General Training Reading 2025-12 Test 4 — IELTS General Training Reading Practice Test with Answers

Rebuilt from test-taker recalls — not official IELTS material. Audio and passages are recreations for practice.

Best Bags to Carry for Sports Centre or Gym

A. Fjallraven vardag duffel 30

This premium outdoor brand has a newly released lightweight bag in its product range. Constructed from the brand's special water-resistant fabric, it's also great from an eco-perspective, as it's made from 65 per cent recycled polyester and 35 per cent organic cotton. This bag is definitely strong, and you'll be able to squeeze it into a tight space without worrying about damaging it.

B. Filson medium rugged twill duffel bag

This brand has a great tradition of producing simply the best quality gear. If you're inclined to treat yourself to a bag that should last you a lifetime, this is for you. Admittedly it's likely you'll need to save up for this one, but it's well worth it.

C. Deuter trans alpine pro 28

This pack has got so many features, which does, however, make it on the heavier side. For example, the pouch at the back is expandable to put your bike helmet (or trainers / towel / other sizeable gear) in, and the side pockets are perfect for water bottles.

D. Columbia unisex convey 25l rolltop daypack

The full-width zip means you can easily push stuff in. There's one main compartment which also has a separate padded sleeve for a tablet plus an extra zip pocket for valuables at the top and convenient metal rings to attach items like bike helmets if required.

E. The North Face base camp duffel

This top-of-the-range bag has a very generous 50 litre storage capacity. If that's too much for you, there's always the trimmer 31 litre equivalent (which retails a little cheaper). There's an internal pocket to separate some gear out and an extra small external zip pocket on one of the ends.

F. Under Armour sports style duffel

A simple yet effective and stylish bag. At 24 litres it's neat in size, and a separate smaller waterproof compartment at one of the ends is ideal for putting damp gear in so that everything else is unaffected by it. It also comes with a removable strap so you can wear it over one shoulder. It's a decent option for an everyday gym bag that won't break the bank.

Questions 1–7: Matching bags to statements

The text has reviews of six gym bags, A-F. For which bag are the following statements true. Write the correct letter, A-F. NB You may use any letter more than once.

1
Owners of this bag can put wet swimwear in it and keep other items dry.
2
This bag will not wear out quickly.
3
If someone is looking for an environmentally friendly bag, this one would be appropriate.
4
People can choose from two different sizes of this bag.
5
This bag would suit someone who does not want to spend too much.
6
This bag has only just appeared on the market.
7
This bag weighs more than some other gym bags.

Benefits of taking an advanced driving course

Once you have passed the practical and theory components of the driving test and have your full driving licence, you may think you are an expert driver. However, there are lots of things you can do to improve your road skills, making you a safer and more competent driver.

What is an advanced driving course?

The course gives you advanced feedback and guidance on your driving habits. The series of lessons provides you with the opportunity to learn additional skills that will help you to anticipate hazards when you are driving and turn you into a more systematic and disciplined road user.

Each available course differs in structure depending on the company that you choose to use. However, they all have the same goal and as well as producing safer drivers, the advanced driving course may help reduce your fuel consumption and keep your car in better shape for longer.

There are a few advanced driving courses you can choose from, depending on which driving skills you need to work on. Here are two examples:

IAM RoadSmart

Once you have purchased the course, the company will match you with a local expert who will observe your driving habits over a series of lessons. The instructor will then give you personalised feedback which will help ensure that you are driving in the safest way possible. IAM RoadSmart offers a number of different advanced packages, including courses intended for users of both cars and motorcycles.

The BAC

The BAC has a wide range of specialist courses suitable for every type of driver. If there are certain elements of road use that you find particularly challenging, such as driving at night or using rural roads, you will be able to find a course that is tailored to suit you. The BAC also has a course intended to help improve confidence for more general road use. Prices vary depending on how many hours you wish to undertake and what you wish to practise, so it is best to contact the BAC directly for more information.

