to crushing injuries, such as those caused by dog bites.

Questions 1–7: Matching statements to birds

Match each statement with the correct bird A-E. Write the correct letter, A-E. NB You may use any letter more than once.

1
The bird has a weak body structure but has a national status.
2
The bird sounds like a cuckoo.
3
The fledglings of these birds still depend on parents for a short time after leaving the nest.
4
Though the bird lives at sea but breeds and raise its progeny at secluded islands.
5
The introvert bird becomes docile and daring in many conditions.
6
The bird is exceptional and inquisitive and categorized as flightless bird.
7
The seabirds are susceptible due to low productivity, climate changes habitat conditions and other fishing practices.

Reading Passage 2 — Wildlife Library

Established in 1969 as the British Library of Wildlife Sounds, the collection now holds more than 240,000 scientifically organized and documented field recordings covering all classes of sound-producing animals from every zoogeographical region. These have been donated by private individuals, research zoologists and institutions such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Most are unique to the Library.

More than 10,000 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects are represented, including many rare and threatened species. Most British and European species are covered, often with several examples illustrating the different vocalizations produced by a species. Nearly all recordings are of wild animals in their natural surroundings, though the collection does contain recordings of captive and domestic animals as well.

The collection also contains:

Atmospheric and environmental recordings from various habitats, including temperate woodlands, tropical rainforests, deserts and coastlines, and other natural sounds such as waterfalls, rivers, rainfall and thunder.

Copies of collections used for major zoological research projects, for example the Professor W. H. Thorpe Chaffinch recordings and the Professor J. D. Pye ultrasonic recordings of bats and other animals.

Almost every commercial wildlife sound recording published anywhere in the world, from the first 78 rpm disc of a singing bird, published in 1910, to the latest digital release. A number of natural history videos, DVDs and other moving image items also exist.

The historic recordings of Ludwig Koch, Carl Weismann and other pioneers of wildlife sound recording.

A large number of recordings made for radio by the BBC Natural History Unit as well as significant BBC radio broadcasts such as Animal Language and The Living World and other documentary programs focusing on natural history and environmental issues.

Oral history interviews with naturalists and biologists.

A variety of printed resources including bioacoustics books, journals, magazines, discographies and catalogues.

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
British Library of Wildlife Sounds is the only library which has collection of recordings covering all classes of sound-producing animals.
9
Virtually all recordings are of wild animals in their natural environment, nevertheless the assortment does include recordings of caged and domestic animals as well.
10
The anthology does not have atmospheric and ecological soundtracks from diverse territories.
11
The library also has natural older times information videos.
12
Oral history interviews with naturalists and biologists can be used by anyone for research purpose.
13
Printed material is also available in the wild life library.
14
The library is harbinger for more than 10,000 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects including many rare and threatened species.

Reading Passage 3 — Luna Fitness Studio- Membership Information and Policies

Luna Fitness Studio is a modern health and wellness centre located in downtown Pune. We offer a range of services including personal training, group fitness classes, and wellness workshops.

Membership Options:

Basic Plan (999/month): Access to gym equipment only.

Standard Plan (1,499/month): Includes gym access plus unlimited group classes.

Premium Plan (2,499/month): All Standard benefits plus two personal training sessions each month and access to the sauna.

Classes Offered: Group classes include Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and Functional Training. Each class lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by certified instructors.

Studio Rules:

Members must wear proper athletic shoes and carry their ID card.

Lockers are provided for free during visits.

Children under 14 are not allowed in the gym area.

Towels are compulsory during workouts.

Members must cancel class bookings at least 2 hours in advance to avoid a 200 fee.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Questions 15–21: Short answer

Answer the questions below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

15
Which membership includes access to the sauna?
16
What is the duration of a group class?
17
What must be worn on the feet in the gym?
18
What are members required to carry with them?
19
What is the youngest age allowed in the gym area?
20
How much in advance members should cancel a class to avoid a fine?
21
On Sundays, what time does the studio close?

