IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Section 1
Question 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.
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–5.
Is Your Child at School Today?
School Attendance Information for Parents/Carers Introduction
Receiving a good full-time education will give your child the best possible start in life. Attending school regularly and punctually is essential if children are to make the most of the opportunities available to them. The law says that parents must ensure that their child regularly attends the school where he/she is registered.
What you can do to help
• Make sure your child arrives at school on time. This encourages habits of good timekeeping and lessens any possible classroom disruption. If your child arrives after the register has closed without a good reason, this will be recorded as an ‘unauthorised’ absence for that session.
• If your child has to miss school it is vital that you let the school know why, preferably on the first morning of absence. (Your child’s school will have an attendance policy explaining how this should be done.)
• If you know or think that your child is having difficulties attending the school you should contact the school. It is better to do this sooner rather than later, as most problems can be dealt with very quickly.
Authorised and Unauthorised Absence
If your child is absent and the school either does not receive an explanation from you, or considers the explanation unsatisfactory, it will record your child’s absence as ‘unauthorised’, that is, as truancy.
Most absences for acceptable reasons will be authorised by your child’s school:
- Sickness
- Unavoidable medical or dental appointments (if possible, arrange these for after school or during school holidays)
- An interview with a prospective employer or college
- Exceptional family circumstances, such as bereavement
- Days of religious observance.
Your child’s school will not authorise absence for the following reasons:
- Shopping during school hours
- Day trips
- Holidays which have not been agreed
- Birthdays
- Looking after brothers or sisters or ill relatives.
Questions 1–5
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text above?
In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write:
TRUE if the statement is true
FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage
1. Children must go to the school where they are registered.
2. All arrivals after the register has closed are recorded as ‘unauthorised’ absences.
3. If your child is absent from school, you must send the school a letter to explain why.
4. Staff who think a child is having difficulties at school will contact the parents.
5. Schools will contact other authorities about children who take frequent unauthorised absences.
Read the text below and answers Questions 6-14.
HOLIDAY APARTMENTS TO LET
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
A: Sleeps 2-3.
One-bedroom apartment with uninterrupted sea views. This is a small first-floor apartment in a well-established apartment complex containing a range of leisure facilities and a supermarket for residents. On the edge of the town but close to cafes and restaurants. On-street parking is generally available.
B: Sleeps 2-4.
Spacious one-bedroom apartment in a complex that has only just opened, five minutes’ walk from the sea. Private parking in front of the building. It is located in a quiet, unspoilt village with a local market, banks, cafes and restaurants. There are some fabulous championship golf courses within easy walking distance.
C: Sleeps 2+child.
One-bedroom cottage (child’s bed can also be provided), large terrace with uninterrupted views of the river and mountains. A truly peaceful location in a picturesque village, but less than ten minutes’ drive from the coast and all the amenities of a town. Owners live nearby and are happy to help in any way they can.
D: Sleeps 2-5.
Two-bedroom apartment in a complex with its own pool and beautiful views of the national park. A peaceful location just 3 km from the town centre, where there are plenty of shops and excellent sports facilities. Superb local golf courses within easy reach.
E: Sleeps 2-4.
Modern one-bedroom first-floor apartment in the house, owners resident on the ground floor. This great location offers easy access to all that this fantastic town has to offer, a few minutes’ drive from its supermarket, bank, cafes, restaurants. The ferry to the island beach leaves from 100 m away. Ten minutes walk from the new shopping centre, which has many shops, food hall, cinema and multi-storey car park.
F: Sleeps 2.
One-bedroom first-floor apartment. Beautifully furnished, offering a high standard of comfort. Situated in a peaceful location on the edge of an inland village, with attractive views of the golf course. Many restaurants, bars, shops etc. are within easy walking distance. Garage available by arrangement with the owners.
G: Sleeps 2-4.
Two-bedroom apartment in central location in the busy street with shops, restaurants etc. not far from the beach. The town has ideal facilities for holidays all year round, including swimming pool, tennis courts and golf course.
Questions 6-14
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
The text has seven sections, A-G. For which apartment are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 6-14 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
6. It overlooks a golf course.
7. It has its own parking space.
8. It is in the centre of a town.
9. The sea can be seen from it.
10. There is a swimming pool for residents of the apartment complex.
11. It is in a new apartment complex.
12. It is part of an apartment complex with its own supermarket.
13. It has a private outdoor area where you can sit.
14. The owners will organise parking on request
Section 2
Question 15-27
Read the text below and answers questions 15-27 on your answer sheet.
You should spend about 20 minutes to complete this task.
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–20.
HOW TO ORGANISE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS CONFERENCE
To start with
Advance planning is the key to a hassle-free conference. The key players of a successful conference are the delegates, so identify the audience and then tailor the programme you are planning to their particular needs.
Where and when
The date and venue should then be chosen. These are often interdependent, and when choosing the date take into account the timing of similar regular events which may clash. Also, consider holiday periods which may mean that people are away and so will not be able to attend.
