IELTS Reading practice 4

Section 1: Questions 1-14

Read the text below and answers questions 1-14 on your answer sheet.

You should take around 20 minutes to complete this task.

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GT Reading Sample - "Wonder Plates" & "Advertisements"

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Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.

Wonder Plates

A unique, personalised gift!

Wonder Plate is offering you a unique gift opportunity - a personalised ceramic plate! Ceramic plates make wonderful gifts for loved ones and friends. Each plate contains a special message from you to the recipient. Wonder Plates are both practical and individually unique. Why not surprise a special friend or loved one? All you have to do is to follow these three easy steps:

Step 1
On an A4 sheet of paper write a personal message. Write it exactly as you want it to appear on the plate. We recommend a type-written print-out. The message should not be more than 50 words.

Step 2
Select one of our 10 plate colour options and a design from one of our 12 design patterns. Each design is completely different so we are confident that you will find at least one to match your taste (please refer to the attached brochure for colours and plate design options).

Step 3
Sign the attached form, enclose your personal message, and send these to us together with your payment. Please send only money orders or cheques - DO NOT send cash.

Charges:
The charge for a standard-sized plate is $20 regardless of the colour you choose. A fixed charge of $100 per plate for the design and printing of the message is also payable.

Bulk orders:
Your order size can attract a discount!  For orders of two to four plates, customers are entitled to a 15% discount. For orders of five to ten plates, the cost per plate reduces to $12 each with message and design printing slashed to $75 per plate.

Delivery:
Once we receive your order and payment your plate(s) will be sent via regular mail. Delivery can be expected within 14 business days. If you require a faster delivery time, please fill in the Urgent Form and send an additional $30 (guaranteed 3-day delivery).

We guarantee your satisfaction, but if for some reason you are not satisfied with our product or service, please fill in the Consumer Feedback Form (included with the brochure) and send it to our Customer Service department. Alternatively, you may call one of our friendly Customer Service Officers on 12 25 23 (toll free).=

Please send your message, form and payment to PO BOX 2350, CYK
Phone: 12 25 23 Fax: 0212 125 5624

Questions 1–7

Complete the sentences below with words taken from the passage.

Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.

1. The ceramic Wonder Plate is a unique gift because it is …....…. .  
2. The personal message must not exceed ……….... .
3. Customers choose from ……...…. designs.
4. Examples of plate designs can be found in the ……...… .  
5. Price per plate varies depending upon the ………..... .
6. The ……...…. must be completed for a quick delivery.
7. If a customer is not satisfied they should fill in the feedback form or …...……. .

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Look at the advertisements below and answers Questions 8-14.

Questions 8–14

Look at the advertisements A-L.

Answer the questions below by writing the correct letters A-L in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.

A. Special Moments

Professional Family Video

We do professional video of any and all family occasions – birthdays, weddings, get-togethers or any other memorable events.
Professional editing with music tracks as required.  Delivery in CD or DVD format.

We tailor our service to meet clients’ unique needs.

94, West Church Street.
Tel: 541 2548 7121

B. Peter’s Garage – Richmond
For all your motorcycle repairs and services

Grade A certification.
Engine servicing, road safety testing
Body repair, dents fixed

Full Breakdown service.
19 Ponds Road, MCT
Ring 56 24 87 12
(Hunting line to Richmond and Yarra workshops)

C. HAD AN ACCIDENT?
It is important to exercise your legal rights if you are injured and/or your vehicle is damaged in a road accident that was someone else’s fault.

Let us explain your rights and help you claim compensation!

All our lawyers and solicitors are experts in the field.
Free-phone 1900 356 214

D. Attn: Overseas Visitors!
Money Matters

Reliable Foreign Exchange.
Registered and listed company, operating for 30 years.

Highest rates, lowest commission.
35/261 Parade Sq. YKS.
021 457 845

E. Asian Cook Book
A wide collection of cook books from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Thailand and many other Asian countries.

Thousands of recipes.

25 Sands St.
Call: 013 652 4587

F. Dream Holiday

Your Holiday Experts!
Any part of the world –
Asia, Europe or the USA.

From the flight to the hotel booking – we are here for you! 

Give us a call!
066 302 125
99 West Bank Rd, LM23 CWB

G. Nutritionist and Chef 'Dominic Costa'
    …is now running cooking classes!

4 Albert Avenue, every Sat and Sun from 10.00 AM until 3.00 PM.

Learn to prepare dishes from around the world.
Limited seats. Enrol now!
Call: 012 344 587

H. Itantic
Italian restaurant, Fully licensed.

Our superb cuisine with your choice of wine! Relaxing, smoke-free environment.

Lunch: Tue-Sun. Dinner: Tue-Sat
Special occasions welcome – weddings, birthdays or anniversaries.

