General Training Reading 2025-01 Test 5 — IELTS General Training Reading Practice Test with Answers

基于考生回忆重建 — 非官方 IELTS 资料。音频和原文均为练习用途的重现版本。

Courses at City College

A Art: In this course, you will study with our artist-in-residence, Zuska Dimitriev, who is a talented painter in the region. You will learn how to paint with both oils and water colours, using the local landscape as your inspiration. Many painting classes take place outside near the riverbank if the weather is good. Mrs. Dimitriev also gives art history classes, so you'll learn about the rise of post impressionism, modern art and even pop art. For those interested in sculpture, there are some classes with Erkan Yolan in Room B.

B Debating: Would you like to gain more confidence and learn how to argue? Take our debate and public speaking class which takes place Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6PM. You will learn how to present your ideas in a logical way and how to use tone and expression to convince your listeners. This course is ideal for both students and professionals who need to deliver presentations.

C Music: We are honored to welcome Alec Walters, a nationally renowned guitarist and pianist who is teaching the music class this year. Everyone is welcome to join the class on Thursday at 3:30 pm, no matter your level or ability in music. Alec has a huge array of instruments that you can discover, ranging from synthesizers to drums, from oboes to trumpets. You'll learn how to play the basics or, if you're a higher level, learn how to play more advanced pieces on the instrument of your choice. So, what are you waiting for? Come and join the band!

D Cooking: Are you hungry? In this course, learn to cook like the best French chefs under the direction and expertise of Jean-Luc Dupont, our specialist in French cuisine. In this fascinating course, you will learn how to make some typical French dishes that will impress all your friends. Jean-Luc teaches you the rules of the kitchen, the best and freshest ingredients and methods to prepare for tasty dishes. Enjoy your meal!

E Japanese: We are very lucky to have an excellent Japanese teacher, Hiroko Nagata. Unfortunately, she is currently only taking on advanced students this semester. You will develop your conversation abilities in Japanese as well as mastering your understanding of Japanese characters. The course includes a one-week trip to Kyoto with Mr. Nagata which all our current students are excited about. This course also includes classes on Japanese culture, food and etiquette.

F Dance: Let's boogie! Join our modern dance class which is taught by two teachers from Brazil, Vanessa Star and Antonio Sevilla. The course includes many types of dance: salsa, tango, zumba, jazz and even tap-dancing. Your level and ability to dance doesn't matter. Just join the group and follow their lead! This class, however, is only open to people between 65 years and above, as the other dance classes are now fully booked up.

Questions 1–4: Matching statements to courses

Look at the six course advertisements, A-F. Match the statements below with the courses they are describing.

1
It's not open for all levels.
- A. Art
- B. Debating
- C. Music
- D. Cooking
- E. Japanese
- F. Dance
2
Its availability depends on your age.
3
You will learn something about the past.
4
It may be useful for both academic and career purposes.

Questions 5–7: Short answer

Choose ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

5
What will you learn to paint with Zuska Dimitriev in the art course?
6
What personal quality will you develop in the debating course?
7
What can you pick in the music class?

Frog Valley Development

Creating a better area to meet the needs of the local community. The proposal to develop the part of our city known as Frog Valley has now been passed to the local council for consideration and approval. In case you missed earlier newspaper reports, here briefly are some of the changes and improvements that are being planned for the site.

An area of land in the south-east corner of Frog Valley has been allocated to the construction of a new primary school which, if building does go ahead, will accommodate 300 children. The size and location of the school mean that admission will not be limited to families who live in the area.

Another feature that will bring people together will be the new shopping mall. Plans are to move all the existing local shops, which are currently located in small groups around the site, into one shopping zone, and this will see the addition of an organic farm shop and a vegan store.

A community center will be central to the development of the site. It will provide a much needed meeting place for clubs and societies that, until now, have had to meet wherever they can find a venue. The pride of the center will be a multi-gym with swimming pool - something younger residents have been requesting for some time but that has never been possible, due to cost.

For many years now, local businesspeople have been asking for better business premises, and this is now a priority for Frog Valley. Twenty thousand square metres of space will be used to house anything from small startups to large existing local businesses. It will be built to the south-east of the site, with dedicated car parking for office workers, either within each office area or in a single car park.