Reading Passage 4 — Sunnyvale Community Centre - Activity Schedule and Rules

Sunnyvale Community Centre offers a variety of activities designed to engage residents of all ages. The centre is located in the town's main park and provides affordable options to promote health and social connections.

The centre is open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends. Membership is free for all residents, but registration is required for most activities.

Weekly classes include yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, dance classes on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, and arts and crafts sessions on Fridays at 4:00 PM. Children's storytime occurs every Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.

Participants should wear appropriate clothing and bring their own equipment, such as yoga mats or art supplies. The centre provides refreshments during breaks, but food is not allowed in the activity rooms.

All members are asked to arrive 10 minutes early to sign in. Late arrivals may not be admitted to maintain class flow. Mobile phones should be switched off or set to silent. Cancellation of registrations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity to avoid a cancellation fee of 150.

Questions 22–27: Short answer

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

22
The community centre opens at _______ on weekdays.
23
Yoga classes are held on _______ and _______
24
Children's storytime happens on _______ at 10:00 AM.
25
Participants must bring their own _______
26
Members should arrive _______ minutes early to sign in.
27
Cancelling less than 24 hours before results in a fee of _______

Reading Passage 5 — Reading Comics is Good for You

Comics, once dismissed as lowbrow entertainment for children, are increasingly recognized for their educational and cognitive benefits. Contrary to the stereotype that comics are frivolous or childish, recent research shows that reading comics can improve literacy, enhance visual learning, and even boost creativity.

Comics as a Learning Tool: Comics combine text and images in a unique way that helps readers understand complex ideas quickly. The integration of visual storytelling aids in comprehension, especially for reluctant readers or those struggling with traditional text-heavy books. Studies have demonstrated that children who read comics often develop better vocabulary and reading skills. The presence of images provides context clues that assist in decoding new words, making learning more accessible and engaging.

Cognitive Benefits: Beyond literacy, comics support visual literacy—the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from images. This skill is essential in today's media-rich world, where information is increasingly presented visually. Reading comics requires the brain to integrate text and image, improving multitasking and interpretive skills. The format encourages readers to infer emotions, motives, and storylines by combining visual cues with dialogue, thereby enhancing critical thinking.

Comics and Creativity: Comics stimulate imagination by inviting readers to fill in gaps between panels—what is known as the "closure" effect. This interaction promotes active engagement with the narrative and encourages creative thinking. Creators of comics often experiment with unique layouts, styles, and narratives, offering diverse artistic expressions that inspire readers to think outside the box. Exposure to varied art forms through comics can foster artistic and narrative creativity.

Educational Use and Social Impact: Teachers and educators increasingly use comics as tools for instruction across subjects, from history to science. Graphic novels have been integrated into curriculums to make difficult topics more approachable and memorable. Moreover, comics can address social issues and cultural diversity in accessible ways. They provide a platform for voices often marginalized in traditional literature and promote empathy by showcasing varied perspectives.

Changing Perceptions: The perception of comics as a legitimate literary and cultural form has shifted dramatically over the past decades. Prestigious awards and adaptations into films and television have elevated comics' status. Libraries and bookstores now feature dedicated sections for graphic novels and comics, reflecting growing demand. This evolution points to a broader acceptance of comics as valuable cultural and educational resources.

Questions 28–34: Summary completion

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer

28
Comics help readers understand ideas quickly through the combination of _______
29
Images in comics provide _______ that help decode new words.
30
Reading comics improves the ability to interpret _______
31
The "closure" effect encourages readers to fill in gaps between _______
32
Comics inspire readers by exposing them to different _______
33
Educators use comics to teach subjects like history and _______
34
Comics help promote empathy by showing _______ perspectives.

Questions 35–40: 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

35
Reading comics helps improve vocabulary and overall reading skills.
36
Comics require readers to focus only on text for understanding.
37
Comics have been recognized as a respected form of literature and art.
38
Libraries generally do not have special sections for graphic novels or comics.
39
Comics are sometimes used to teach difficult topics in schools.
40
The popularity of comics has decreased recently due to competition from other media.

