IELTS General Training Reading Mock Test 5
Full Exam-Style Practice Test — 40 Questions
Time allowed: 60 minutes
Questions: 40
Passages: 3
Difficulty: Moderate → Advanced
PART 1
Questions 1–14
Greenfield Public Swimming Pool
Greenfield Public Swimming Pool is a community facility offering swimming, fitness and recreational activities for people of different ages. The centre is open throughout the year, although opening hours may change during public holidays or when maintenance work is being carried out.
Opening Hours
From Monday to Friday, the main pool opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, it opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m.
The pool is occasionally closed for cleaning between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. Customers should check the weekly timetable before travelling, particularly during school holidays.
Swimming Sessions
The centre offers several types of swimming sessions. The general swimming session is available to all customers, although children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult.
Lane swimming is intended for people who wish to swim continuously for exercise. Swimmers are expected to follow the direction shown at the end of each lane and select a lane appropriate to their swimming speed.
The centre also provides a quieter session for older customers and people who prefer a less crowded environment. This session takes place every Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are available for children and adults. Children’s classes are divided according to age and ability rather than simply by school year.
New participants must complete a short assessment before being placed in a class. Parents should arrive at least ten minutes before the first lesson so that registration can be completed.
If a student misses a lesson, the centre normally does not provide a replacement class. However, if a lesson is cancelled by the centre, an alternative session will be offered where possible.
Membership
Customers can use the pool without becoming members, but membership provides reduced entry prices and access to selected fitness facilities.
Monthly membership fees are paid automatically unless customers choose another payment arrangement. Members who wish to cancel their membership should give at least 14 days’ notice.
Membership cards must not be shared with other people. Staff may ask members to show identification when entering the centre.
Facilities
The centre has changing rooms, lockers, showers and a small café. Lockers require a refundable deposit. Customers should not leave valuable possessions in lockers because the centre does not accept responsibility for lost personal property.
The café serves drinks, sandwiches and light snacks. It does not operate during every swimming session.
Safety
Running is prohibited around the pool area. Customers should walk carefully because wet floors can become slippery.
Children using the shallow pool must remain within arm’s reach of a responsible adult. Inflatable toys are permitted only during designated family sessions.
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 swimming pool opens earlier on weekdays than at weekends.
2. The main pool is closed for cleaning every afternoon.
3. Children under twelve can swim alone during general swimming sessions.
4. Lane swimmers should choose a lane according to their ability.
5. The centre provides replacement lessons whenever a student is absent.
6. Members must give two weeks’ notice before cancelling their membership.
Questions 7–10
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.
7. The quieter swimming session takes place every ______ morning.
8. New swimming students must complete an ______ before joining a class.
9. Members receive reduced ______ prices.
10. Customers need a refundable ______ to use the lockers.
Questions 11–14
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
11. What should parents do before their child’s first swimming lesson?
A. Purchase a swimming costume from the centre
B. Arrive at least ten minutes early
C. Book a private instructor
D. Complete an online examination
12. What happens when the centre cancels a swimming lesson?
A. Students receive a refund only
B. The lesson is permanently lost
C. Another session may be offered
D. Students automatically become members
13. Why might staff ask members to show identification?
A. Membership cards cannot be used
B. Membership cards must not be shared
C. The café requires identification
D. The pool is only for local residents
14. When are inflatable toys allowed?
A. Every morning
B. During lane swimming
C. During designated family sessions
D. Only at weekends
PART 2
Questions 15–27
Improving Communication in the Workplace
Effective communication is one of the most important elements of a successful organisation. Employees need to exchange information accurately, managers need to explain decisions clearly, and customers need to receive reliable answers. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, unnecessary delays and workplace conflict.
A
Many communication problems begin with assumptions. Employees may believe that colleagues already understand a particular procedure or have access to certain information. As a result, important details can be omitted.
A useful solution is to provide information in a structured way. Written instructions should explain what needs to be done, who is responsible and when the task should be completed. This is particularly important when several departments are involved.
B
Meetings can be useful for discussing complex issues, but not every subject requires a meeting. Organisations sometimes hold meetings simply because they have become part of the normal routine.
Before arranging a meeting, managers should consider whether the issue could be resolved through a short message or document. When a meeting is necessary, participants should receive an agenda in advance so they can prepare.