At our public consultation meeting, some residents asked if it would be possible to include services such as dentistry and various types of medical testing facilities within the health center. This would mean adding to the existing building and there are no plans to do this at present. However, it will be possible to see a doctor at weekends and in the evenings, which is a welcome development.

Questions 8–14: True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if the statement contradicts the information, NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this.

8
The new school will take in children from outside Frog Valley.
9
There will be an increase in the number of shops.
10
The community centre will replace an existing social club building.
11
The swimming pool will be free for residents of Frog Valley.
12
The office space will accommodate businesses of different sizes.
13
The business car parking area will be underground.
14
The health centre will offer a wide range of new services.

A Red Nose Bird: Toco Toucan

The Toco Toucan is one of the most recognizable tropical birds in the Americas. The only non-forest toucan, the Toco Toucan is found along forest edges and in low wet grassland from Guyana south to Argentina, and from central Brazil west to southeastern Peru. Toco Toucans are the largest species of toucan and can be identified by their black body, white bib, red under tail coverts and large red-orange bill. They feed extensively on figs and other fruit, and also occasionally prey on insects and nestling birds. When foraging, these birds travel in small groups in the canopy, gliding in single file from site to site.

These species have striking plumage with a black body, white throat and a blue or orange eye ring. Their most noticeable feature, however, is their huge yellow beak with a black or blue tip, which looks heavy but is incredibly light because the inside is hollow. Toco Toucans are an average of 25 inches long, with their beaks that measure up to 8 inches. When pulled from the nest and hand fed as babies they can eventually become pets. Toco Toucans do however require spacious cages to hop back and forth from because of their active nature and require toys in their cage to prevent boredom. Because of the natural attraction to the colorful and odd bills of toco toucans, tour guides in many South American countries provide trips to see them in their natural habitat. Also, many zoos attempt to preserve the natural beauty of this bird in a safe and people-friendly environment.

They have a high fruit diet and sensitivity to hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) makes them difficult for the novice keeper to maintain. Also they fling their fruit so the potential owner should be prepared to clean up dried fruit. Toco Toucans are expensive birds to maintain. A lifespan of 20 years is typically seen in wild toco toucans with a maximum recorded lifespan of 26 years. In captivity, this species of toucan often has a shorter lifespan of approximately 18 years. Toco toucans that have been raised in captivity often experience iron-storage disease, to an uncomfortable life of the toucan involving emaciation, dyspnea and feather picking and may eventually lead to the death of the bird.

Questions 15–19: Note completion

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

15. They feed extensively on ________ and other fruit as they do not tend to hunt insects or birds more often

16. The most striking aspect of Toco Toucan is its long yellow ________ which creates the illusion of being heavy

17. As zoo keepers provide a secured and natural atmosphere but unnatural habitat can be risky to those who are ________ in keeping these beautiful birds

18. Life of Toucan bird under ________ declines due to diseases.

19. Once they become a pet, their active nature requires ________ to enjoy.

Questions 20–21: Short answer

Which TWO ailments cause painful life of Toco Toucans?

20
Which TWO ailments cause painful life of Toco Toucans? (First)
21
Which TWO ailments cause painful life of Toco Toucans? (Second)

How to Excel in your Job Interview

Be punctual: If possible, arrive early for your interview. Interviewers are usually ready before the interview begins. Know your interviewer's name, pronunciation, and spelling: Use the interviewer's name during the interview. This will show that you care about the person who is taking the time to get to know you. Spelling and pronouncing his or her name correctly will show attention to detail. Moreover, be respectful to the secretary or administrator who arranged the interview for you.

Prepare a few questions: It's wise to write a few questions to ask your interviewer. You can ask about the employer's expectations and the job itself. This will show your genuine interest and curiosity about the job.

Bring your CV and copies of references. Don't forget your CV: Don't forget to bring a clean and protected copy of your CV. The interviewer may have dozens of applicants to get through, so she may not have your CV at hand. If you can provide one immediately, it will save time for your recruiter and show your professionalism.

Bring a pen and notepad: It's not necessary to take regular notes during the interview, but having a pen and paper may come in handy for writing down the details of the next interview or other important information related to the job description.