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1. E
The kiwi is described as having 'under-developed wing and chest muscles, and lack a sternum (breastbone),' making it weak, and is also called the 'national icon of New Zealand.'
2. B
The bellbird is recognized by its song, which is described as sounding like 'small bells exquisitely tuned,' similar to a cuckoo's call. Other birds are not described by their song.
3. D
The kingfisher's chicks are 'fed by both parents for 7-10 days before they start to catch food for themselves,' showing dependence after leaving the nest.
4. A
Albatross 'spend most of their lives at sea, returning to land (usually remote islands) to breed and raise their young.'
5. C
The banded rail is 'usually quite shy but may become very tame and bold in some circumstances,' meaning it can become docile and daring.
6. E
The kiwi is called 'unique and curious,' 'cannot fly,' and is described as 'flightless,' making it exceptional and inquisitive.
7. A
Albatross are 'vulnerable' due to 'low productivity, combined with changes in climate and habitat conditions and certain fishing practices.'
8. FALSE
The passage says the library holds recordings from 'every zoogeographical region,' but does not claim it is the only such library, so the answer is FALSE.
9. TRUE
It states 'nearly all recordings are of wild animals... though the collection does contain recordings of captive and domestic animals as well,' so TRUE.
10. FALSE
The collection includes 'atmospheric and environmental recordings from various habitats,' so it does have such soundtracks. The answer is FALSE because the statement is incorrect.
11. TRUE
The library has 'a number of natural history videos, DVDs and other moving image items,' which includes older information videos, so TRUE.
12. NOT GIVEN
The passage mentions 'oral history interviews with naturalists and biologists' but does not say if anyone can use them for research, so NOT GIVEN.
13. TRUE
It lists 'a variety of printed resources including bioacoustics books, journals, magazines, discographies and catalogues,' so TRUE.
14. TRUE
The collection represents 'more than 10,000 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects including many rare and threatened species,' so TRUE.
15. premium plan
The Premium Plan includes 'all Standard benefits plus two personal training sessions each month and access to the sauna.'
16. 45 minutes
Each group class 'lasts 45 minutes.'
17. athletic shoes
Members must wear 'proper athletic shoes.'
18. ID card
Members are required to 'carry their ID card.'
19. 14
'Children under 14 are not allowed in the gym area,' so 14 is the youngest age allowed.
20. 2 hours
Members must cancel class bookings 'at least 2 hours in advance to avoid a 200 fee.'
21. 5 pm
On Sunday, opening hours are '8:00 AM – 5:00 PM,' so the studio closes at 5 pm.
22. 8 am
The centre is open from '8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays.'
23. mondays / wednesdays
Yoga classes are on 'Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.'
24. saturday
Children's storytime occurs 'every Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.'
25. equipment
Participants should 'bring their own equipment, such as yoga mats or art supplies.'
26. 10
All members are asked to 'arrive 10 minutes early to sign in.'
27. 150
Cancellation must be 'at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity to avoid a cancellation fee of 150.'
28. text and images
Comics combine 'text and images in a unique way that helps readers understand complex ideas quickly.'
29. context clues
Images provide 'context clues that assist in decoding new words.'
30. images
Comics support 'visual literacy—the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from images.'
31. panels
The 'closure' effect is when readers 'fill in gaps between panels.'
32. art forms
Comics expose readers to 'varied art forms,' inspiring creativity.
33. science
Teachers use comics 'for instruction across subjects, from history to science.'
34. varied
Comics 'promote empathy by showcasing varied perspectives.'
35. TRUE
Studies show 'children who read comics often develop better vocabulary and reading skills,' so TRUE.
36. FALSE
Comics require readers to integrate 'text and image,' not just focus on text, so the statement is FALSE.
37. TRUE
The perception of comics has 'shifted dramatically,' and they are now seen as 'valuable cultural and educational resources,' so TRUE.
38. FALSE
'Libraries and bookstores now feature dedicated sections for graphic novels and comics,' so the statement is FALSE.
39. TRUE
Graphic novels have been 'integrated into curriculums to make difficult topics more approachable,' so TRUE.
40. FALSE
The passage says comics' status and demand have grown, not decreased, so the statement is FALSE.

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