Rebuilt from test-taker recalls — not official IELTS material. Audio and passages are recreations for practice.
Running Headphones
Listening to music on headphones makes running and even working out at the gym much more enjoyable. Here are some alternatives to choose from.
A. Plantronics BackBeat Fit
These headphones are really tough so you don't need to worry about just throwing them into your bag before or after a workout. As well as providing reasonably clear sound they will also last a remarkable eight hours on a single charge.
B. Sennheiser CX685 Sports
These headphones are impressively practical. Designed to fit firmly in your ear, however energetic you are, they're tight without being uncomfortable, and have a handy remote and mic for phone calls. They will also resist some water being spilt on them.
C. Nokia WH-510 Coloud Pop
These stylish headphones have fantastic bass, giving you a bit of extra oomph when you run. They also have a tangle-free cable which avoids any time-consuming messing about before you set off on your run.
D. Sony NWZ-W273S
It's hard to imagine using any other headphones once you've tried these. As well as being wireless and waterproof at a depth of 2 m, they even have a built-in MP3 player that can hold up to 1,000 songs. A charge provides up to an hour of playback.
E. Betron B750s
If you're on a tight budget, it can always feel risky buying a bottom of the market pair of headphones, but with these you needn't worry. Not only do they provide fair sound quality, they also come with a pouch to keep them in.
F. Happy Plugs
The sound quality on these is decent, although you're probably not going to be hugely impressed. They also come with a handy remote built into the cable to skip and pause songs while you work out.
G. Avantree Jogger Pro
These Bluetooth wireless headphones are definitely worth considering. They make a good sound, are sweat resistant and are some of the most comfortable headphones around.
Questions 1-7: Matching headphones to statements
Look at the seven reviews of headphones. For which headphones are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-G. NB You may use any letter more than once.
- 1
These headphones would suit someone who doesn't mind spending a lot to get good quality.
- 2
The battery on these headphones has a surprisingly long life.
- 3
It is possible to keep in contact with other people while using these headphones.
- 4
Although these headphones are cheaper than most, music sounds quite good through them.
- 5
These headphones are very strong and do not require gentle handling.
- 6
These headphones allow users to move around their playlist of music easily while they are exercising.
- 7
They have a storage for 1000 songs.
Orion Customer Service Center - Complaint Handling Procedure
INTERNAL MEMO: HANDLING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS EFFECTIVELY
To ensure consistent customer satisfaction, all agents must follow the standard complaint-handling procedure outlined below. This applies to all written, phone, or in-person complaints.
Step 1: Listen & Acknowledge: Remain calm and professional. Allow the customer to explain their issue fully without interruption. Respond with phrases like "I understand your frustration" or "Thank you for bringing this to our attention."
Step 2: Record the Complaint: Enter all details into the Customer Issue Tracker (CIT) immediately. Include the customer's account number, date, a clear summary of the issue, and any previous contact notes. Incomplete entries may delay resolution.
Step 3: Determine Responsibility: Complaints related to delivery delays, billing issues, and technical faults should be directed to the appropriate team via internal transfer or messaging. Do not attempt to resolve technical complaints without consultation.
Step 4: Provide a Timeline: Inform the customer how long the resolution process may take. Most complaints are resolved within 72 hours, though technical issues may take up to 5 business days.
Step 5: Follow-up: After resolution, agents must follow up with the customer to ensure satisfaction. Use the feedback tab in CIT to log any final comments or rating provided.
Important Reminders:
• Do not promise specific outcomes.
• Do not escalate a case unless authorized.
• Escalated complaints should be flagged in the system using the red "PRIORITY" tag.
Agents failing to follow the above steps may be subject to retraining.
— Quality Assurance, Orion Centre
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
Agents should allow customers to speak without interrupting.
- 9
Every complaint must include the customer's delivery date.
- 10
Staff should avoid fixing technical problems on their own.
- 11
Customers are guaranteed a resolution within 72 hours.
- 12
A supervisor must approve all complaint escalations.
- 13
Agents must check if customers are happy after the issue is resolved.
- 14
Staff who handle complaints incorrectly may lose their jobs.