C
Email remains an important workplace communication tool, but it is not suitable for every situation. Long email conversations can become confusing, particularly when several people respond at different times.
Sensitive or complicated issues may sometimes be better discussed in person or through a direct conversation. However, important decisions made during such conversations may still need to be recorded in writing.
D
Listening is another essential communication skill. Some employees concentrate on preparing their own response rather than understanding what another person is saying.
Active listening involves paying attention, asking appropriate questions and checking that the message has been understood correctly. It does not necessarily mean agreeing with the speaker.
E
Modern workplaces often include employees from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Differences in communication styles can sometimes create misunderstandings.
For example, a communication style that is considered direct and efficient in one culture may be regarded as unnecessarily aggressive in another. Awareness and flexibility can help employees work effectively with colleagues who have different expectations.
F
Technology has created many new communication channels, including instant messaging, video conferences and collaborative online platforms. These tools can make communication faster, especially when employees work in different locations.
However, having more communication channels does not automatically improve communication. Employees may become overwhelmed by notifications or miss important information because it is distributed across several systems.
G
Organisations can improve communication by establishing clear expectations. Employees should know which platform to use for urgent matters, where important documents are stored and how quickly they are expected to respond.
Training can also help. Communication skills are sometimes treated as natural abilities, but many aspects of effective communication can be learned and practised.
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. Communication across cultures
ii. Choosing the right communication channel
iii. The importance of organised information
iv. Developing listening skills
v. Problems caused by excessive technology
vi. When meetings are unnecessary
vii. Establishing workplace communication rules
viii. Communication as a natural talent
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 communication can become difficult when employees make 21. ______ about what their colleagues already know. Written instructions should clearly identify responsibilities and deadlines.
Although meetings can be useful, organisations should not arrange them simply because they are part of a 22. ______. Email is useful for many purposes, but complicated matters may sometimes require a direct 23. ______.
Good communication also depends on 24. ______ listening, which includes asking questions and checking understanding.
Questions 25–27
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
25. What does the writer suggest about workplace meetings?
A. They should be held every morning.
B. They are always better than written communication.
C. Their necessity should be considered before they are arranged.
D. Only managers should attend them.
26. What problem can arise when employees use several communication systems?
A. Employees may receive too many notifications.
B. Employees may become unable to use email.
C. Important documents are automatically deleted.
D. Meetings become compulsory.
27. According to the passage, communication training
A. is useful only for managers.
B. can help employees develop communication abilities.
C. should replace all written instructions.
D. is unnecessary for experienced workers.
PART 3
Questions 28–40
The Changing World of Urban Gardening
For centuries, people have grown food in and around cities. Yet urban gardening has changed considerably as cities have expanded and lifestyles have become more densely organised. Today, community gardens, rooftop farms, balcony planters and indoor growing systems are becoming increasingly visible in many urban areas.
Urban gardening is sometimes presented simply as a way of producing vegetables. In reality, its potential benefits are much broader. Gardens can influence social relationships, education, environmental awareness and the way people think about food.
Food production in limited spaces
One of the biggest challenges facing urban gardeners is limited space. Traditional agriculture requires large areas of land, whereas city gardens often operate in small plots, rooftops or containers.
Gardeners have responded by developing techniques that make efficient use of available space. Vertical growing systems allow plants to be cultivated upwards rather than across large areas. Containers can be placed on balconies, terraces and other small surfaces.
However, small-scale urban agriculture is unlikely to replace conventional farming. Cities require enormous quantities of food, and large agricultural areas remain essential for producing staple crops. Urban gardening is therefore better understood as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, rural agriculture.
Social benefits
Community gardens can create opportunities for people who might otherwise have little contact with one another. Residents of different ages and backgrounds may work together to maintain shared growing spaces.
Such gardens can also provide a sense of ownership. In neighbourhoods where residents have limited access to private outdoor areas, a community garden may become an important shared place.
The social benefits, however, depend on how gardens are organised. If decisions are made by a small group without consulting other users, disagreements may develop. Successful projects often establish clear rules about responsibilities, access and the distribution of produce.
Education
Urban gardens can also be valuable educational environments. Children can learn where food comes from and observe biological processes that may otherwise seem abstract.