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
An advanced driving course aims to teach drivers to predict problems on the road ahead.
9
Every advanced driving course differs in structure.
10
An advanced driving course can show participants how to use less petrol.
11
IAM RoadSmart courses are becoming available in more places.
12
IAM RoadSmart courses operate on a one-to-one basis.
13
IAM RoadSmart runs courses for professional drivers.
14
The BAC only provides lessons to people who have particular driving requirements.

Opportunities for graduates—Freelance writing

If you want to start a career in writing or journalism, freelancing could be for you. Here is some advice on finding opportunities, and building your portfolio.

There are more graduates than ever entering an increasingly diminished market, so they are having to be more creative in the ways they get income and gain experience in their chosen field. For those with a talent for writing, working freelance can be worth it.

When starting out, many people turn to specialist websites listing a range of current writing projects offered by different organisations, which freelancers can apply to complete. These sites can be useful but just make sure any organisation is genuine first. Otherwise you might find you've spent hours on work which you never get paid for.

When looking to get work for magazines and newspapers, keep the pitches – in which you present what you could write for them – brief and interesting. Even if you're sending your fifth in a row of rejected ones, be polite and professional.

The advantages

The positives of freelancing as a graduate are numerous. It's incredibly satisfying to be working for yourself and having the responsibility of determining your own workload. Making a living doing what you love is hugely rewarding, and of course the flexibility of the work hours may suit you. New graduates are generally used to working unusual hours, so if you're most comfortable working late at night or at the weekend, then freelancing may be the way to go. Depending on how much work you manage to get, which can vary wildly, especially when you're just starting out, it also leaves it open for you to get a part-time job. However, a basic job would bring in a regular amount.

The disadvantages

It is notoriously difficult to make freelancing profitable. Graduate writers are notorious for working for no actual payment, and it's because there are so many people willing to do it that companies simply assume that it's acceptable, and of course this suits the companies.

Freelancing is probably not for people who lack motivation. If you don't go looking for work, spending your days shooting off emails, then it is very unlikely the work will come to you. For most people, freelancing does not provide regular work at the beginning. So if you find it stressful not getting paid at the end of every week or month, then it's worth looking at other options.

Questions 15–21: Note completion

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

Sources of work

15. best to check out that potential employers are ________ before agreeing to do any work

the press

16. ensure all ________ are persuasive and kept to a minimum length

Advantages of freelance writing

17. the power to decide on the size of the ________

18. the ________ in the scheduling of the work

19. the chance to commit to a second ________ to generate income

Disadvantages of freelance writing

20. it is largely expected that young freelancers will be happy to complete assignments without ________

21. graduates whose ________ is limited may not get any work

How your CV catches hiring manager's eye

To be successful in today's job market, it pays to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. After all, their perception of your CV could result in a job interview or a rejection. Hiring managers are pushed for time, so they will usually spend a few seconds skimming your CV for must-have terms before they decide to commit to reading it fully. To pass this preliminary test, make sure your CV is extremely easy to read and is divided into appropriate sections.

Never make readers wade through large amounts of writing or you will risk losing their interest quickly. You should also research your target role thoroughly to identify what skills are most needed and ensure these are clearly included near the beginning of your CV. Providing a pleasant reading experience and reflecting the company's needs in your CV will create a perfect first impression.

Once managers have scanned your CV quickly, they will look at your present or most recent post. This is easily the best way to assess you, so managers will review this part of your CV thoroughly. Give this description your full attention and think about the questions that managers will want answers to, such as 'Where do you sit within the organisation?' and 'How do you contribute to the company?'

Many job seekers make bold claims in their CVs, but very few back them up with facts. Demonstrate the scale of your responsibilities by including numbers such as the size of budget you control, or the number of locations you work in. These numbers provide a scale that everybody can understand and leave readers in no doubt of the level you work at. You can also prove your impact by including quantifiable achievements you have had. Perhaps you have generated sales of £300k within six months, or maybe you have delivered a project that affected 3 million customers.

Even the smallest weakness can deter managers from shortlisting you. Obvious spelling and grammar mistakes will be warning signs, but they will also be on the lookout for gaps in the list of posts you have held, or facts that just don't add up. Proofread your CV thoroughly, including all of your dates, and don't be tempted to add any white lies. Keep everything looking as professional as possible and don't give them any reason to doubt you.

