General Training Reading 2025-10 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 — 7 best superfoods for skin

A. Artichokes – Artichokes contain the flavonoid silymarin, an antioxidant that can protect the liver and help clear blemish-prone skin.

B. Miso – If you are lactose intolerant, you can try miso. It has a lot of probiotics, and probiotics are great for your skin, digestive system, and bloated tummy. In short, it has all the gut-friendly bugs.

C. Chia seeds – Omega-3 fatty acids help provide building blocks for healthy skin cell function and new collagen production to keep the skin foundation strong and wrinkle-free. Sprinkling these little guys into your morning meal means you're netting one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

D. Cinnamon – The basic spice is great for stimulating circulation and blood flow, which brings oxygen and nutrients directly to the skin. It could help to stabilize and balance blood sugar levels.

E. Sardines – It is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and selenium. Sardines are packed with phosphorus, protein, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, all of which play important roles in keeping your skin hydrated and glowing.

F. Broccoli – Broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane, which boasts some impressive potential health benefits. It may even have anticancer effects, including on some types of skin cancer.

G. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and contain all of the major carotenoids, including lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to protect your skin against damage from the sun. They may also help prevent wrinkling.

Questions 1-7

For which superfood are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-G. NB You may use any letter more than once.

1
Its mineral contents take care of the hydration of your skin.
- A. Artichokes
- B. Miso
- C. Chia seeds
- D. Cinnamon
- E. Sardines
- F. Broccoli
- G. Tomatoes
2
This is good for people prone to photosensitivity.
3
You can use it as a substitute for dairy products.
4
It can prevent you from some chronic diseases.
5
It enhances blood circulation into your skin.
6
It renews your skin from within.
7
It contains an oxidant which protects the liver.

Reading Passage 2 — SHORT COURSES: BUSINESS

Business Basics

Gain foundation knowledge for employment in an accounts position with bookkeeping and business basics through to intermediate level; suitable for anyone requiring knowledge from the ground up.

Code B/ED011 16th or 24th April 9 am–4 pm Cost $420

Bookkeeping

This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of bookkeeping and a great deal of hands-on experience.

Code B/ED020 19th April 9 am–2.30 pm (one session only so advance bookings essential) Cost $250

New Enterprise Module

Understand company structures, tax rates, deductions, employer obligations, profit and loss statements, GST and budgeting for tax.

Code B/ED030 15th or 27th May 6 pm–9 pm Cost $105

Social Networking – the Latest Marketing Tool

This broad overview gives you the opportunity to analyse what web technologies are available and how they can benefit your organisation.

Code B/ED033 1st or 8th or 15th June 6pm–9pm Cost $95

Communication

Take the fear out of talking to large gatherings of people. Gain the public-speaking experience that will empower you with better communication skills and confidence.

Code B/ED401 12th or 13th or 14th July 6 pm–9 pm Cost $90

Questions 8-14

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
Business Basics is appropriate for beginners.
9
Social Networking costs less than 100 dollars
10
Bookkeeping has no practical component.
11
Bookkeeping is intended for advanced students only.
12
The New Enterprise Module can help your business become more profitable.
13
Social Networking focuses on a specific website to help your business succeed.
14
The Communication class involves speaking in front of an audience.

Reading Passage 3 — Types of meditation

A. Focused meditation – Focused meditation involves concentration using any of the five senses. Try counting mala beads, listening to a gong, or staring at a candle flame. This practice may be simple in theory, but it can be difficult for beginners to hold their focus for longer than a few minutes at first. This practice is ideal for anyone who requires additional focus in their life.

B. Mindfulness meditation – In mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You don't judge the thoughts or become involved with them. You simply observe and take note of any patterns. This practice combines concentration with awareness. This type of meditation is good for people who don't have a teacher to guide them, as it can be easily practiced alone.

C. Spiritual meditation – It is similar to prayer in which you reflect on the silence around you and seek a deeper connection with your God or Universe. Spiritual meditation can be practiced at home or in a place of worship. This practice is beneficial for those who thrive in silence and seek spiritual growth. Essential oils are commonly used to heighten the spiritual experience.

