IELTS General Training Reading Mock Practice Test 4

Time allowed: 60 minutes
Questions: 40

Passage 1: Public Notices and Local Services

Read the notices below and answer Questions 1–14.

A. City Community Garden

The City Community Garden is open to members from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day. Members may grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in their assigned plots. Tools are available in the storage shed, but they must be cleaned and returned after use. Watering is allowed only before 10:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. during summer. Visitors are welcome but must be accompanied by a member.

B. Riverbank Walking Tour

The Riverbank Walking Tour takes place every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. The tour lasts about two hours and includes local history, old buildings and riverside wildlife. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water. The tour is free, but booking is required because the group size is limited to 20 people. The tour will be cancelled in heavy rain.

C. Central Station Ticket Office

Central Station Ticket Office is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Passengers can buy train tickets, renew travel cards and ask for timetable information. Tickets bought at the office may be changed before travel, but a fee may apply. Refunds are not given for missed trains unless the delay was caused by the rail company. Passengers should check platform numbers on the screens.

D. Bright Start Childcare Centre

Bright Start Childcare Centre accepts children aged 2 to 5. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parents must provide snacks, a water bottle and a spare set of clothes. Children with fever or sickness should be kept at home. Fees are paid monthly in advance. Late collection after 6:10 p.m. will result in an extra charge.

E. Town Sports Hall Booking

The Town Sports Hall can be booked for badminton, basketball, indoor football and fitness classes. Bookings can be made online up to 14 days in advance. Payment is required at the time of booking. Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the session receive a full refund. Sports shoes with clean soles must be worn inside the hall.

F. Mobile Phone Repair Desk

The Mobile Phone Repair Desk is located inside the shopping centre. It repairs cracked screens, battery problems and charging faults. Most simple repairs are completed within two hours. Customers must remove personal data or back up their phones before leaving them for repair. The desk does not accept responsibility for lost files. A receipt must be shown when collecting the phone.

Questions 1–7

Which notice, A–F, contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A–F.

1. You must show proof before collecting an item.
2. You can get all your money back if you cancel early enough.
3. You should not attend if the weather is very bad.
4. You must pay before the month begins.
5. You can use shared equipment but must return it properly.
6. You may have to pay to change something before using it.
7. You should protect your information before leaving something for service.

Questions 8–14

Do the following statements agree with the information in Passage 1?

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. Community Garden visitors may enter alone without a member.
9. Watering in the Community Garden is restricted during summer.
10. The walking tour lasts around two hours.
11. Central Station Ticket Office is closed on Sundays.
12. Bright Start Childcare Centre accepts children aged 6 to 8.
13. Sports Hall bookings can be made online.
14. The Mobile Phone Repair Desk guarantees that no files will be lost.

Passage 2: Workplace Training and Office Rules

Read the text below and answer Questions 15–27.

Health and Safety Training at Lakeside Hotel

Lakeside Hotel requires all new employees to complete a health and safety training session during their first week. The training is compulsory for staff in all departments, including reception, housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance and restaurant service. The aim is to reduce accidents and make sure employees understand what to do in an emergency.

The first part of the session explains fire safety. Employees learn where fire exits are located and how to use the alarm system. Staff must never block emergency exits with boxes, cleaning equipment or furniture. If the fire alarm sounds, employees should guide guests calmly to the nearest safe exit and should not use lifts.

The second part focuses on slips, trips and falls. Wet floors are one of the most common causes of accidents in hotels. Staff must place warning signs near wet areas and clean spills immediately. Electrical cables should not be left across walkways. If an employee notices damaged flooring or loose carpet, they must report it to maintenance as soon as possible.

Kitchen and restaurant employees receive additional information about food safety. They must wash their hands before handling food, wear clean uniforms and store ingredients at the correct temperature. Food that has passed its safe-use time must be thrown away. Staff are not allowed to take expired food home.

Housekeeping staff learn how to lift heavy items safely and use cleaning chemicals correctly. Chemicals must be kept in labelled containers and stored in locked cupboards. Employees should wear gloves when using strong cleaning products. If chemicals are accidentally spilled, staff must inform a supervisor immediately.

At the end of training, employees complete a short written test. Anyone who does not pass must attend another training session within one week. Employees who complete the training successfully receive a safety certificate, which is kept in their staff file.

Staff Leave Request Policy

Employees who want annual leave must complete a leave request form and submit it to their department manager. Requests should be made at least three weeks before the planned leave date. During busy holiday periods, leave is approved according to staffing needs, so not every request can be accepted.

Sick leave must be reported by phone as early as possible before the shift starts. Text messages are not accepted unless the manager has agreed to this in advance. Employees absent for more than three working days may be asked to provide a medical certificate.

Unpaid leave may be considered for family emergencies or important personal matters. It is not automatic and must be approved by the hotel manager.

Questions 15–20

Complete the notes below.

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

Health and Safety Training Notes

15. New employees must complete training during their first __________.
16. Employees learn how to use the __________ system.
17. Staff must never block __________ exits.
18. Wet floors are a common cause of __________.
19. Damaged flooring should be reported to __________.
20. Strong cleaning products should be used while wearing __________.