99 Hill Way Road, CAM.
Call: 251 52 89 65

I. Fund Transfers
Worldwide Ltd.
A name you can trust – since 1994

We legally transfer funds to any country around the world in minutes.

Visit one of our many offices and pay the amount you want to transfer with the name and address details of the recipient. It's that simple!  We will supply you with a secret number, just let the recipient know the number and ask to collect the funds from our representative.

Call for more information: 010 122 510

J. Digital Magic
New and used digital cameras - Serving you for 20 years!

We have a range of digital cameras – still and video camera.
New cameras – 3 year warranty
Used cameras – 6 month warranty

All accessories – tripod, cover, filters and chargers always at a 20% discounted rate.
We also buy used cameras – good prices paid, instant cash.

Contact – Philip, Store Manager
31 North ST, MCH PH: 012 545 874

K. Gift Land
Lots of gifts at competitive prices.
Birthday gifts, wedding gifts or any gift you are looking for - come and see us.

Open 7 days.
25 Parel Ave., Littleport Tel: 013 256 478

L. The Riverhouse

• Single & Double Deluxe Suites
• Family accommodation a specialty
• All rooms with TV & hot drink-making facilities
• Licensed Bar/Bistro/Restaurant
• Large, versatile function room.

Call to book: 014 521 452
Mascot Street, Brown Hill

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Question 8-14

Which business should be contacted in each of the following situations?

Write the correct letters A-L in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet. 

8. A motorcyclist driving on the wrong side of the road hit my motorcycle and crushed the front wheel and part of the motor.  I want to be paid for the loss.
9. My friend lives in Malaysia and it is her birthday.  I would like to send her some money so that she can buy herself a birthday gift.
10. It is my wedding anniversary and I want to give a special present to my wife during dinner at home.
11. I have an Italian cookbook but cannot follow it on my own.  I need an instructor to help me to understand it.
12. My child’s birthday party will be held at home.  I would like to take some of my own video and need to buy the right equipment.
13. I am going to take my annual leave from my office next month.  I am thinking of spending some leisure time overseas.
14. My friends are coming from Italy.  I need a place for them to stay for 2 or 3 days.

 

Sample 1

Answer
1. personalised
2. 50 words
3. 12
4. (attached) brochure
5. order size
6. Urgent Form
7. call (122523)
8. C
9. I
10. K
11. G
12. J
13. F
14. L

Section 2: Questions 15-27

Read the text below and answers questions 15-27 on your answer sheet. 

Shop for bestsellers

Best vacation packages

You should take around 20 minutes to complete this task.

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GT Reading Sample - "Paradise Island Trip Company" & "Photo Perfect Travel Cameras"

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Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.

Paradise Island Trip Company (PITC)

Meet our staff: July - November Newsletter

Shop for bestsellers

Best vacation packages

Beryl Dickson
I come from a sociology background.  After completing my Masters in Sociology from the State University I worked for a research firm for 4 years. I joined the Tourism Department and worked there for 3 more years in the same field of research.  Over the years I found research too theoretical so I began looking for other employment opportunities. The change I was looking for ended up being the PITC! I am very happy to be working here as the Customer Service Manager, I am even able to use some of my previous research skills. I meet lots of visitors every day and this is a very enjoyable part of my job.    

Rita Martin
Hello, I am Rita! I’ve been working for the PITC for the past 3 years. Currently, I am the Booking Supervisor. I completed a Diploma in Hospitality Management six months ago and this is my first job since graduating! I am delighted to work with Paradise, my role is to ensure a smooth booking process for all our visitors. I usually work in the city office but sometimes I need to travel to the island and monitor booking procedures – this is the part of my job I like the best!

Judith Clemons
I was a school teacher before joining PITC. I became interested in a job on the island after staying here for one of my holidays.  The natural beauty of the island so impressed me that I decided I had to get a job here! I look after visitor accommodation services on the island. I welcome suggestions from visitors in regards to accommodation services.  Part of my job is also to monitor food services. If you have any comment on the food and drinks provided as a part of your stay, do not hesitate to contact me.

Shane Moore
I am one of the tour guides. Working five days a week, I guide groups of about 25 visitors around different sites on the island.  My job requires me to know a lot about the island and its history. My job and my background are a bit of a mismatch - my background is sports. I was an athlete from my early 20’s to mid 30’s. Once I got married I retired from sports and started a new career at PITC, where I have been working for around 5 years.  My wife and I both love travelling.

Lesley Albertson
I used to work in the music industry before joining hospitality.  I was the store manager for a CD/DVD company before joining PITC as a tour guide. Working part-time, three days a week, I cover the north part of the island. I completed my Diploma of Arts two years ago. I love driving. During my own holidays, I enjoy driving around the island. The days I do not work for Paradise, I work for a Music Recording studio owned by a local businessman. I enjoy humour and meeting people. I love my job as a tour guide – meeting new people is really exciting!

