IELTS General Training Reading Mock Test 4

Full Practice Test — 40 Questions

Time allowed: 60 minutes
Number of questions: 40

PART 1

Questions 1–14

Riverside Community Market

The Riverside Community Market operates every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the covered market hall beside Riverside Park. The market brings together local food producers, craft workers and small businesses. Visitors can buy fresh vegetables, bread, homemade preserves, handmade furniture and a variety of other products.

Stall Bookings

People wishing to sell products at the market must apply for a stall at least ten days before the Saturday on which they intend to participate. Applications can be made online or in person at the market office. New sellers are required to provide a short description of their products and, where relevant, evidence that they have the necessary food or trading permits.

A standard indoor stall measures two metres by two metres. Stallholders must provide their own tables, display materials and electrical equipment unless these have been requested in advance. Electricity is available at an additional charge, although limited sockets mean that sellers are encouraged to bring battery-powered equipment whenever possible.

Food Sellers

All food sellers must comply with local food-safety requirements. Products that need refrigeration must be stored at an appropriate temperature throughout the market. The market management team may inspect food storage areas during the day.

Food sellers are also expected to display clear information about ingredients and allergens. Customers with specific allergies are advised to speak directly to the seller before purchasing any food.

Parking and Transport

The market has a small car park, but spaces are limited. Parking is free for stallholders who have registered their vehicle in advance. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport because the car park frequently reaches capacity before 10:00 a.m.

A bicycle parking area is located near the main entrance. Bicycles must not be left against market buildings, emergency exits or neighbouring shops.

Children and Families

The market welcomes families and provides a children’s activity area near the western entrance. Activities usually include drawing, simple craft projects and storytelling. Children under eight must remain with an accompanying adult.

Bad Weather

The market is held indoors, so ordinary rain does not result in cancellation. However, in the event of severe weather that affects public transport or creates safety risks, the market manager may decide to close the market. Any cancellation will be announced on the market’s website and social media channels by 6:30 a.m.

Lost Property

Items found inside the market should be taken to the information desk. Lost property is kept for four weeks. Valuable items such as phones, wallets and keys are recorded separately and may require identification before being returned.

Questions 1–6

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

Write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information

1. The market is open every day of the week.

2. New stallholders may need to show evidence of official permits.

3. Every stall automatically includes a table.

4. Electricity costs extra for stallholders.

5. Visitors can reserve car-parking spaces before arriving.

6. Children under eight are not allowed to visit the market without an adult.

Questions 7–10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.

7. Applications for stalls must be submitted at least ______ before the market date.

8. A standard stall is ______ metres by two metres.

9. Bicycle parking is located near the ______ entrance.

10. Lost property is kept for ______ weeks.

Questions 11–14

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

11. What are visitors advised to do because of limited parking?

A. Arrive before 7:00 a.m.
B. Register their cars online
C. Use public transport
D. Park beside the market buildings

12. What should customers with food allergies do?

A. Avoid all homemade products
B. Ask sellers about ingredients
C. Visit the information desk
D. Bring their own food

13. What happens if severe weather creates safety problems?

A. The market moves outdoors
B. The market opens later
C. The market may be cancelled
D. Only food sellers are allowed inside

14. Which item may require identification before being returned?

A. A shopping bag
B. A coat
C. A brochure
D. A wallet

PART 2

Questions 15–27

Learning and Development in the Workplace

Modern workplaces are changing rapidly. New technologies, changing customer expectations and increasingly specialised jobs mean that employees often need to develop new skills throughout their careers. For employers, workplace learning is no longer simply an optional benefit. It can influence productivity, staff retention and the ability of a business to respond to change.

A

In the past, workplace training was frequently concentrated on employees who had recently joined an organisation. New workers might spend several days learning company procedures before beginning their normal duties. Although induction remains important, many organisations now recognise that learning cannot stop once an employee becomes familiar with their job.

Technology has also changed the way training is delivered. Employees may attend workshops, complete online courses, watch instructional videos or participate in practical simulations. The most effective approach often depends on the type of skill being developed.

B

One advantage of regular training is that it can help employees adapt when their responsibilities change. A worker who has used one computer system for several years, for example, may need support when the company introduces a new system.

Training can also increase confidence. Employees are more likely to use unfamiliar equipment or procedures successfully when they have had an opportunity to practise them. However, training should be relevant to actual workplace requirements. Courses that have little connection with an employee’s responsibilities may have limited practical value.

C

Not all learning has to take place in a classroom. Many organisations encourage employees to learn from colleagues. An experienced employee may demonstrate a task, explain how a difficult situation was handled or provide feedback on a new employee’s work.