Be relaxed but alert: Try to relax before the interview. Greet your interviewer warmly and look her or him in the eye. Don't be too nervous, but don't be overly relaxed, either. You don't want to appear too jittery or laid back.

Be truthful: Never lie during an interview, and be honest about weaknesses.

Avoid negative remarks: If you had some negative experiences in a past job, describe them in a positive light to show what you learned from the situation and how you have improved over time.

Don't ask about the salary in the first interview: You can check your salary level on Glassdoor, a platform that indicates the correct salary for the job you're applying for. Don't ask about the salary in the first interview. The company should follow up with this information.

End the interview on a positive note: Find out what the next step in the interview process is. Express your gratitude to the interviewer for his or her time with you, and show your enthusiasm for the company and position.

Don't assume you've been hired: It's important to remember that there are probably several candidates for the job that you're applying for, so remain humble, as you don't know at the end of the interview whether you got the job or not.

Questions 22–27: Note completion

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.

22. Learning to pronounce and spell your interviewer's name correctly will show how much you ________.

23. Show your ________ in the job, inquiring about your employer's expectations.

24. If your interviewer doesn't have your résumé ________, you should be able to provide one.

25. You won't need to write anything down, apart from a few important ________.

26. You should be frank about your ________ and also try to be positive about negative experiences.

27. Many people are applying for the same job, so you should always ________ about your chances of getting it.

Adapting or Fading: Penguins Struggling with Climate Change

A. In the expansive and icy landscapes of the Polar Regions, penguins emerge as resilient ambassadors of the natural world. These captivating creatures, subjects of extensive study, have long fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts. However, the once resilient evolutionary capacity that served them well for ages is now diminishing, revealing a vulnerability in the face of unprecedented environmental changes. Penguins are now recognized as one of the species with the slowest evolution rates. This has presented them with distinctive challenges in an era of rapid habitat transformations.

B. Despite numerous efforts, tracing the history of penguin evolution presents persistent challenges with crucial components unexplored. While scientists possess insights into some adaptations, the limited research comparing the genomes of all current penguins hinders the precise identification of genes guiding their evolutionary changes. Another barrier lies in the extinction of three-quarters of all penguin species, solely preserved in the fossil record. Besides, the lack of a comprehensive study integrating the fossil record with the genomes of all living and recently extinct penguins also makes it difficult to estimate when genes and diverse species first emerged.

C. In the recent effort to merge extensive datasets, a collaborative team, which included marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer Pablo Borboroglu as a co-author, undertook the task of refining the evolutionary tree of penguins. Their efforts involved identifying the key times in penguin diversification and the genes that helped them adapt to living in water. Based on fossils and genetic samples from different penguin species, they estimated that the ancestors of modern penguins evolved around 14 million years ago, during the Middle Miocene Climate Transition (MMCT). During this time, the temperature dropped by 17°C because more carbon dioxide was being stored in deep water. This created selective pressures that sped up penguin adaptations to living in colder places. The research also identified genes crucial for penguins' aquatic lifestyle, including those shaping flippers with shorter, denser, and more rigid forearm bones, contributing to their ability to dive to significant depths.

D. Returning to the present-day story, in the ever-changing landscape of our planet, the ability to adapt quickly is not only crucial for penguins but for all species, as it can make the difference between survival and extinction. Several species across diverse ecosystems have demonstrated rapid evolution in response to environmental shifts. One notable example is the peppered moth. During the Industrial Revolution, pollution made tree stems darker, which made light-colored moths easier for predators to see. This forced the population of dark-colored moths to quickly grow through natural selection.

E. Paradoxically, as climate change intensifies and demands increased adaptability from species, penguin adaptation features seem to be stagnating. During the harsh conditions of the last glacial maximum, a period of extensive ice sheets and lower global temperatures during the last glaciation, populations of three penguin species - gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie - evolved to withstand challenging environments. However, a recent study reveals a contrasting picture. Amid ongoing warming trends in the western Antarctic, while gentoo penguins are thriving, the other two species are experiencing a decline. Scientists emphasize that, although penguins used to evolve adeptly to adapt to past climate fluctuations, the current pace of climate change, surpassing the historical shifts they endured, poses a unique evolutionary challenge.