When choosing a venue, check how easy it is to reach by train and plane etc. and the availability of parking for those driving. Visit the venue personally: consider the size of the main lecture hall and whether it is big enough for the anticipated number of delegates, then look into the potential of having breakout areas for separating into a number of groups for discussions. Then check whether there is a suitable lounge area for the tea/coffee breaks and an exhibition space for display stands if required.
Who
The next stage is to choose the speakers and invite them, making sure you give them ample notice so they are more likely to be available. Ask only those people that you know speak well. Do not try and speak yourself in addition to organising the conference, as this will be too demanding.
Contacting people
Let people know the date and venue by an early mailshot. This allows them, if they are interested, to put the date into their diaries. At the same time, contact all the speakers again, confirming their particular topic, the audio-visual aids which will be available and finding out their accommodation requirements. Ask them to provide a written summary of their presentation for distribution to delegates at the conference.
Final arrangements
Approximately 4-5 weeks before the conference, confirm the provisional numbers with the venue. Contact them again about two weeks prior to the conference to confirm final numbers, decide on menus and finalise the arrangements.
Prepare delegate packs to include a name badge, delegate list and programme. The venue should provide pads of paper and pens. Then prepare questionnaires for all delegates to complete at the end of the conference. Their responses will enable you to gauge the success of the conference and start planning the next one!
Questions 15-20
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
ORGANISING A BUSINESS CONFERENCE
First steps:
– decide who the conference is for
– ensure the programme fulfils delegates’ requirements
Venue and timing:
– try to avoid scheduling the conference during 15 ……………. times or when other annual conferences occur
– check accessibility by different modes of transport
– choose a place with a large hall and also 16 ……………. spaces for smaller meetings
Speakers:
– choose appropriate speakers
– give the speakers as much 17 ……………. as possible
Communication:
– send out a mailshot to potential delegates
– confirm individual details with speakers, check if they will need accommodation and request a 18 ……………. of their presentation
Final tasks:
– give the venue precise numbers of attendees
– make sure each person attending receives information about the conference and a 19 ………… for identification
– use 20 ………….. to get opinions on the conference
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
How to deal with the annual performance appraisal
The annual performance appraisal can help improve your productivity and provide a foundation for your work priorities. It is, however, critical to have the right attitude and approach. Knowing what areas your superiors see as your weaknesses is the most direct way of increasing the likelihood of being considered for promotion, if that is what you are looking for.
Preparation
Send your boss a summary of your achievements. Reminding your boss of activities, special assignments you did, and projects you were in charge of helps him or her create a more accurate performance appraisal. Consider keeping notes of these on a regular basis to make it easier to provide the data when required.
Create a list of questions you would like to discuss during your appraisal. This one-on-one time with your boss is an excellent opportunity to ask him or her about your role in the company, request any additional responsibilities you would like and clarify your priorities. But it is best to focus your attention around personal and professional improvements, rather than financial considerations, such as an increase in salary.
During the appraisal
Present a positive attitude as soon as you enter the appraisal room. This approach may lead to a more constructive discussion of review items. Avoid taking any negative assessments that are offered as a personal attack, but rather try to take them on board calmly, because if you put the failings right you will improve your performance. A realistic assessment of your strengths and weaknesses can be one of the most beneficial ways of helping you advance in the company.
After the appraisal
Create a list of personal goals based on your performance appraisal. Make the items detailed and measurable if possible. Send this list to your boss so he or she knows you took the appraisal seriously. Use this list to help achieve higher scores on your next performance appraisal.
Six months after the appraisal, ask for a mid-term review with your boss to discuss your progress. This session should be more relaxed and informal than the official review. Ask for more feedback to help you improve. Checking in with your boss helps him or her remember your dedication as far as your job is concerned, and may help remove any criticisms before they become a review point on your next formal appraisal.
Questions 21-27
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.
21. By learning at an appraisal what areas of work need improving, staff can improve their chances of getting …………………
22. It is important to think of some ………………… that can be used during the appraisal.
23. The appraisal can be a good time to ask the boss for extra …………………
24. React ………………… to any criticism.
25. It is helpful to identify a number of individual ………………… arising from the appraisal comments.
26. Staff can request a meeting half-way through the year to look at the ………………… which has been achieved.
27. If staff act on any appraisal comments, they will demonstrate their ………………… to their work.
Section 3
Question 28-40
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Read the text below and answers questions 28-40 on your answer sheet.
You should take around 20 minutes to complete this task.
Read the text below and answer Questions 28–40.
The Zebras’ long walk across Africa
James Gifford investigates some interesting new research into migration patterns of zebras living in Botswana in southern Africa.
A.
For any animal to travel over 270 km in Botswana partly across the sand and low bush terrain of the Kalahari Desert is a remarkable achievement. But to do so in 11 days and without any obvious motivation, as this zebra population does, is quite extraordinary. On average their journey involves an exhausting round-trip of 588 km – between the Makgadikgadi salt pan area and the Okavango river – making it second only to the great trek undertaken by the zebra herds in the Serengeti National Park. However, what is even more incredible still in my view is that until recently it was completely unheard of.