This informal learning can be particularly useful because it takes place in the context of real work. However, it can also vary considerably depending on who provides the guidance. For this reason, organisations sometimes combine informal learning with structured training.

D

Managers play an important role in workplace development. They may identify areas where an employee needs additional support and discuss appropriate training options. Good managers also create opportunities for employees to apply what they have learned.

Simply sending an employee on a course does not guarantee improved performance. If there is no opportunity to practise a new skill, much of the knowledge gained during training may not be used. Follow-up discussions can therefore be valuable.

E

Employees themselves also have responsibilities. They should take an active interest in their professional development rather than expecting their employer to provide every learning opportunity.

This may involve identifying weaknesses, asking for feedback, reading professional material or learning independently. In some industries, employees are also expected to maintain professional qualifications through continuing education.

F

A common problem is lack of time. Employees may be interested in training but struggle to complete courses while meeting their normal responsibilities. Employers can address this by allocating specific learning time during working hours.

Another challenge is measuring results. Completing a course is easy to record, but determining whether the training actually improved performance can be more difficult. Organisations may therefore examine productivity, error rates, customer feedback or other indicators after training has taken place.

G

Workplace learning is likely to become increasingly flexible. Employees may choose short courses that fit around their schedules rather than attending lengthy programmes. Digital platforms can provide access to international experts and specialised subjects that might not be available locally.

Nevertheless, technology cannot replace every form of learning. Practical occupations often require hands-on instruction, while leadership and communication skills may benefit from discussion and interaction with other people.

Questions 15–20

Reading Passage 2 has seven sections, A–G.

Choose the correct heading for sections A–F from the list below.

List of Headings

i. The importance of measuring training results
ii. Learning directly from colleagues
iii. Employees taking responsibility
iv. Training methods becoming more varied
v. The difficulties caused by limited time
vi. The role of managers
vii. Training for entertainment rather than work
viii. The future of workplace learning

15. Section A

16. Section B

17. Section C

18. Section D

19. Section E

20. Section F

Questions 21–24

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

Workplace training can help employees adapt to changes in their responsibilities and can increase their 21. ______ when they are required to use unfamiliar systems or equipment. However, training should be connected with actual workplace 22. ______.

Employees can also learn from experienced colleagues. This type of learning occurs during 23. ______ work, although the quality of guidance can vary. Managers should give employees opportunities to 24. ______ newly acquired skills.

Questions 25–27

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

25. What does the writer say about sending employees on courses?

A. It always improves productivity.
B. It is more useful than informal learning.
C. It does not necessarily improve performance.
D. It should only be offered to new employees.

26. What problem can make workplace training difficult?

A. Employees may have insufficient time.
B. Training materials are always expensive.
C. Managers rarely understand technology.
D. Employees dislike learning from colleagues.

27. According to the passage, digital learning is particularly useful because it can

A. eliminate the need for practical training.
B. provide access to specialised subjects and experts.
C. guarantee higher salaries for employees.
D. replace all face-to-face communication.

PART 3

Questions 28–40

The Rise of Repair Culture

For much of the twentieth century, repairing household goods was an ordinary part of life. A broken radio, damaged piece of furniture or malfunctioning appliance was often taken to a local repair shop. People commonly kept objects for many years and replaced individual components when necessary.

In recent decades, however, this pattern has changed. Many products are relatively inexpensive to replace, while some modern devices are difficult for consumers or independent technicians to repair. As a result, the culture of repairing objects has weakened in many societies.

Yet repair is beginning to attract renewed attention. Environmental concerns, rising living costs and interest in sustainable consumption have encouraged consumers to reconsider the idea that every broken product should simply be thrown away.

The economics of replacement

One reason repair declined is straightforward economics. When the price of a new product is close to, or even lower than, the cost of repairing an old one, consumers may choose replacement. This is particularly common with inexpensive electronics and household goods.

Manufacturers also benefit when consumers purchase new products. A company that sells replacement devices has an obvious commercial interest in continued sales. However, this does not necessarily mean that manufacturers deliberately design every product to fail quickly. Product durability is influenced by many factors, including manufacturing costs, technological development, consumer preferences and competition.

Repairability and product design

The physical design of a product can strongly affect whether it can be repaired. A device assembled with standard screws may be relatively easy to open, whereas one sealed with adhesive can be much more difficult to disassemble without causing damage.