Questions 22–27: Summary completion

Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text.

22. The writer should make sure that they have separated the CV into suitable ________.

23. If the text of a CV is too long, there is a risk that the reader's ________ will not be held.

24. It is advisable to highlight the essential ________ for the post early on in the CV.

25. Writers should support statements in their CV with facts, for example how big is the ________ that they are in charge of.

26. It is worth giving details of any past ________ together with any relevant statistics.

27. Checking that no ________ appear in the language used in the CV is vital.

The Spread and Psychology of Rumours

A. Rumours have existed for as long as human societies. Whether whispered between individuals or broadcast across social media, rumours often emerge during times of uncertainty and can have far-reaching consequences. Despite being frequently dismissed as mere gossip or hearsay, rumours can influence public opinion, drive panic, and even alter the course of historical events.

B. Psychologists have long studied why people believe and spread rumours. One explanation lies in the human need for certainty. When people are faced with ambiguous or threatening situations, they often turn to unofficial sources of information to make sense of events. Rumours, regardless of their accuracy, offer seemingly coherent narratives that satisfy this psychological need. According to Professor Nicholas DiFonzo, a leading researcher on the topic, people use rumours to reduce anxiety and feel more in control.

C. Another important factor is emotional arousal. Research shows that emotionally charged content—whether it evokes fear, anger, or excitement—is more likely to be shared than neutral information. This is especially evident in digital environments where social media platforms reward content that generates reactions. Algorithms prioritize engagement, so once a rumour begins to spread, it can gain momentum rapidly, regardless of its truthfulness.

D. Social identity also plays a significant role in the acceptance and transmission of rumours. People are more likely to believe rumours that align with their existing beliefs or group identities. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, reinforces group cohesion and can polarize communities. For instance, political rumours are often shared within echo chambers where opposing viewpoints are rarely encountered, deepening divisions rather than encouraging dialogue.

E. Not all rumours are harmful. Some may provide comfort or create a sense of solidarity in times of crisis. For example, after natural disasters, positive stories—such as tales of miraculous rescues—can help people cope emotionally. However, damaging rumours can also spread fear or misinformation, leading to real-world consequences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, false rumours about cures and government conspiracies led to vaccine hesitancy, panic buying, and in some cases, violence.

F. Efforts to control the spread of rumours must take into account human psychology. Simply debunking a rumour may not be effective if the correction threatens a person's worldview. Some experts recommend "prebunking," or proactively exposing people to weakened versions of false claims along with factual rebuttals, which can build resistance to misinformation. Educational campaigns that promote critical thinking and media literacy are also crucial in reducing the spread and influence of rumours.

Questions 28–34: Short answer (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS)

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.

28
Rumours tend to appear more frequently during times of _________.
29
People use rumours to feel less anxious and more _________.
30
Social media platforms tend to boost content that generates more _________.
31
Individuals tend to accept rumours that align with their _________.
32
In some situations, rumours may offer _________ or solidarity in emotionally difficult times.
33
Rumours about health during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased _________ and panic buying.
34
The method of "prebunking" aims to expose people to _________ of false claims.

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
Rumours always arise from intentional lies.
36
Emotionally charged content spreads faster than emotionally neutral content.
37
Political rumours can reinforce group divisions.
38
All rumours during crises are harmful and dangerous.
39
Debunking rumours is more effective than prebunking.
40
Teaching people to analyse information critically can reduce the influence of rumours.

