IELTS GENERAL TRAINING READING TEST – 21

Time: 60 minutes

SECTION 1

PASSAGE A — Notice for Residents

“New Waste Collection Rules – Hillside Community”

Starting 1 June, waste will be collected twice a week—on Tuesdays and Fridays. Residents must place bins outside their homes before 7 AM. Recyclable waste (paper, plastic, glass) should be put in the blue bin, while general waste goes in the black bin.
Large household items—such as broken furniture—will only be collected on the first Friday of each month, and a booking must be made online at least 48 hours in advance.
Failure to follow these rules may result in a warning notice or a fine issued by the municipal office.

PASSAGE B — Information Sheet

“Community Sports Centre – Membership Options”

1. Basic Plan: Access to gym equipment. Open from 6 AM to 10 PM.

2. Premium Plan: Includes gym, swimming pool, yoga classes, and steam room.

3. Family Plan: Same benefits as Premium, for up to four members.

4. Day Pass: Single-day access to gym + swimming only.

Members must carry ID cards at all times. A penalty is charged if a card is lost. Swimming pool is closed every Wednesday for maintenance.

PASSAGE C — Short Email

From: Library Support
Subject: Overdue Books Reminder

Dear Member,
This is a reminder that two books issued under your name are overdue by 10 days. Please return them as soon as possible to avoid late fees. If you cannot come in person, you may renew them online once.
Thank you for your cooperation.
— Town Library Administration

Questions 1–14

PASSAGE A (Questions 1–6)

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage.

1. On which day of the week can large items be collected?

2. How many hours before collection must booking be made?

3. Which colour bin is used for recyclable materials?

4. What type of penalty may be issued for breaking rules?

5. Waste must be placed outside before what time?

6. Waste will be collected how many times per week?

PASSAGE B (Questions 7–10)

Choose the correct letter, A–C.

7. Which membership allows yoga classes?
   A. Basic
   B. Premium
   C. Day Pass

8. How many people can use the Family Plan?
   A. 2
   B. 3
   C. 4

9. What is required for entry into the centre?
   A. Sports shoes
   B. ID card
   C. Membership receipt

10. When is the swimming pool unavailable?
    A. Monday
    B. Wednesday
    C. Friday

PASSAGE C (Questions 11–14)

Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.

11. The user has borrowed two books.

12. The books are overdue by one week.

13. The member must visit the library personally to return books.

14. The email warns about additional charges

SECTION 2

PASSAGE 2 — Workplace Document

“Staff Training: New Online Security Requirements”

All employees at Bright Tech Solutions must complete the new Cyber Safety Course by 20 August. The course covers password protection, phishing emails, and secure file sharing. Staff may access the course through the internal portal using their employee ID.

Managers should ensure their team completes the course on time. Any employee who has difficulty accessing the portal should contact the IT Help Desk. Those who fail to complete the course by the deadline will be required to attend an in-person session the following week.

The company emphasises that online security is everyone’s responsibility. Past incidents have shown that a single weak password can compromise the entire network. Employees should update passwords every 90 days and avoid using the same password across multiple systems.

Questions 15–27

Complete the sentences below.

Write ONE OR TWO WORDS ONLY.

15. All staff must finish the course before ______ August.

16. The course includes training on secure ______ sharing.

17. Employees can access the training using their ______ ID.

18. Anyone with technical problems should contact the ______ Desk.

19. Those who miss the deadline must attend a ______ session.

20. Past events showed that even one weak ______ can cause problems.

21. Workers should change their passwords every ______ days.

Choose the correct letter, A–D.

What is the purpose of the course?
A. Improving customer service
B. Learning new software
C. Enhancing online security
D. Reducing team workload

22. Who must ensure that team members finish the course?
    A. HR Managers
    B. Team Managers
    C. IT Help Desk
    D. Course Instructors

23. What might happen if staff use the same password everywhere?
    A. It becomes stronger
    B. It slows down the system
    C. It increases security risks
    D. It reduces training time

24. What happens after the 20 August deadline?
    A. System is locked
    B. Staff must retake the online test
    C. Staff attend classroom training
    D. Nothing happens

TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

26. The course can only be accessed during office hours.

27. The company had multiple security failures in the past

SECTION 3

PASSAGE 3 — Long Reading

“The Rise of Remote Communities”

In the last decade, remote work has expanded from a niche practice to a global movement. Advances in communication technology and widespread internet availability have enabled millions of people to work from anywhere. As a result, a new trend has emerged: remote communities—shared living and working spaces designed for location-independent professionals.

These communities, often based in scenic areas such as coastal towns or mountain villages, attract individuals who seek flexibility, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging. Residents typically share coworking hubs, high-speed internet, and recreational facilities. Some communities even organise networking events, skills workshops, and weekend excursions.

However, critics argue that remote communities may widen social inequality. Many of these spaces are relatively expensive and appeal primarily to high-earning remote workers. This may increase housing costs for local residents. Others worry that short-term foreigners may not integrate well with local culture, leading to social distance.

Supporters disagree. They claim remote communities boost local economies, as residents spend money on food, transport, and services. Furthermore, these workers often volunteer, teach skills, or launch local projects. Communities in Portugal and Indonesia, for instance, report increased tourism and improved small businesses due to digital workers.

Looking ahead, experts believe remote communities will continue to grow. Companies now accept distributed teams, and workers desire greater freedom. With improved infrastructure and government incentives, remote communities may become a significant part of the future global workforce.

Questions 28–40

Choose the correct letter, A–D.

28. What has enabled the growth of remote work?
    A. Reduced living costs
    B. Fully automated offices
    C. Better technology and internet access
    D. New employment laws

29. Remote communities are often located in:
    A. industrial zones
    B. crowded city centres
    C. scenic rural areas
    D. airport terminals

30. What is a key benefit for residents?
    A. Guaranteed employment
    B. More flexibility and balance
    C. Free housing
    D. Lifetime membership

31. Critics believe remote communities may increase:
    A. local unemployment
    B. housing prices
    C. pollution
    D. school fees

32. What concern is mentioned about cultural issues?
    A. Remote workers may ignore local traditions
    B. Locals do not welcome any visitors
    C. Workers prefer to live alone
    D. People dislike mountain regions

33. Supporters argue that remote communities help:
    A. reduce tourism
    B. shrink local businesses
    C. strengthen local economies
    D. increase office attendance

34. Workers often contribute by:
    A. teaching skills or volunteering
    B. selling property
    C. building airports
    D. offering free accommodation

35. Portugal and Indonesia are used as examples of:
    A. countries banning remote workers
    B. technology hubs
    C. locations with successful communities
    D. countries without tourism

TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

36. All remote communities provide weekend trips.

37. Critics believe remote communities are usually inexpensive.

38. Supporters think remote workers bring financial benefits.

39. Experts expect remote communities to disappear soon.

40. Governments may encourage the growth of these communities.

✅ ANSWER KEY

SECTION 1

1 Friday
2 48
3 blue
4 fine
5 7
6 two

7 B
8 C
9 B
10 B

11 TRUE
12 FALSE
13 FALSE
14 TRUE

SECTION 2

15 20
16 file
17 employee
18 IT Help
19 in-person
20 password
21 90

22 C
23 B
24 C
25 C

26 NOT GIVEN
27 TRUE

SECTION 3

28 C
29 C
30 B
31 B
32 A
33 C
34 A
35 C

36 FALSE
37 FALSE
38 TRUE
39 FALSE
40 TRUE