Access to spare parts is another important issue. Even when a technician can identify the problem, repair may be impossible if replacement components are unavailable. Some manufacturers have responded by providing spare parts and technical information for longer periods, while others restrict access to certain components or repair documentation.

This has contributed to growing interest in the idea of a “right to repair”. Supporters argue that consumers who legally own products should have reasonable opportunities to maintain or repair them. They also argue that greater repairability can reduce electronic waste and extend the useful life of products.

The environmental argument

The environmental benefits of repair are significant, although they should not be exaggerated. Manufacturing a new product generally requires raw materials, energy and transportation. Extending the life of an existing product can therefore reduce the need for some new production.

Repair is not automatically environmentally superior in every situation. An old appliance that consumes substantially more energy than a modern replacement, for example, may eventually be more expensive and less environmentally efficient to operate. The environmental impact therefore depends on the product, its age, energy consumption and the nature of the repair.

Nevertheless, repair can play an important role in a broader circular economy. Instead of following a linear model of extracting resources, manufacturing products and discarding them, a circular economy attempts to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible.

Skills and communities

Repair culture also has a social dimension. Local repair shops provide specialised employment and technical expertise. Community repair events, sometimes organised in libraries, schools or community centres, allow people to bring broken objects and receive assistance from volunteers or experienced technicians.

Such events are not only about fixing objects. They can also help people develop practical skills. Someone who learns how to replace a bicycle component or repair a simple electrical connection may become more confident about maintaining other possessions.

However, not every repair should be attempted by an inexperienced person. Electrical equipment, batteries and certain mechanical systems can present safety risks. Professional assistance remains appropriate when a repair requires specialist knowledge or involves potentially dangerous components.

Changing consumer attitudes

Perhaps the most important factor in the future of repair is consumer behaviour. People increasingly consider durability, repairability and environmental impact when purchasing certain products. Online tutorials and repair communities have also made technical information easier to access.

At the same time, convenience remains powerful. Many consumers have busy lives and may prefer to replace an inexpensive item rather than spend time diagnosing and repairing it. A successful repair culture will therefore need to make repair reasonably affordable, accessible and convenient.

The future may not involve a complete return to the repair habits of previous generations. Instead, a new form of repair culture could emerge in which manufacturers, governments, businesses and consumers share responsibility. Better product design, greater access to spare parts, skilled repair services and informed purchasing decisions could all contribute to a system in which products remain useful for longer.

Questions 28–32

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

28. In the past, damaged household goods were often taken to a local ______.

29. Products sealed with ______ can be difficult to open without causing damage.

30. Repair may be impossible if replacement ______ are unavailable.

31. Repair can help extend the ______ life of products.

32. Community repair events can help people develop ______ skills.

Questions 33–36

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

Write:

TRUE
FALSE
NOT GIVEN

33. Manufacturers always deliberately design products to stop working after a short period.

34. Some manufacturers provide spare parts and technical information for longer periods.

35. Repair is environmentally better than replacement in every situation.

36. Most community repair events are organised by private companies.

Questions 37–40

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

37. What is one reason consumers may choose to replace a product rather than repair it?

A. Repairs are legally prohibited.
B. New products may cost almost as much as repairs.
C. Repair shops are available everywhere.
D. Consumers cannot buy replacement products.

38. What do supporters of the “right to repair” argue?

A. Consumers should receive free products.
B. Manufacturers should stop developing new technology.
C. Product owners should have reasonable opportunities to repair their possessions.
D. All repairs should be performed by government employees.

39. Why does the writer mention an old appliance that uses more energy?

A. To show that repair is never useful
B. To demonstrate that repair is not always the most environmentally efficient option
C. To argue that modern appliances are poorly designed
D. To explain why electricity prices are falling

40. According to the final paragraph, what is likely to be necessary for a stronger repair culture?

A. Responsibility from several groups
B. The disappearance of online tutorials
C. Higher prices for all consumer products
D. A complete return to traditional lifestyles

 

ANSWER KEY

Part 1

Question	Answer
1	FALSE
2	TRUE
3	FALSE
4	TRUE
5	NOT GIVEN
6	TRUE
7	ten days
8	two
9	main
10	four
11	C
12	B
13	C
14	D

Part 2

Question	Answer
15	iv
16	viii
17	ii
18	vi
19	iii
20	v
21	confidence
22	requirements
23	real
24	apply
25	C
26	A
27	B

Part 3

Question	Answer
28	repair shop
29	adhesive
30	components
31	useful
32	practical
33	FALSE
34	TRUE
35	FALSE
36	NOT GIVEN
37	B
38	C
39	B
40	A