Ian Rawnsley
I was working for a competitor company before joining PITC as the Finance Controller. At my previous place of employment, I was a senior accountant. I did my accounting degree at an overseas university. A major part of my job is to invest in facilities that help us attract more visitors. I take careful note of visitors’ feedback and accordingly make new investment plans.

Diana Ford
I have been working here for last 3 months as a front desk officer. As a part of my daily activities, I assist visitors as the receptionist, so I am the initial point of contact when it comes to visiting our establishment. I answer most of the phone calls at the office during normal business hours so chances are we have spoken before! Before this job, I was a model. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree, which was very hard for me (lots of complex mathematics but I finally passed! Last month I was even declared ‘Employee of the Month’!  

Best vacation packages

School supplies

Questions 15–21

Look at the following statements (Questions 15-21) and the list of people below.

Match each of the statements 15-21 with a person in the table below.
Write your answers A-G in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.

NB   You may use one letter more than once.

15.  This person is responsible to ensure guest housing is acceptable.
16.  This person presently has two employers.
17.  A dislike for a previous job caused this person to start working for PITC.

18.  A new PITC guest will likely speak to or see this person first.
19.  This person’s primary place of employment is NOT on Paradise Island.
20.  The beautiful environment motivated this person to get a job on Paradise Island.
21.  This person enjoys spending holiday time on Paradise Island.

List of People

A.  Beryl Dickson
B.  Rita Martin
C.  Judith Clemons
D.  Shane Moore
E.  Lesley Albertson
F.  Ian Rawnsley
G.  Diana Ford

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Read the Passage below and answers Questions 22-27.
 

 Photo Perfect Travel Cameras

– User’s Guide –

Thank you for purchasing a Photo Perfect Travel  Camera – a  camera that will capture all your precious travel moments! We have made every effort to make our  cameras robust and features user-friendly so that you get the very best while you are travelling. This Rapid Guide will introduce you to some of the basic components and features of the camera and how to use them. Please read the Extra User Guide carefully for more in-depth instruction before using the camera.  Be sure to keep the Rapid Guide handy.

Battery
To guard against possible leakage, we do not install batteries.  To begin operation, insert 4 AA batteries into the battery compartment. Standard batteries will last for up to 12 hours of continuous use. Lithium AA batteries will last for 24 hours continuously.

Lens
Your Photo Perfect camera is equipped with an 80x digital zoom wide angle lens with image stabiliser. The camera is also fitted with our patented AirwalkerJJ™ technology enabling you to cushion zoom. Avoid touching the lens and always clean with a cotton cloth.

Self-timer
With our self-timer technology, you can appear in your own photograph!  The camera’s shutter can be delayed by 5 to 10 seconds once the shutter button has been set.  Before activating the self-timer make sure the camera is placed on a flat surface.  The yellow border in the view finder determines what will appear in your picture. 

Image quality and size
Images are stored in your camera’s memory stick in a compressed format, which allows you to store more photographs.  Due to compression, the preview of the images on the camera’s display screen may reveal a loss of detail.  When the images are printed or transferred to other high-resolution viewing devices (such as a computer), full resolution will be displayed.    

Setting the right image size is important to get a perfect printout of your photographs.  You can choose from manual and auto settings.  The Photo Perfect user-friendly image setting button allows you to select any of the three size setting options. For an actual printout of a 4 x 6 inch photo, set the image button to ‘A’ on the dial.  For a printout of a 7 x 9 inch photo, set the button to ‘B’ and for a printout of a 10 x 12 inch photo, turn the dial to ‘C’.  Note: A larger image size setting will require more memory.

Storage
If the camera is not going to be used for more than 2 weeks, please remove the batteries.  Store the camera in its supplied case away from magnetic fields created by other electronic equipment (TVs or radios) and within a temperature range of 5°C to 35°C.

Accessories
Photo Perfect cameras come with a standard 4GB memory card.  A range of other accessories are available at a reasonable cost, which can be chosen based on user requirements:

•   Memory cards of 15GB and 30GB.
•   4 rechargeable AA batteries and charger.
•   Genuine leather camera cover, upgrade from standard inclusion cloth cover.
•   Handy photo printer weighing only 750 g. 

Best vacation packages

Questions 22–27

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

In boxes 22-27 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.  TWO instruction guides are included with the new camera.
23. In order to protect the camera, batteries are not installed.
24. Lithium batteries are recommended for the camera.
25. The ‘C’ setting on the image dial uses more memory than the ‘A’ setting.
26. The camera should not be used in a very cold place.
27. A camera cloth cover costs extra.  

Sample 2

Answer:
15. C
16. E
17. A
18. G
19. B
20. C
21. E
22. TRUE
23. TRUE
24. NOT GIVEN
25. TRUE
26. NOT GIVEN
27. FALSE