Diagnostic Mini-Test | Cyrus IELTS Academy

🎧 Part 1 — Listening

Listen to the manager and answer the questions. Play the talk. You can play it two times. Then answer the questions.

Welcome to the Sports Centre

1. The swimming pool closes at ______ in the evening.

Answer: nine. The manager says the pool 'closes at nine in the evening', so the answer is nine.

2. Yoga classes take place in Studio ______.

Answer: Two. The manager says yoga classes take place in 'Studio Two', so the answer is Two.

3. When do beginner swimming lessons for adults run?

A. On Mondays and Wednesdays B. On Tuesdays and Thursdays C. On Fridays and Saturdays D. On Sundays and Tuesdays

Answer: B. The manager says the lessons run 'every Tuesday and Thursday', so the second option is correct.

4. Lockers cost one ______.

Answer: pound. The manager says 'Lockers cost one pound', so the answer is pound.

5. For help, ask staff wearing a bright ______ shirt.

Answer: green. The manager says to ask staff wearing a 'bright green shirt', so the answer is green.

📖 Part 2 — Reading

Read the text and answer the questions.

A New Swimming Pool for the Town

The town council has announced that a new swimming pool will open in March next year. The pool will be built next to the sports centre on Hill Road, where there is already a large car park. Local people have asked for a new pool for many years because the old pool, in the town centre, is small and often very busy.

The new pool will be 25 metres long and will have six lanes for serious swimmers. There will also be a smaller warm pool for young children and for people who are learning to swim. A small cafe will sell drinks and simple food, and visitors will be able to watch swimmers from seats above the pool. There will also be changing rooms with lockers, and a lift for visitors who cannot use the stairs easily.

Building work will start in June and should finish by the end of February. The council says the old pool will stay open until the new pool is ready. On the first weekend, entry will be free for children under sixteen who live in the town. Local swimming clubs have welcomed the news, and schools in the area say they plan to bring classes to the new pool for weekly lessons during term time.

1. The new swimming pool will open in March next year.

True False Not Given

Answer: True. The passage says the pool will open in March next year.From the text: “a new swimming pool will open in March next year”

2. The new pool will have a special area for playing water games on boats.

True False Not Given

Answer: Not Given. The passage talks about lanes, a smaller warm pool, a cafe and seats. It says nothing at all about boats or water games, so the information is not given.

3. Where will the new pool be built?

A. In the town centre B. Next to the sports centre on Hill Road C. Inside the old pool building D. Next to the town library

Answer: B. The passage says the pool will be built next to the sports centre on Hill Road.From the text: “next to the sports centre on Hill Road”

4. What will happen to the old pool while the new pool is being built?

A. It will close in June B. It will become a cafe C. It will stay open until the new pool is ready D. It will be made larger

Answer: C. The council says the old pool will stay open until the new pool is ready.From the text: “the old pool will stay open until the new pool is ready”

5. The new pool will be ______ metres long.

Answer: 25. The passage says the new pool will be 25 metres long.From the text: “will be 25 metres long”

✍️ Part 3 — Writing

Some people like living in a big city. Others prefer a small town. Which do you prefer and why? Write about your opinion and give reasons for your answer. Write at least 150 words.

How to write it

1. Paragraph 1: say clearly which place you prefer.

2. Paragraphs 2 and 3: give one reason in each paragraph, with a short example from your life.

3. Last paragraph: repeat your opinion in new words. The model below is one good way to answer.

Words: 0 — target: at least 150 words

I prefer living in a small town to living in a big city. I lived in a large city for three years for work, and I now live in a small town near the sea. For me, the small town is a better place to live.

First, life in a small town is quiet and relaxed. There is little traffic, so I can walk to work in ten minutes. The air is clean, and I can hear birds in the morning. I feel less tired and I sleep better.

Second, people in a small town know each other. My neighbours say hello and help me when I need something. Shops are small, but the people who work there remember my name. This makes me feel safe and at home.

I know big cities have more jobs and more places to visit. However, they are noisy, busy and crowded. I can visit a big city for a weekend when I want to see a concert or a museum.

In conclusion, I prefer a small town because it gives me quiet, clean air and friendly people.

Useful phrases

I prefer ... to ... — Use it in the first paragraph to give your opinion clearly.
First, ... Second, ... — Use these words to start your reason paragraphs.
In conclusion, I prefer ... because ... — Use it in the last paragraph to repeat your opinion and your main reason.

Check yourself:

Did I say clearly which place I prefer? Did I give at least two reasons with examples? Did I write at least 150 words and check my spelling?

🗣️ Part 4 — Speaking

Say your answer aloud, like in the real test. Then open the model and compare. Try again with the model's good phrases.

What is the weather usually like in your town?

The weather in my town changes a lot during the year. Summers are warm and sunny, so people spend time in parks and near the sea. Winters are cold and wet, and it sometimes snows. My favourite season is spring because the air feels fresh and clean.

🎯 See your result

First answer all the Listening and Reading questions above (you can use Check on each one). Then tap the button.