Questions 21–24

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

21. What should staff do when a fire alarm sounds?

A. Use the lifts to leave quickly
B. Guide guests calmly to a safe exit
C. Stay at reception until the alarm stops
D. Move boxes away from storage rooms

22. What must kitchen staff do with expired food?

A. Take it home
B. Sell it at a lower price
C. Throw it away
D. Store it in a separate cupboard

23. What happens if an employee fails the written safety test?

A. They must attend another training session
B. They lose their job immediately
C. They receive a safety certificate anyway
D. They must move to another department

24. How early should annual leave normally be requested?

A. One day before the leave date
B. One week before the leave date
C. At least three weeks before the leave date
D. Only after the leave has been taken

Questions 25–27

Do the following statements agree with the information in Passage 2?

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

25. All departments must complete health and safety training.
26. Sick leave should usually be reported by text message.
27. Unpaid leave is automatically approved for all personal matters.

Passage 3: The Importance of Public Libraries Today

Read the passage below and answer Questions 28–40.

Public libraries have existed for generations, but their role has changed greatly over time. In the past, many people thought of libraries mainly as quiet buildings full of books. Although books remain important, modern libraries now provide many other services. They offer internet access, study spaces, community events, children’s activities, job search support and digital learning. In many towns and cities, the library has become one of the few public places where people can spend time without being expected to buy anything.

One important value of libraries is equal access to information. Not everyone can afford to buy books, pay for online subscriptions or maintain a fast internet connection at home. Libraries reduce this gap by offering free or low-cost access to reading material, computers and research tools. For students, job seekers and people on low incomes, these services can make a real difference. A person may use a library computer to apply for work, complete a school project or communicate with government offices.

Libraries also support children’s development. Storytelling sessions, reading clubs and holiday activities can encourage children to enjoy books from an early age. This matters because reading improves vocabulary, imagination and concentration. Parents may also benefit, especially if they are unsure how to choose suitable books for their children. Librarians can suggest age-appropriate material and help families build healthy reading habits.

For adults, libraries can provide lifelong learning opportunities. Many libraries run workshops on computer skills, language learning, writing, personal finance and local history. These sessions are often cheaper than private courses and may be less formal, which can make them less frightening for beginners. Adults who had negative experiences at school may feel more comfortable learning in a friendly library environment.

Public libraries are also important social spaces. Loneliness is a growing problem in many communities, especially among older adults, new residents and people who work from home. Libraries create safe places where people can meet others naturally. A person might attend a book group, join a craft session or simply speak to library staff during a regular visit. These small social contacts can help people feel connected to their neighbourhood.

Technology has changed library services rather than replacing them. Many libraries now lend e-books and audiobooks through digital platforms. Some provide online databases, language apps and virtual events. However, digital services do not remove the need for physical library buildings. Many people still need quiet study areas, printed books, face-to-face help or computer access. For those without reliable technology at home, the physical library remains essential.

Libraries can also help people develop digital confidence. As more services move online, people must often fill in forms, book appointments and manage accounts on websites. This can be difficult for those who lack computer experience. Library staff may guide users through basic digital tasks, such as setting up an email account or using online job portals. This support can reduce anxiety and help people become more independent.

However, libraries face challenges. Funding is often limited, and local authorities may reduce opening hours or close smaller branches to save money. When this happens, the people most affected are often those who depend on libraries the most. A closed library may mean a child loses a quiet place to study, an older person loses a social routine, or a job seeker loses internet access. The true cost of reducing library services is therefore wider than it first appears.

The future of libraries will depend on how well they adapt while protecting their core purpose. They may continue to add digital tools, flexible workspaces and community programmes, but their basic mission should remain the same: to provide access to knowledge, support learning and welcome everyone. In a world where many services are commercial, private or online-only, public libraries still offer something rare. They are shared spaces built around learning, inclusion and community.

Questions 28–33

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i–ix.

List of Headings

i. Libraries as social meeting places
ii. The cost of building new shopping centres
iii. How libraries support children
iv. Free access to information and technology
v. Problems caused by limited funding
vi. Why printed books should disappear
vii. Learning opportunities for adults
viii. Digital services and physical libraries
ix. Libraries keeping their public purpose

28. Paragraph 2
29. Paragraph 3
30. Paragraph 4
31. Paragraph 5
32. Paragraph 6
33. Paragraph 8

Questions 34–37

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

34. Libraries give people access to reading material, computers and __________.
35. Reading can improve children’s vocabulary, imagination and __________.
36. Library workshops are often cheaper than __________.
37. Library staff may help users set up an __________.

Questions 38–40

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

38. Why can libraries be useful for adults who had bad school experiences?

A. They offer a less formal and friendly learning environment.
B. They remove the need to learn new skills.
C. They only teach advanced university subjects.
D. They provide private teachers for every visitor.

39. According to the passage, what may happen when a library branch closes?

A. Everyone immediately buys more books.
B. People who depend on library services may lose important support.
C. Digital services automatically solve all problems.
D. Local authorities always open a larger library nearby.

40. What is the writer’s main view in the final paragraph?

A. Libraries should become private businesses.
B. Libraries should stop offering community programmes.
C. Libraries should adapt but continue to provide access, learning and inclusion.
D. Libraries should be used only by children and students.

Answer Key

1. F
2. E
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. C
7. F
8. FALSE
9. TRUE
10. TRUE
11. FALSE
12. FALSE
13. TRUE
14. FALSE
15. week
16. alarm
17. emergency
18. accidents
19. maintenance
20. gloves
21. B
22. C
23. A
24. C
25. TRUE
26. FALSE
27. FALSE
28. iv
29. iii
30. vii
31. i
32. viii
33. v
34. research tools
35. concentration
36. private courses
37. email account
38. A
39. B
40. C