IELTS General Training Reading Test
Passage 1: Health and Fitness Membership
Questions 1-13
Health and Fitness Membership Information
Welcome to our health and fitness center. To get started on your fitness journey, please take a moment to review our membership details.
1. Types of Memberships
- Individual Membership: Provides access to all fitness facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, and group classes.
- Family Membership: Allows access for up to four family members to all fitness facilities.
- Student Membership: A discounted membership for students with valid identification.
2. Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM - 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
3. Group Classes
- Yoga, Pilates, Spin, and Zumba classes are available. Class schedules are posted weekly on the notice board and the center's website.
4. Personal Training
- Personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions. Booking in advance is required.
5. Health Assessment
- A complimentary health assessment is included with your membership. This can be booked at the reception.
6. Parking Facilities
- Free parking is available for members. Please display your membership card on your vehicle's dashboard.
7. Renewal and Cancellation Policy
- Memberships can be renewed online or at the reception. To cancel your membership, a one-month notice period is required.
Questions 1-7
Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.
1. What is included in an Individual Membership?A. Access to the gym only
B. Access to the gym and swimming pool
C. Access to all facilities and group classes
2. How many family members are allowed under a Family Membership?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
3. What is required to get a Student Membership?
A. A student ID
B. A referral from a current member
C. An online application
4. When is the center open on weekends?
A. 6 AM - 10 PM
B. 8 AM - 8 PM
C. 10 AM - 6 PM
5. What is necessary to book a personal training session?
A. An additional fee
B. Advance booking
C. A health assessment
6. What is included with every membership?
A. A discount on classes
B. A free health assessment
C. Free guest passes
7. What must members do to cancel their membership?
A. Visit the center
B. Provide a one-month notice
C. Call customer service
Questions 8-13
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
8. Group class schedules are posted on the notice board and ______.9. Members must display their ______ on the vehicle’s dashboard to use the parking facilities.
10. Family Membership covers access to facilities for up to ______ members.
11. To cancel a membership, a ______ period is required.
12. The health assessment can be booked at the ______.
13. Students must present a valid ______ to get a discount on membership.
Passage 2: The History of Fireworks
Questions 14-26
Fireworks have been a part of human celebrations for over a thousand years, with their origins tracing back to ancient China. What began as simple bamboo stalks exploding in a fire has evolved into a global tradition that lights up the skies in grand displays.
The Origins of Fireworks
The first fireworks were made in China around 200 BC by roasting bamboo stalks until the air inside them expanded and burst the bamboo. Later, around 800 AD, Chinese alchemists accidentally discovered gunpowder by mixing saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. When gunpowder was packed into bamboo tubes and ignited, the first true fireworks were born.
The Spread of Fireworks
Fireworks spread from China to the Middle East and Europe by the 13th century, largely through trade routes and the conquests of the Mongols. In Europe, fireworks were initially used in military applications before becoming associated with celebrations, particularly in Italy, where they were used in religious festivals.
Fireworks in the Modern Era
Today, fireworks are used around the world to celebrate major events, from national holidays like the Fourth of July in the United States to New Year's Eve. The technology behind fireworks has also advanced, allowing for more elaborate and safer displays. Modern fireworks can produce a wide range of colors, patterns, and effects, thanks to the use of different chemical compounds.
The Cultural Impact of Fireworks
Fireworks have become an integral part of many cultural celebrations. In China, they are still used during Lunar New Year to scare away evil spirits. In India, fireworks are central to the Diwali festival, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Questions 14-19
Match each statement with the correct period.
Periods:
A. Ancient China
B. 13th Century
C. Modern Era
D. 800 AD
E. 200 BC
- The first fireworks were simple bamboo stalks. ______
- Gunpowder was accidentally discovered. ______
- Fireworks spread to Europe through trade routes. ______
- Fireworks became associated with religious festivals in Italy. ______
- Fireworks are used worldwide for celebrations. ______
- Fireworks were originally used to scare away evil spirits. ______
Questions 20-26
True, False, Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
20. The first fireworks were created by Chinese alchemists.- True
- False
- Not Given
- True
- False
- Not Given
- True
- False
- Not Given
- True
- False
- Not Given
- True
- False
- Not Given
- True
- False
- Not Given
- True
- False
- Not Given
Passage 3: The Future of Transportation
Questions 27-40
The world of transportation is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. From electric vehicles (EVs) to autonomous cars and high-speed rail, the future of transportation looks vastly different from what we know today.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles have seen a surge in popularity due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology. With major car manufacturers committing to electric, the days of gasoline-powered cars might be numbered.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars are no longer a distant dream. Companies like Tesla, Google, and Uber are investing heavily in developing autonomous vehicles. These cars use a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads with little to no human intervention.
High-Speed Rail
In many parts of the world, high-speed trains are revolutionizing how people travel between cities. These trains can reach speeds of over 300 km/h, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to air travel.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite the exciting advancements, there are still challenges to overcome. The infrastructure for electric vehicles, such as charging stations, needs to be expanded. Regulations for autonomous vehicles must be established to ensure safety. Additionally, high-speed rail requires significant investment and political will to become more widespread.
Questions 27-34
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
27. What is the main advantage of electric vehicles?A. Lower cost
B. Environmental benefits
C. Higher speed
D. Easier maintenance
28. Which company is NOT mentioned as investing in autonomous vehicles?
A. Tesla
B. Google
C. Uber
D. Ford
29. What technology do autonomous vehicles primarily rely on?
A. Electric engines
B. Human drivers
C. Sensors and cameras
D. Satellite navigation
30. What is the speed range of high-speed trains?
A. 100-200 km/h
B. 200-300 km/h
C. 300-400 km/h
D. Over 400 km/h
31. What is a significant challenge for the adoption of electric vehicles?
A. High cost
B. Lack of public interest
C. Insufficient charging infrastructure
D. Safety concerns
32. Which form of transportation is considered a sustainable alternative to air travel?
A. Electric vehicles
B. High-speed rail
C. Autonomous vehicles
D. Bicycles
33. What needs to be developed to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles?
A. Advanced sensors
B. Better roads
C. Government regulations
D. Public awareness
34. What is necessary for high-speed rail to become more widespread?
A. Technological advancements
B. Political will and investment
C. Consumer demand
D. Reduction in ticket prices
Questions 35-40
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.
The future of transportation is moving towards more sustainable and efficient options. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular due to their ______ (35). Autonomous vehicles are being developed by companies like ______ (36) and are expected to reduce the need for human drivers. High-speed rail offers a ______ (37) alternative to air travel and can reach speeds of over 300 km/h. However, for these advancements to be successful, challenges such as ______ (38) infrastructure for electric vehicles and ______ (39) for autonomous vehicles need to be addressed. Additionally, high-speed rail requires ______ (40) and political will to expand globally.
Answers
Passage 1:
- C
- C
- A
- B
- B
- B
- B
- Website
- Membership card
- Four
- One-month notice
- Reception
- Student ID
Passage 2:
14. E15. D
16. B
17. B
18. C
19. A
20. False
21. False
22. True
23. False
24. False
25. False
26. True
Passage 3:
27. B28. D
29. C
30. C
31. C
32. B
33. C
34. B
35. Environmental benefits
36. Tesla
37. Sustainable
38. Charging
39. Regulations
40. Investment