Greenway Furniture Factory - Health and Safety Guidelines
TO ALL EMPLOYEES OF GREENWAY FURNITURE FACTORY:
Please read the following safety procedures carefully. Compliance with these guidelines is mandatory for all workers on the factory floor.
1. Entry and Exit: All employees must enter through the east gate and check in at the security desk. ID badges must be worn at all times. Exit is permitted only through the main door unless there is an emergency evacuation.
2. Protective Gear: Safety helmets, gloves, ear protection, and steel-toed boots are required in designated zones, including Cutting, Assembly, and Finishing. Eye protection is mandatory in the Sanding Room.
3. Machine Operation: Only trained staff may operate machinery. Unauthorized use may result in immediate suspension. Machines must be shut down before cleaning or maintenance. If a fault is detected, report it to the floor supervisor immediately.
4. Fire Safety: Fire extinguishers are placed in every section. Evacuation maps are displayed next to all exit points. The weekly fire alarm test occurs every Friday at 3 PM. Do not exit the building during the test unless instructed to do so.
5. Break Times (Breaks are scheduled as follows):
• Morning break: 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
• Lunch break: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
• Afternoon break: 4:00 PM – 4:10 PM
Eating is only allowed in the cafeteria. Water bottles are permitted in work areas.
6. Injury Reporting:
All injuries, even minor ones, must be reported to the Health & Safety Officer on duty. The First Aid Room is located behind the storage area on Level 1.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
— Management, Greenway Furniture
Questions 15-20: Note completion
Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
15. Entry to the factory must be made through the ________.
16. Ear protection is needed in the Assembly area and the ________ area.
17. Staff are not allowed to clean machines unless they are ________.
18. Fire alarms are tested weekly at ________ on Friday.
19. Workers must take lunch only in the ________.
20. The First Aid Room is near the ________ on Level 1.
- 15
Entry to the factory must be made through the ________.
- 16
Ear protection is needed in the Assembly area and the ________ area.
- 17
Staff are not allowed to clean machines unless they are ________.
- 18
Fire alarms are tested weekly at ________ on Friday.
- 19
Workers must take lunch only in the ________.
- 20
The First Aid Room is near the ________ on Level 1.
Towerhill Apartments Residents' Notice Board
TOWERHILL APARTMENTS - RESIDENT REMINDERS & SERVICES
Dear Residents, Please read the following updates and service announcements for all tenants of Towerhill Apartments.
Package Deliveries: All parcels are now delivered to the Reception Storage Room (Unit G1). Residents will be notified via intercom. Packages must be collected within 48 hours, after which they will be returned to sender.
Laundry Room Access: The communal laundry room (Basement Level) is open Monday to Sunday, 6 AM to 10 PM. Please use your resident keycard for entry. Machines accept only laundry tokens, available from the front desk between 9 AM and 6 PM.
Maintenance Requests: Routine maintenance (leaks, lightbulbs, locks, etc.) must be reported through the online portal. Emergency repairs (e.g., power outage, flooding) should be reported via the 24-hour hotline: 0051-8821-009.
Parking Rules: Each flat is assigned one parking space only. Visitors must park in the open guest zone near the west gate. Vehicles parked in other tenants' spots will be towed without warning.
Waste Disposal: Bins are collected Tuesday and Friday mornings. Residents must place all garbage bags in the designated bin area (next to Block C). No items should be left in hallways or stairwells.
Thank you for keeping our community safe and respectful.
— Towerhill Management
Questions 21-27: Note completion
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
21. Residents have ________ to pick up their delivered parcels.
22. Laundry tokens can be bought only during 9 AM and ________.
23. Entry to the laundry room is provided via a ________.
24. Major maintenance issues must be reported through the ________.
25. Emergencies should be reported on the ________.
26. Visitors should park in the ________ by the west gate.
27. Rubbish must be taken to the bin zone beside ________.
- 21
Residents have ________ to pick up their delivered parcels.
- 22
Laundry tokens can be bought only during 9 AM and ________.
- 23
Entry to the laundry room is provided via a ________.
- 24
Major maintenance issues must be reported through the ________.
- 25
Emergencies should be reported on the ________.
- 26
Visitors should park in the ________ by the west gate.
- 27
Rubbish must be taken to the bin zone beside ________.