B.
Hattie Bartlam, a researcher, discovered this migration while she was tracking zebra groups, officially known as harems, by the Okavango River for her PhD, Each harem consists of a stallion and his seven or eight mares with juvenile foals. There is no loyalty between zebras beyond this social group, though harems often gather together into so-called herds. For her study, Hattie had planned to compare the small-scale movement patterns of 11 different zebra herds in the area.
C.
In December, when the annual rains had transformed the roads into rivers, Hattie was, therefore, more than a little surprised when she checked the data sent by the radio collars she fits to the zebras she is tracking to find that six of the harems were 270 km away on the edge of the Makgadikgadi, a huge mineral-rich area where salt has collected over the years as water evaporates in the heat.
Then, when the last of the moisture from the rains had disappeared in May the following year, five of those harems came wearily back to the Okavango. This raised the question: why, despite a plentiful supply of food and water, were the zebras being drawn eastwards to the salt pans? Even more difficult to understand was what made six of the groups travel so far, while the other five remained by the Okavango.
D.
This discovery created quite a buzz in the research community. I decided to visit Hattie and she explained that a century ago the large number of Botswana’s zebra and wildebeest herds and the resulting competition for grass made migration essential.
One of the migration tracks went from the Okavango to Makgadikgadi. But in the late 1960s, giant fences were put up to stop foot and mouth and other diseases spreading between wildlife and domestic cattle. One of these went across the migration track. Though the animals could get round the obstacle, each leg of their journey would now be 200 km longer – an impossible distance given the lack of permanent water on the extended route. Even today, with the fence gone (it was taken down in 2004), there is dangerously little drinking water to support the zebras on the return journey to the Okavango.
E.
As a zebra can live up to 20 years, the migration must have skipped at least one generation during the 40 or so years that the fences were up. This prompts another question: it has always been assumed that the young of social herbivores like zebras learn migratory behaviour from their parents, so how did the latest generation learn when and where to go? Not from their parents, who were prevented from migrating. Did they follow another species, such as elephants? We may never know.
F.
Hattie’s data points to the conclusion that there are several zebra populations adopting different behaviour. The first, like the vast majority of the Okavango zebras, take it easy, spending the entire year by the river. The second group, 15,000-20,000 strong, work a bit harder. They divide their time between the Makgadikgadi salt pans and the Boteti River, which is reasonably nearby.
They sometimes struggle to find water in the Boteti area during the dry season, often moving 30 km in search of fresh grazing. Their reward: the juicy grass around the Makgadikgadi after the rains. The final group of zebras, whose numbers are more modest (though as yet unknown), must surely be considered as among the animal kingdom’s most remarkable athletes. By moving between the Okavango and the salt pans, they enjoy the best of both worlds. But the price they pay is an extraordinary journey across Botswana.
G.
Endangered species naturally tend to grab the headlines, so it’s refreshing for a relatively abundant animal like the zebra to be the centre of attention for once. Zebras are a vital part of the food chain: understanding their migration, in turn, helps us to interpret the movements of their predators, and Hattie’s research has shed light on the impact of fences on migratory animals.
So what triggered her interest in zebras? She explains that it is easier to get funding to study exciting animals like lions. Crucial as that undoubtedly is, she believes that herbivores like zebras are key to understanding any ecosystem. The scientific community is fortunate that people like Hattie are willing to take the hard option.
Questions 28-34
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
The reading passage has seven sections, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number i-x, in boxes 28-34 on your answer sheet.
i. A decrease in the zebra population
ii. An obstruction on the traditional route
iii. An unknown species
iv. Some confusing information
v. Staying permanently in the Makgadikgadi
vi. Nearly a record in the zebra world
vii. Three different ways of living
viii. The original aim of the work
ix. How was the information passed on?
x. Why it is important to study zebras
Questions 35-37
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 35-37 on your answer sheet.
Social behaviour in zebras
IELTS General Reading Practice Test 22 With Answers
Zebras tend to live together in small units, which experts call 35 …………….. . Here, a male zebra has charge of a number of adult 36 …………….. and their young. These units sometimes assemble in bigger groupings or 37 …………….., but it is still clear that the zebras’ loyalty only extends to the small unit they live in.
Questions 38-40
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet.
38. How did Hattie feel when she heard some of the zebras had travelled so far?
A. annoyed because she would have to follow them to Makgadikgadi
B. disappointed that not all of them made it back to Okavango
C. frustrated as the rains had made the roads unusable
D. unsure as to their real motivation for going
39. When describing the different Botswana zebra populations, the writer indicates
A. his admiration for the ones who migrate the furthest distance.
B. his sympathy for the ones who stay by the Okavango River.
C. his disbelief that those by the Boteti have difficulty finding food.
D. his anxiety that their migration patterns may not be able to continue.
40. What does the writer suggest in the final paragraph?
A. Too much time has been wasted on research into the predators like lions.
B. it is sometimes necessary to go against the trend in research matters.
C. Research will result in a ban on fences in areas where zebras live.
D. Research into animals which are not endangered will increase.