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Reading Lesson — Work

IELTS General Training reading: short real-life texts, like notices, adverts and articles. Read each text, answer the questions, then tap Check to see the answer and why it is correct.

Text A — How to Use the City Recycling Centre

The City Recycling Centre on Green Lane is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and on public holidays. Anyone who lives in the city may use the centre, but visitors must show proof of their home address, such as a recent letter from the council.

Please sort your items before you arrive. Glass bottles go in the green bins, paper and cardboard go in the blue bins, and metal cans go in the grey bins. Garden waste, such as leaves and small branches, should be put in the brown bins near the entrance.

The centre does not accept old paint, chemicals or car batteries, because these items need special handling. Large items, such as fridges and sofas, can be left in the large-item area, but you must book this service online at least two days before your visit. Staff at the centre can help you find the right bin, but they cannot unload your car for you.

1. The recycling centre is open every day of the week.
Answer: False. It is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays, so it is not open every day.From the text: “It is closed on Sundays”
2. Visitors must show proof of their home address.
Answer: True. The text says visitors must show proof of their home address.From the text: “visitors must show proof of their home address”
3. Glass bottles should be put in the blue bins.
Answer: False. Glass bottles go in the green bins. Paper and cardboard go in the blue bins.From the text: “Glass bottles go in the green bins”
4. The centre accepts old paint if it is in a closed tin.
Answer: False. The centre does not accept old paint at all.From the text: “does not accept old paint”
5. Staff at the centre will give visitors a free bag for garden waste.
Answer: Not Given. The text talks about bins for garden waste and says staff can help find the right bin. It says nothing at all about free bags, so the information is not given.

Text B — The Saturday Farmers' Market

Paragraph A Every Saturday morning, farmers and food makers come to the main square to sell their goods at the farmers' market. The market opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m., but many popular stalls sell out much earlier, so experienced shoppers arrive soon after opening.

Paragraph B Most of the food at the market is grown or made within fifty kilometres of the town. Fruit and vegetables change with the seasons, so in autumn there are apples, pears and pumpkins, while in summer there are strawberries and fresh salads. This local food travels a short distance, so it is often fresher than food in large shops.

Paragraph C The market is not only about food. Local musicians often play in the corner of the square, and children can join a free art activity near the fountain. Many people meet friends there, drink coffee and spend a relaxed morning together, even if they buy very little.

Paragraph D In recent years, the market has worked hard to reduce waste. Shoppers are asked to bring their own bags and boxes. Stall holders no longer give plastic bags, and there are bins for food waste, which is later turned into compost for local gardens.

1. Paragraph A
Answer: C. Paragraph A gives the opening and closing times and says experienced shoppers arrive early because stalls sell out.
2. Paragraph B
Answer: A. Paragraph B explains that local food travels a short distance and is often fresher.
3. Paragraph C
Answer: B. Paragraph C is about music, activities, meeting friends and spending a relaxed morning.
4. Paragraph D
Answer: D. Paragraph D describes bringing bags, stopping plastic bags and turning food waste into compost.
5. According to the passage, when do many popular stalls sell out?
Answer: B. The text says many popular stalls sell out much earlier than closing time.From the text: “many popular stalls sell out much earlier”

Text C — Learning to Drive as an Adult

Many adults decide to learn to drive later in life. Some need a car for a new job, others want to visit family more easily, and some simply want more freedom. Learning as an adult can feel different from learning as a teenager. Adults often understand road rules quickly, but they may feel more nervous at first because they think carefully about danger.

The first step is usually to apply for a learner licence. To do this, you must pass an eyesight check and a written test about road signs and rules. After that, you can take lessons with a qualified instructor. Most instructors recommend at least one lesson a week, and regular practice between lessons with an experienced driver if the law in your area allows it.

Lessons cover basic skills first, such as starting, stopping and turning safely. Later lessons include parking, driving in busy traffic and driving at night. The instructor keeps a record of progress and will tell the learner when they are ready for the practical test.

The practical test lasts about forty minutes. The examiner watches how safely the driver follows the rules, checks mirrors and reacts to other road users. If the learner passes, they can drive alone. If not, the examiner explains what to improve, and the learner can book another test after more practice.

1. Why do some adults want to learn to drive, according to the passage?
Answer: B. One reason given is wanting to visit family more easily.From the text: “want to visit family more easily”
2. What must a person do before taking lessons with an instructor?
Answer: C. A learner must pass an eyesight check and a written test about road signs and rules.From the text: “you must pass an eyesight check and a written test”
3. How long does the practical test last?
Answer: C. The passage says the practical test lasts about forty minutes.From the text: “lasts about forty minutes”
4. Most instructors recommend at least one ______ a week.

Answer: lesson. The passage says most instructors recommend at least one lesson a week.From the text: “at least one lesson a week”
5. If a learner passes the practical test, they can drive ______.

Answer: alone. The passage says if the learner passes, they can drive alone.From the text: “they can drive alone”

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