D. Visualization meditation – Visualization meditation is a technique focused on enhancing feelings of relaxation, peace, and calmness by visualizing positive scenes or images. With this practice, it's important to imagine the scene vividly and use all five senses to add as much detail as possible. It is used to boost mood, reduce stress levels, and promote inner peace.

Questions 15-20

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

15. This method is perfect for those who seek some extra _______

16. Maintaining focus could be _______ initially.

17. You just observe and take note of the pattern of _______

18. Mindfulness meditation is an easy practice that combines concentration and awareness and can be done _______

19. Spiritual meditation can be practiced at the place of your choice and enrich your _______ experience by the use of oils.

20. This is ideal for people on spiritual journey who prefer inner _______

Reading Passage 4 — Raise Your Own Ducks

Have you ever wanted to have some ducks? Ducklings are adorable, and when they grow up, they lay great big eggs! There are a few ways you can get yourself some ducks or ducklings:

You can buy ducklings from a farm hours after they have hatched, and they ship them in a box by post! The post office gives you a call, and you go and pick them up. It's usually safe, as newly hatched ducklings don't eat or drink for a few days. Just be sure you keep your eye on your phone waiting for that call, and make sure it's a reputable farm. You'll need to keep them inside until they get feathers (about 8 weeks) before they can go to an outdoor coop.

You could also hatch the eggs yourself. Duck farmers will post you fertilized eggs. This is a lot less risky than shipping live ducklings. When the eggs arrive, you put them in an incubator for 28 days, regularly turning them and controlling the temperature and humidity. Most of them will hatch, and you can put them into a heated indoor brooding box until they grow feathers.

Keep your eye out on social media for people who live near you that might be giving adult ducks away. Often, farmers have to reduce the number of drakes (male ducks) they have in their collection of birds (called a flock), or people have raised some ducks from ducklings and now find they have too many. You don't get the same cute effect as having baby ducks, but you also don't have to intensively care for them for eight weeks either.

Of course, there is the natural way... having your ducks hatch their own ducklings. This too is a lot less work, as the mothers do all the caring. Some ducks don't stay on the eggs long enough, though, and others don't know what to do with their ducklings after they hatch. Not all ducks are natural mothers, so you have to keep an eye on how they progress. One problem with ducks is that they can be very noisy. Only the females quack, so if you don't mind missing out on the regular supply of eggs, you can get a few drakes. They live together quite well in a bachelor lifestyle. Get some female chickens if you want eggs. They can all live together quite happily in the same coop.

Questions 21-27

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

It is important to make sure the seller of the ducklings is 21. _______

It takes about two months for 22. _______ to develop on a duckling.

You can hatch fertilized eggs in the controlled environment of an 23. _______

You can also get adult ducks for free from nearby people who want to 24. _______ the size of their flock.

If your adult ducks 25. _______ their own eggs, it is less laborious as you do not have to worry about caring for the ducklings.

You may need to monitor the female ducks as they are not always the best 26. _______

You might be better off keeping 27. _______ as they do not quack like the females.

21
It is important to make sure the seller of the ducklings is 21. _______
22
It takes about two months for 22. _______ to develop on a duckling.
23
You can hatch fertilized eggs in the controlled environment of an 23. _______
24
You can also get adult ducks for free from nearby people who want to 24. _______ the size of their flock.
25
If your adult ducks 25. _______ their own eggs, it is less laborious as you do not have to worry about caring for the ducklings.
26
You may need to monitor the female ducks as they are not always the best 26. _______
27
You might be better off keeping 27. _______ as they do not quack like the females.

Reading Passage 5 — The Rise of Artificial Meat

A. The global demand for meat has been rising steadily, driven by population growth and increasing incomes in developing countries. However, this trend raises concerns about the environmental and ethical consequences of large-scale livestock farming. Artificial meat, also known as cultured or lab-grown meat, has emerged as a potential solution. It is produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment without the need to raise or slaughter animals.