THE RISE OF SMART CITIES: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY WITH URBAN LIFE
A. Urban centers worldwide are rapidly evolving with the integration of advanced technologies, giving rise to "smart cities." These cities use interconnected devices, sensors, and data analytics to improve infrastructure, enhance public services, and increase sustainability. The goal is to create urban environments that are more efficient, resilient, and responsive to residents' needs.
B. Smart city initiatives commonly involve the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which are embedded in everything from streetlights and traffic signals to waste bins and water systems. These devices collect real-time data, enabling city authorities to monitor conditions and optimize resource allocation. For example, smart traffic management systems analyze vehicle flows and adjust signal timings to reduce congestion and emissions.
C. Energy management is a significant focus within smart cities. Smart grids utilize data to balance electricity supply and demand dynamically, integrate renewable sources, and detect outages quickly. In some cities, buildings are equipped with sensors to monitor energy usage and adjust heating, cooling, and lighting automatically, reducing waste and costs.
D. Public safety also benefits from smart technologies. Surveillance cameras combined with artificial intelligence can detect unusual activities or traffic accidents and alert emergency services promptly. Some cities have implemented smart street lighting that brightens only when pedestrians or vehicles are nearby, improving safety while conserving energy.
E. However, the shift toward smart cities introduces concerns about privacy and data security. The vast amount of data collected includes sensitive information about individuals' movements and habits, raising the risk of misuse or breaches. City planners and technology providers must establish robust frameworks to protect citizens' rights while enabling data-driven innovation.
F. Another challenge lies in ensuring equitable access to smart technologies. Without inclusive planning, smart city benefits may be limited to wealthier neighborhoods, exacerbating social inequalities. Initiatives to bridge the digital divide involve subsidizing internet access, providing public Wi-Fi, and designing user-friendly interfaces for all age groups.
G. Despite these challenges, the smart city concept has gained widespread adoption. Cities like Singapore, Barcelona, and Amsterdam are recognized leaders, implementing integrated platforms that connect transportation, utilities, healthcare, and government services. Their experiences demonstrate how technology can enhance quality of life while addressing urban pressures such as population growth and climate change. Future developments will likely focus on increasing citizen participation through digital platforms, enabling residents to contribute ideas and report issues in real-time. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will further enhance predictive capabilities, allowing cities to anticipate problems before they arise. However, these advancements will require ongoing collaboration between governments, technology firms, and communities to ensure that smart cities remain inclusive, secure, and sustainable.
Questions 28-34: Summary completion
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
28. Smart cities often use ________ devices to collect and transmit data.
29. Smart traffic management systems help to reduce traffic ________ and pollution.
30. Sensors in buildings help adjust heating, cooling, and ________ to save energy.
31. Artificial intelligence helps surveillance cameras detect unusual ________.
32. Some smart street lights only brighten when ________ or vehicles are nearby.
33. A major concern about smart cities is the security of citizens' ________.
34. Subsidizing internet access is one way to address the ________ divide.
- 28
Smart cities often use ________ devices to collect and transmit data.
- 29
Smart traffic management systems help to reduce traffic ________ and pollution.
- 30
Sensors in buildings help adjust heating, cooling, and ________ to save energy.
- 31
Artificial intelligence helps surveillance cameras detect unusual ________.
- 32
Some smart street lights only brighten when ________ or vehicles are nearby.
- 33
A major concern about smart cities is the security of citizens' ________.
- 34
Subsidizing internet access is one way to address the ________ divide.
Questions 35-40: Matching statements to paragraphs
Match the statements below with the correct paragraph A-G.
- 35
Examples of cities successfully implementing smart city initiatives.
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
- E. E
- F. F
- G. G
- 36
The role of AI in improving public safety.
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
- E. E
- F. F
- G. G
- 37
Challenges related to privacy and data protection.
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
- E. E
- F. F
- G. G
- 38
How smart grids improve energy efficiency.
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
- E. E
- F. F
- G. G
- 39
The use of IoT devices across urban infrastructure.
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
- E. E
- F. F
- G. G
- 40
Potential problems caused by unequal access to technology.
- A. A
- B. B
- C. C
- D. D
- E. E
- F. F
- G. G
Show answer key