F. Many Antarctic researchers anticipate that climate change impacts penguins primarily through alterations in the quality and quantity of food and nesting habitats. Warming seas may diminish the abundance of prey, prompting shifts in the birds' diets. Specifically, changes in sea ice and temperature can decrease the availability of krill and fish-the mainstays of penguins' diets. Climate change also poses a threat to the quality of penguin nesting sites, potentially altering local weather patterns. While Antarctica's climate is typically cold and harsh, warming trends might lead to unprecedented rain or snow melt earlier than usual, leaving ponds on the ground. This poses a significant risk for ground-nesting penguins, as eggs exposed to water are unlikely to survive, and chicks without waterproof feathers may succumb to hypothermia, a life-threatening condition resulting from the loss of body heat.

G. Despite pessimistic predictions for penguins in northerly latitudes, Megan Cimino, the lead author of an article published in Scientific Reports (2016), and her colleagues brought a ray of hope. Their study identifies climate refugia, potential safe havens enabling Adélie penguins to thrive amid adverse climate conditions. Particularly, the Ross and Amundsen Seas, recognized as glacial refuges in the past, emerge as potential future havens. Along with this discovery, an international team of Antarctic scientists proposes a significant initiative: an expansive marine protected area (MPA) covering 250,000 square miles, nearly the size of Texas. This MPA is designed to safeguard the seas along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula that are vital for penguins. Furthermore, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, active since 1982 under the Antarctic Treaty, has been crucial in responding to growing commercial interest in fishing krill, a primary food source for many penguin species. With membership from 25 countries and the European Union, the Commission stands as a vital international body dedicated to preserving Antarctic marine life.

Questions 28–34: Heading matching

The passage has seven paragraphs, A-G. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.

LIST OF HEADINGS

i. Penguin species with a diminishing ability over time

ii. An unexpected reputation in the new era

iii. Finding safe places for penguins

iv. Comparing ancient and present environments

v. Measures to protect penguin populations

vi. Missing pieces for recalling ancient times

vii. Consequences of climate change on penguins

viii. A life-saving skill for animal species

ix. How early penguins survived

28
Section A
29
Section B
30
Section C
31
Section D
32
Section E
33
Section F
34
Section G

Questions 35–40: Summary completion

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Despite the pressing need for adaptation to current climate change, penguin species exhibit 35. ________ evolutionary traits. A population 36. ________ is witnessed in two out of the three penguin species, which was once well-adapted to harsh ancient conditions. Penguins face challenges in evolution as today's climate change takes place at a greater 37. ________ than historical shifts. This situation could result in anticipated 38. ________ in their nutrition and nesting sites. For instance, their 39. ________ could be impacted by diminishing food sources, while the absence of 40. ________ may pose serious threats to penguin chicks.

35
Despite the pressing need for adaptation to current climate change, penguin species exhibit ________ evolutionary traits.
36
A population ________ is witnessed in two out of the three penguin species, which was once well-adapted to harsh ancient conditions.
37
Penguins face challenges in evolution as today's climate change takes place at a greater ________ than historical shifts.
38
This situation could result in anticipated ________ in their nutrition and nesting sites.
39
For instance, their ________ could be impacted by diminishing food sources, while the absence of waterproof feathers may pose serious threats to penguin chicks.
40
For instance, their diet could be impacted by diminishing food sources, while the absence of ________ may pose serious threats to penguin chicks.