For schools, gardening projects can complement lessons in science, environmental studies and nutrition. Students may monitor plant growth, examine insects and discuss soil and water requirements.
The educational value does not depend entirely on the amount of food produced. Even a small garden can provide opportunities for observation and experimentation.
Environmental considerations
Plants can provide environmental benefits within cities. Vegetation may offer shade, support insects and contribute to local biodiversity. Gardens can also encourage people to think more carefully about food waste and resource use.
Nevertheless, urban gardening is not automatically environmentally friendly. Water consumption can be significant, particularly during hot periods. Transporting soil and building materials to rooftops can also require energy.
The environmental impact therefore depends on how a garden is designed and managed. Collecting rainwater, composting organic waste and selecting plants suited to local conditions can reduce resource requirements.
Technology enters the garden
Technology is increasingly being used in urban agriculture. Some indoor farms employ sensors to monitor temperature, humidity and nutrient levels. Automated systems can adjust growing conditions without requiring constant human attention.
These technologies can increase productivity in controlled environments, but they may also require substantial energy. An indoor farm that depends heavily on artificial lighting, heating or cooling may have a different environmental impact from an outdoor community garden.
Technology should therefore be evaluated according to the purpose of the project rather than assumed to be beneficial simply because it is modern.
The future
The future of urban gardening is unlikely to involve one single model. Different approaches will suit different cities and communities. In some places, community gardens may provide social and educational benefits, while elsewhere commercial rooftop farms may focus on supplying restaurants or local markets.
The most successful projects are likely to be those that respond to local conditions. Access to water, available space, climate, community interest and financial resources all influence what can realistically be achieved.
Urban gardening will probably remain a relatively small part of total food production, but its significance may extend well beyond the quantity of food it produces. Its greatest contribution could be helping city residents reconnect with food, nature and one another.
Questions 28–32
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
28. Vertical growing systems allow plants to be cultivated ______ rather than across large areas.
29. Community gardens can provide a sense of ______ for local residents.
30. School gardening projects can complement lessons in science, environmental studies and ______.
31. Collecting ______ can reduce the amount of fresh water required by a garden.
32. Some indoor farms use ______ to monitor growing conditions.
Questions 33–36
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
TRUE
FALSE
NOT GIVEN
33. Urban gardening can completely replace conventional agriculture in supplying cities with food.
34. Community gardens can bring together people from different backgrounds.
35. Every school gardening project produces a large amount of food.
36. Indoor farming always uses less energy than outdoor gardening.
Questions 37–40
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
37. What can cause disagreement in a community garden?
A. Too many vegetables being produced
B. Lack of consultation in decision-making
C. Children studying science
D. The use of traditional farming methods
38. Why does the writer say that technology should be evaluated carefully?
A. Modern technology is never reliable.
B. Technology can increase productivity but may require considerable energy.
C. Sensors cannot measure growing conditions.
D. Indoor farms are always unsuccessful.
39. What does the writer suggest about the future of urban gardening?
A. All cities will adopt the same model.
B. It will completely replace rural farming.
C. Different approaches will be appropriate in different places.
D. Technology will eliminate community gardens.
40. What does the writer identify as a potentially important contribution of urban gardening?
A. Eliminating the need for supermarkets
B. Providing all the food required by cities
C. Helping people reconnect with food, nature and other people
D. Making rural agriculture unnecessary
ANSWER KEY
Part 1
| Q | Answer | Q | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TRUE | 8 | assessment |
| 2 | FALSE | 9 | entry |
| 3 | FALSE | 10 | deposit |
| 4 | TRUE | 11 | B |
| 5 | FALSE | 12 | C |
| 6 | TRUE | 13 | B |
| 7 | Wednesday | 14 | C |
Part 2
| Q | Answer | Q | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | iii | 22 | routine |
| 16 | vi | 23 | conversation |
| 17 | ii | 24 | active |
| 18 | iv | 25 | C |
| 19 | i | 26 | A |
| 20 | v | 27 | B |
| 21 | assumptions |
Part 3
| Q | Answer | Q | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | upwards | 35 | NOT GIVEN |
| 29 | ownership | 36 | FALSE |
| 30 | nutrition | 37 | B |
| 31 | rainwater | 38 | B |
| 32 | sensors | 39 | C |
| 33 | FALSE | 40 | C |
| 34 | TRUE |
