IELTS General Training Reading Test
Section 1
Passage 1: Company Policies on Remote Work
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-14, which are based on the text below.
Read the text below and answer Questions 1-14.
Many companies are adopting flexible work-from-home policies, allowing employees to work remotely either full-time or on specific days. The transition to remote work has accelerated due to the global pandemic, making it necessary for companies to establish clear policies.
Remote Work Eligibility: Not all positions are eligible for remote work. Eligibility depends on the nature of the job and the individual's performance. Employees must demonstrate discipline and responsibility to be considered for remote work.
Communication Requirements: Employees working remotely must be accessible during work hours. Regular check-ins with managers and team members are required to ensure productivity and collaboration. Video conferencing tools are the primary means of communication.
Home Office Setup: The company provides a stipend for setting up a home office, including ergonomic furniture and necessary technology. Employees are responsible for maintaining a safe and productive work environment at home.
Security and Confidentiality: Employees must ensure that company data is secure while working remotely. This includes using company-approved software and adhering to data protection policies.
Evaluation and Feedback: Remote employees will be evaluated based on their output and adherence to company policies. Regular feedback sessions will be conducted to address any issues and improve performance.
Questions 1-7
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.
1. Remote work eligibility depends on the nature of the job and the employee's _______.2. Employees must be _______ during work hours.
3. The company provides a _______ for setting up a home office.
4. Employees are responsible for maintaining a _______ work environment at home.
5. Company data must be _______ while working remotely.
6. Remote employees will be evaluated based on their _______.
7. Regular feedback sessions will be conducted to _______.
Questions 8-11
Match the statement with the correct section from the passage.
Sections:
A. Remote Work Eligibility
B. Communication Requirements
C. Home Office Setup
D. Security and Confidentiality
E. Evaluation and Feedback
9. A stipend is provided for home office equipment.
10. Data protection policies must be followed.
11. Performance will be reviewed regularly.
Questions 12-14
Choose THREE letters, A-F.
Which THREE of the following statements are true according to the text?
A. All employees can work remotely.
B. Video conferencing is required for communication.
C. Employees are responsible for their home office.
D. The company provides all necessary office equipment.
E. Remote work performance is evaluated based on productivity.
F. Employees can use any software they prefer for work.
Section 2
Passage 2: The History of Paper
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on the text below.
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-27.
Paper is a ubiquitous material that has played a crucial role in human history, particularly in the dissemination of information. The history of paper dates back to ancient China, where it was first invented around 105 AD by a court official named Cai Lun. Before the invention of paper, writing was done on materials such as silk, bamboo, and parchment, which were expensive and less practical.
Cai Lun's method of making paper involved using mulberry bark, hemp, and rags, which were pulped and then pressed into thin sheets. This new material was lightweight, easy to produce, and ideal for writing. The invention of paper quickly spread throughout China and became essential for recording information and creating books.
By the 7th century, the knowledge of paper-making had reached Korea and Japan, where it was further refined. It wasn't until the 8th century that paper-making technology spread to the Islamic world, through the Silk Road. In Baghdad, the first paper mill in the Islamic world was established, which helped to popularize the use of paper in the Middle East.
The spread of paper to Europe occurred in the 12th century, primarily through the Crusades and the growing trade routes between Europe and the Middle East. The first paper mills in Europe were established in Spain and Italy. Paper became increasingly important during the Renaissance, when the demand for books and written materials surged due to the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century.
Today, paper remains a fundamental part of daily life, despite the rise of digital media. It is used in everything from education and communication to packaging and currency.
Questions 15-20
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
15. The invention of paper is credited to:A. The Islamic world
B. Europe
C. Cai Lun
D. Johannes Gutenberg
16. Before paper, which material was NOT commonly used for writing?
A. Silk
B. Bamboo
C. Parchment
D. Plastic
17. The spread of paper-making to the Islamic world was facilitated by:
A. The Crusades
B. The Silk Road
C. The invention of the printing press
D. European merchants
18. The first paper mill in Europe was established in:
A. Germany
B. France
C. Spain
D. England
19. The demand for paper in Europe increased significantly during the:
A. 7th century
B. Renaissance
C. Industrial Revolution
D. 20th century
20. Today, paper is used in all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Packaging
B. Currency
C. Digital media
D. Education
Questions 21-27
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet, 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
22. The first paper mill in the Islamic world was located in Baghdad.
23. Paper-making technology reached Europe in the 8th century.
24. The printing press increased the demand for paper in Europe.
25. Paper is still widely used despite the rise of digital media.
26. The first paper mills in Europe were established in Italy.
27. Paper was first invented during the Renaissance.
Section 3
Passage 3: The Future of Urban Transportation
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28-40, which are based on the text below.
Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40.
Urban transportation is undergoing a transformation as cities around the world seek to address the challenges of congestion, pollution, and sustainability. The future of urban transportation is likely to be shaped by several key trends, including the rise of electric vehicles, the expansion of public transit systems, and the integration of smart technologies.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): The adoption of electric vehicles is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Governments are offering incentives to encourage the use of EVs, and automakers are investing heavily in the development of new models. EVs produce zero emissions, making them an attractive option for reducing urban air pollution.
Public Transit Expansion: Many cities are expanding their public transit systems to provide more efficient and reliable transportation options. Investments in infrastructure, such as new subway lines and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, are being made to accommodate growing urban populations.
Smart Technologies: The integration of smart technologies into transportation networks is revolutionizing the way people move around cities. Smart traffic lights, real-time transit apps, and autonomous vehicles are just a few examples of innovations that are improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Sustainable Urban Mobility: In addition to technological advancements, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable urban mobility. This includes promoting walking, cycling, and the use of shared mobility services such as bike-sharing and car-sharing programs. These initiatives aim to reduce the reliance on private cars and promote healthier lifestyles.
Questions 28-32
Choose FIVE letters, A-H.
Which FIVE of the following are mentioned in the text as key trends shaping the future of urban transportation?
A. The decline of public transit
B. The rise of electric vehicles
C. The development of autonomous vehicles
D. Increased car ownership
E. Expansion of public transit systems
F. The use of smart traffic lights
G. Reduction of urban populations
H. Promotion of cycling and walking
Questions 33-36
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Urban transportation is evolving with the rise of electric vehicles, which produce zero emissions and help reduce urban _______. Many cities are investing in the expansion of public transit systems to handle _______. Smart technologies, such as real-time transit apps and _______ traffic lights, are also improving traffic flow. Additionally, there is a focus on promoting _______ mobility options like cycling and walking.
Questions 37-40
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
37. What type of vehicles are becoming more popular due to government incentives?38. What type of public transit system is being expanded in cities?
39. What is being integrated into transportation networks to improve traffic flow?
40. What type of shared mobility services are mentioned as alternatives to private cars?
Answers
Section 1: Company Policies on Remote Work
1. performance2. accessible
3. stipend
4. safe and productive
5. secure
6. output
7. improve performance
8. B
9. C
10. D
11. E
12. B, C, E
Section 2: The History of Paper
15. C16. D
17. B
18. C
19. B
20. C
21. FALSE
22. TRUE
23. FALSE
24. TRUE
25. TRUE
26. TRUE
27. FALSE
Section 3: The Future of Urban Transportation
28. B29. C
30. E
31. F
32. H
33. air pollution
34. growing populations
35. smart
36. sustainable
37. Electric vehicles
38. Subway lines
39. Smart technologies
40. Bike-sharing and car-sharing programs