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显示答案

1. E
The Japanese course is only for advanced students this semester, as stated: 'she is currently only taking on advanced students this semester.' Other courses are open to all levels.
2. F
The dance class is only open to people aged 65 and above: 'this class, however, is only open to people between 65 years and above.' Other courses do not have age restrictions.
3. A
In the art course, you will learn about art history, including 'the rise of post impressionism, modern art and even pop art,' which are things from the past.
4. B
The debating course is 'ideal for both students and professionals who need to deliver presentations,' making it useful for academic and career purposes.
5. landscape
You will learn to paint using 'the local landscape as your inspiration,' so the answer is 'landscape.'
6. confidence
The debating course helps you 'gain more confidence and learn how to argue,' so you will develop confidence.
7. instrument
In the music class, 'Alec has a huge array of instruments that you can discover,' so you can pick an instrument.
8. TRUE
The passage says the new school will 'accommodate 300 children' and 'admission will not be limited to families who live in the area,' so children from outside Frog Valley can attend.
9. TRUE
The plan is to move all existing shops into one shopping zone and add 'an organic farm shop and a vegan store,' so there will be more shops.
10. FALSE
The community center will be 'central to the development of the site' and provide a meeting place for clubs that 'have had to meet wherever they can find a venue,' so it is not replacing an existing social club building.
11. NOT GIVEN
There is no information about whether the swimming pool will be free for residents, so the answer is 'NOT GIVEN.'
12. TRUE
The office space will be used to house 'anything from small startups to large existing local businesses,' so it will accommodate businesses of different sizes.
13. NOT GIVEN
The passage only mentions 'dedicated car parking' but does not say if it will be underground, so the answer is 'NOT GIVEN.'
14. FALSE
There are 'no plans' to add new services to the health center, so it will not offer a wide range of new services.
15. figs
The passage says Toco Toucans 'feed extensively on figs and other fruit,' so the answer is 'figs.'
16. beak
Their 'most noticeable feature... is their huge yellow beak,' which 'looks heavy but is incredibly light,' so the answer is 'beak.'
17. novice
Toco Toucans are 'difficult for the novice keeper to maintain,' so the answer is 'novice.'
18. captivity
In captivity, toucans 'often have a shorter lifespan' and suffer from diseases, so the answer is 'captivity.'
19. toys
Toco Toucans 'require toys in their cage to prevent boredom,' so the answer is 'toys.'
20. Hemochromatosis
They have 'sensitivity to hemochromatosis (iron storage disease),' which causes health problems, so 'Hemochromatosis' is one ailment.
21. Emaciation
The passage lists 'emaciation' as a result of iron-storage disease, so 'Emaciation' is the second ailment.
22. care about
Learning to pronounce and spell your interviewer's name 'will show that you care about the person who is taking the time to get to know you.'
23. genuine interest
Preparing questions 'will show your genuine interest and curiosity about the job.'
24. at hand
If the interviewer does not have your CV, 'If you can provide one immediately, it will save time,' so you should have it 'at hand.'
25. details / information
You may need to write down 'details of the next interview or other important information,' so 'details' or 'information' are correct.
26. weakness
You should 'be honest about weaknesses' and 'describe [negative experiences] in a positive light,' so the answer is 'weakness.'
27. remain humble
You should 'remain humble, as you don't know at the end of the interview whether you got the job or not.'
28. i
Section A discusses how penguins' ability to adapt is now 'diminishing,' so 'Penguin species with a diminishing ability over time' is correct.
29. vii
Section B talks about 'distinctive challenges' and 'vulnerability... in the face of unprecedented environmental changes,' so 'Consequences of climate change on penguins' fits best.
30. iv
Section C merges fossil and genetic data to compare 'ancient and present environments,' so 'Comparing ancient and present environments' is correct.
31. ix
Section D gives the example of the peppered moth and how animals survive by adapting, so 'How early penguins survived' is best.
32. viii
Section E discusses adaptation as a 'life-saving skill for animal species,' so this is the correct heading.
33. ii
Section F describes how penguins are now less able to adapt, which is 'an unexpected reputation in the new era.'
34. vi
Section G talks about missing information in penguin history, so 'Missing pieces for recalling ancient times' is correct.
35. stagnating
The passage says 'penguin adaptation features seem to be stagnating,' so the answer is 'stagnating.'
36. decline
It says 'gentoo penguins are thriving, the other two species are experiencing a decline,' so 'decline' is correct.
37. pace
The passage says 'the current pace of climate change, surpassing the historical shifts they endured,' so 'pace' is the answer.
38. alterations
Climate change 'impacts penguins primarily through alterations in the quality and quantity of food and nesting habitats,' so 'alterations' is correct.
39. diet
'Warming seas may diminish the abundance of prey, prompting shifts in the birds' diets,' so 'diet' is the answer.
40. waterproof feathers
'Chicks without waterproof feathers may succumb to hypothermia,' so 'waterproof feathers' is correct.

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