Answer sheet

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1. F
F is correct because it has 'a separate smaller waterproof compartment at one of the ends... ideal for putting damp gear in so that everything else is unaffected by it.'
2. B
B is correct as it is described as a bag 'that should last you a lifetime,' meaning it will not wear out quickly.
3. A
A is correct because it is 'made from 65 per cent recycled polyester and 35 per cent organic cotton,' making it environmentally friendly.
4. E
E is correct since it mentions 'a very generous 50 litre storage capacity' and 'the trimmer 31 litre equivalent,' so there are two sizes.
5. F
F is correct because it is described as 'a decent option for an everyday gym bag that won't break the bank,' meaning it is affordable. The tempting wrong answer is A, but it is described as 'premium,' not cheap.
6. A
A is correct as it is a 'newly released lightweight bag,' meaning it has just appeared on the market.
7. C
C is correct because it 'has got so many features, which does, however, make it on the heavier side.'
8. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the course 'will help you to anticipate hazards when you are driving,' which means to predict problems ahead.
9. TRUE
TRUE is correct as it says, 'Each available course differs in structure depending on the company that you choose to use.'
10. TRUE
TRUE is correct because the course 'may help reduce your fuel consumption,' which means using less petrol.
11. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because there is no information about IAM RoadSmart courses becoming available in more places.
12. TRUE
TRUE is correct as IAM RoadSmart 'will match you with a local expert who will observe your driving habits,' showing it is one-to-one.
13. NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN is correct because there is no mention of IAM RoadSmart running courses for professional drivers.
14. FALSE
FALSE is correct because BAC offers 'a wide range of specialist courses suitable for every type of driver,' not only those with particular requirements.
15. genuine
'genuine' is correct because the passage says to 'make sure any organisation is genuine first.'
16. pitches
'pitches' is correct as it says, 'keep the pitches... brief and interesting.'
17. workload
'workload' is correct because it says, 'having the responsibility of determining your own workload.'
18. flexibility
'flexibility' is correct as the passage mentions 'the flexibility of the work hours may suit you.'
19. job
'job' is correct since it says freelancing 'leaves it open for you to get a part-time job.'
20. payment
'payment' is correct because 'Graduate writers are notorious for working for no actual payment.'
21. motivation
'motivation' is correct as it says, 'Freelancing is probably not for people who lack motivation. If you don't go looking for work... it is very unlikely the work will come to you.'
22. sections
'sections' is correct because the passage says, 'make sure your CV is extremely easy to read and is divided into appropriate sections.'
23. interest
'interest' is correct as it says, 'Never make readers wade through large amounts of writing or you will risk losing their interest quickly.'
24. skills
'skills' is correct because it says, 'identify what skills are most needed and ensure these are clearly included near the beginning of your CV.'
25. budget
'budget' is correct as it says, 'including numbers such as the size of budget you control.'
26. achievements
'achievements' is correct because it says, 'prove your impact by including quantifiable achievements you have had.'
27. mistakes
'mistakes' is correct as it says, 'Obvious spelling and grammar mistakes will be warning signs.'
28. uncertainty
'uncertainty' is correct because it says, 'rumours often emerge during times of uncertainty.'
29. in control
'in control' is correct as it says, 'people use rumours to reduce anxiety and feel more in control.'
30. reactions
'reactions' is correct because 'social media platforms reward content that generates reactions.'
31. existing beliefs
'existing beliefs' is correct as it says, 'People are more likely to believe rumours that align with their existing beliefs or group identities.'
32. comfort
'comfort' is correct because it says, 'Some may provide comfort or create a sense of solidarity in times of crisis.'
33. vaccine hesitancy
'vaccine hesitancy' is correct as it says, 'false rumours about cures and government conspiracies led to vaccine hesitancy, panic buying, and in some cases, violence.'
34. weakened versions
'weakened versions' is correct as it says, 'proactively exposing people to weakened versions of false claims along with factual rebuttals.'
35. FALSE
FALSE is correct because the passage does not say all rumours are intentional lies; it explains psychological reasons for their spread.
36. TRUE
TRUE is correct as it says, 'emotionally charged content... is more likely to be shared than neutral information.'
37. TRUE
TRUE is correct because it says, 'Political rumours are often shared within echo chambers... deepening divisions rather than encouraging dialogue.'
38. FALSE
FALSE is correct as it says, 'Not all rumours are harmful. Some may provide comfort or create a sense of solidarity in times of crisis.'
39. FALSE
FALSE is correct because it says, 'Simply debunking a rumour may not be effective... Some experts recommend "prebunking"... which can build resistance to misinformation.'
40. TRUE
TRUE is correct as it says, 'Educational campaigns that promote critical thinking and media literacy are also crucial in reducing the spread and influence of rumours.'

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