B. The process begins with a small sample of animal muscle cells, often taken from a living animal without causing harm. These cells are placed in a nutrient-rich medium that encourages them to grow and multiply. Over time, they form muscle tissue that closely resembles the structure and texture of conventional meat. The entire procedure is carried out in sterile bioreactors, which maintain optimal temperature and conditions for cell growth.

C. Supporters of artificial meat argue that it could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to traditional farming. Since livestock are responsible for a large proportion of methane emissions, replacing some of their production with cultured meat could help combat climate change. Furthermore, artificial meat avoids many of the welfare issues associated with raising animals in intensive conditions.

D. However, there are challenges to overcome. Producing cultured meat on a commercial scale remains expensive, partly due to the cost of the growth medium and bioreactor equipment. Researchers are working to develop plant-based or synthetic alternatives to the current nutrient solutions, which could lower costs and make production more sustainable. Another challenge lies in achieving the taste and texture that consumers expect from real meat.

E. Public acceptance is another major hurdle. In some surveys, people express curiosity about trying artificial meat, but others are sceptical, questioning its safety and "naturalness." Marketing campaigns often emphasise that cultured meat is real meat, just produced differently. Some companies also highlight its potential to feed the growing global population without depleting natural resources.

F. In 2020, Singapore became the first country to approve the sale of cultured chicken nuggets, marking a milestone in the industry. Since then, several other places have begun selling small batches of artificial meat products in restaurants and specialty stores. While availability is still limited, these early launches provide valuable feedback for producers to improve their products.

G. Experts believe that artificial meat will not replace traditional meat entirely in the near future. Instead, it is likely to become part of a broader shift towards sustainable diets, alongside plant-based proteins and other alternatives. If costs fall and consumers' acceptance grows, cultured meat could play an important role in addressing the environmental and ethical issues of global meat consumption.

Questions 28-34: Matching headings

Match each paragraph A-G with the correct heading i-vii. Write the correct number i-vii. LIST OF HEADINGS i. First approval for public sale ii. How artificial meat is made iii. Environmental advantages of artificial meat iv. Cost and technical challenges v. Why demand for meat is rising vi. Ethical concerns about traditional meat vii. Possible future role of cultured meat viii. Efforts to win public trust ix. The role of plant-based meat x. Early successes and public trials

28
Section A
- i. First approval for public sale
- ii. How artificial meat is made
- iii. Environmental advantages of artificial meat
- iv. Cost and technical challenges
- v. Why demand for meat is rising
- vi. Ethical concerns about traditional meat
- vii. Possible future role of cultured meat
- viii. Efforts to win public trust
- ix. The role of plant-based meat
- x. Early successes and public trials
29
Section B
30
Section C
31
Section D
32
Section E
33
Section F
34
Section G

Questions 35-40

Choose ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

35. Another term for artificial meat is _______

36. Muscle cells are grown into tissue in _______

37. Researchers want to replace the medium with plant-based or _______ options.

38. Singapore approved cultured chicken nuggets in the year _______

39. Artificial meat products are currently sold in _______

40. Alongside cultured meat, _______ proteins are part of sustainable diets.

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Show answer key

1. E
E (Sardines) is correct because the passage says sardines are packed with minerals like phosphorus and vitamin D, which help keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
2. G
G (Tomatoes) is correct because the passage says lycopene in tomatoes protects your skin against damage from the sun, which helps people who are sensitive to sunlight. The tempting wrong answer is F (Broccoli), but it talks about anticancer effects, not sun protection.
3. B
B (Miso) is correct because the passage says if you are lactose intolerant, you can try miso, which means it can be used as a substitute for dairy products.
4. F
F (Broccoli) is correct because the passage says sulforaphane in broccoli may have anticancer effects, which means it can help prevent some chronic diseases.
5. D
D (Cinnamon) is correct because the passage says cinnamon is great for stimulating circulation and blood flow, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
6. C
C (Chia seeds) is correct because the passage says omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds help build healthy skin cells and new collagen, renewing your skin from within.
7. A
A (Artichokes) is correct because the passage says artichokes contain silymarin, an antioxidant that can protect the liver.
8. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the passage says Business Basics is suitable for anyone requiring knowledge from the ground up, which means beginners.
9. TRUE
TRUE is correct because Social Networking costs $95, which is less than $100.
10. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage says Bookkeeping gives students a great deal of hands-on experience, so it does have a practical component.
11. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because the passage does not say if Bookkeeping is only for advanced students.
12. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because the passage does not mention if the New Enterprise Module will help your business become more profitable.
13. FALSE
FALSE is correct because Social Networking gives a broad overview of web technologies, not just one specific website.
14. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the Communication class helps you gain public-speaking experience, which means speaking in front of an audience.
15. focus
The answer is 'focus' because the passage says focused meditation is ideal for anyone who requires additional focus in their life.
16. difficult
The answer is 'difficult' because the passage says it can be difficult for beginners to hold their focus for longer than a few minutes at first.
17. thoughts
The answer is 'thoughts' because the passage says in mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind.
18. alone
The answer is 'alone' because the passage says mindfulness meditation can be easily practiced alone.
19. spiritual
The answer is 'spiritual' because the passage says essential oils are commonly used to heighten the spiritual experience in spiritual meditation.
20. peace
The answer is 'peace' because the passage says visualization meditation is used to promote inner peace.
21. reputable farm
The answer is 'reputable farm' because the passage says make sure it's a reputable farm when buying ducklings.
22. feathers
The answer is 'feathers' because the passage says you need to keep ducklings inside until they get feathers, which takes about 8 weeks (about two months).
23. incubator
The answer is 'incubator' because the passage says you put fertilized eggs in an incubator for 28 days to hatch them.
24. reduce
The answer is 'reduce' because the passage says farmers may give away adult ducks when they have to reduce the number of drakes in their flock.
25. hatch
The answer is 'hatch' because the passage says if your adult ducks hatch their own ducklings, it is less work for you.
26. mothers
The answer is 'mothers' because the passage says not all ducks are natural mothers, so you have to keep an eye on them.
27. drakes
The answer is 'drakes' because the passage says only female ducks quack, so if you want less noise, you can get a few drakes.
28. v
v (Why demand for meat is rising) is correct because Section A talks about the global demand for meat rising due to population growth and incomes.
29. ii
ii (How artificial meat is made) is correct because Section B explains the process of making artificial meat from animal cells.
30. iii
iii (Environmental advantages of artificial meat) is correct because Section C discusses how artificial meat could reduce emissions, land use, and water consumption.
31. iv
iv (Cost and technical challenges) is correct because Section D talks about the high cost and technical problems of producing cultured meat.
32. viii
viii (Efforts to win public trust) is correct because Section E discusses public acceptance and marketing campaigns for artificial meat.
33. i
i (First approval for public sale) is correct because Section F talks about Singapore being the first country to approve the sale of cultured chicken nuggets.
34. vii
vii (Possible future role of cultured meat) is correct because Section G says artificial meat will not replace traditional meat soon but will be part of sustainable diets.
35. cultured
The answer is 'cultured' because the passage says artificial meat is also known as cultured or lab-grown meat.
36. bioreactors
The answer is 'bioreactors' because the passage says the procedure is carried out in sterile bioreactors.
37. synthetic
The answer is 'synthetic' because the passage says researchers are working to develop plant-based or synthetic alternatives to the current nutrient solutions.
38. 2020
The answer is '2020' because the passage says Singapore approved the sale of cultured chicken nuggets in 2020.
39. restaurants
The answer is 'restaurants' because the passage says artificial meat products are sold in restaurants and specialty stores.
40. plant-based
The answer is 'plant-based' because the passage says cultured meat will be part of sustainable diets alongside plant-based proteins.

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