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IELTS Style Reading Practice Test 1

IELTS General Training Reading Practice Test

Three complete reading passages with questions and answer keys

General Reading – Section 1

This is the first section of the IELTS Style General Training Reading test. It contains two texts. Read each passage carefully and answer the questions.

Text for Questions 1-8
Updated March 2023
Workplace Safety Guidelines
These instructions apply to everyone working at Horizon Electronics:
In case of emergencies (such as fire or gas leak), locate the nearest supervisor who will either call the Control Room on extension 101 or send someone immediately to inform them.
Evacuation steps:
1	The emergency evacuation alarm will be several short siren bursts. (If the alarm system is not working, a hand bell will be used.)
2	All work must stop immediately.
3	Employees should leave tools, computers and personal belongings behind.
4	Team leaders must collect the attendance sheets.
5	Workers must exit using the closest staircase. If blocked, use the nearest safe alternative. Never use elevators. Walk calmly, do not run.
6	Under guidance from supervisors, all teams move to the main assembly ground beside the loading dock.
7	All support and office staff must follow the same procedure.
8	The Safety Coordinator, Mr. Lewis, will be wearing a yellow vest and carrying the staff register.
9	Each supervisor must check attendance and conduct a head count.
10	One member of each team reports to the Coordinator confirming whether all are accounted for.
11	Only when the Coordinator has notified the Control Room that everyone is safe will people be allowed to return.
12	The All Clear signal will be one long siren.
13	No employee is allowed to leave the area until this signal is given.
14	If the emergency occurs during breaks, employees must gather in their original teams in the assembly area and wait for their supervisor.

Text for Questions 9-14

Community Learning Centre – Short Courses

Office Skills Training

Build basic knowledge in filing systems, email etiquette, and workplace communication. Ideal for beginners looking for office jobs.

Code: O/ST101

Sessions: 5th or 12th April, 10am–4pm

Fee: $180

Digital Accounting

Learn practical skills in using accounting software and handling business transactions. Plenty of hands-on exercises included.

Code: O/ST112

Date: 18th April, 9am–1.30pm (single workshop, limited places)

Fee: $210

Starting Your Own Café

Covers business registration, food safety rules, staff hiring, menu planning, budgeting and profit forecasting.

Code: O/ST220

Dates: 3rd or 17th May, 6pm–9pm

Fee: $120

Marketing with Social Media

A general overview of popular social platforms and how businesses can benefit from them.

Code: O/ST233

Dates: 6th or 13th or 20th June, 6pm–9pm

Fee: $95

Confident Speaking

Practical training in speaking to groups with clarity and confidence. Perfect for presentations and workplace meetings.

Code: O/ST301

Dates: 10th or 11th or 12th July, 6pm–9pm

Fee: $85

Questions 1–8

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1–8 on your answer sheet.

1. In an emergency, the supervisor will either call the Control Room or .

2. The evacuation alarm will usually be .

3. Employees must leave by the .

4. They will then move to the .

5. must also evacuate in the same way.

6. Each supervisor checks the attendance by using the .

7. People can only return to work after the .

8. If an incident happens during breaks, staff gather in the assembly area in their .

Questions 9–14

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

In boxes 9–14 on your answer sheet, write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Question	Answer
9. The Office Skills Training course is only for people who already have office experience.
10. Digital Accounting includes practical activities.
11. The Digital Accounting course runs over two days.
12. The Café course covers how to calculate profits.
13. Marketing with Social Media focuses on just one platform.
14. Confident Speaking helps participants improve presentation skills.

Answer Key — Section 1

Questions 1–8

send someone immediately
several short siren bursts
closest staircase
main assembly ground (beside the loading dock)
support and office staff
attendance sheets
All Clear signal
original teams

Questions 9–14

False
True
False
True
False
True

General Reading – Section 2

This section contains two passages. Read each carefully and answer the questions.

Text for Questions 15-21
Read the text below and answer questions 15-21
Healthy Practices for Remote Workers
A)	Working from home can create new challenges such as fatigue, back pain, eye strain, or reduced concentration if proper routines are not followed. Establishing practical habits helps prevent these problems and supports long-term productivity.
B)	Both employers and employees share responsibility. Companies should ensure staff have adequate equipment, provide guidance on healthy work habits, and create flexible schedules. Workers themselves should pay attention to their posture, rest breaks, and daily routines.
C)	A supportive chair is essential. Ideally, it should be adjustable in height, with lumbar support and a cushioned seat. A curved front edge helps prevent pressure on the legs. If possible, the chair should be covered with breathable fabric.
D)	When using both a laptop and written material, try to keep them at the same distance from your eyes. A document stand or raised support can help. Decide whether you spend more time looking at the screen or the paper, and place the primary focus item directly in front of you.
E)	Short breaks of 30–60 seconds every 20 minutes are recommended. Use them to stretch or look away from the screen. After about an hour, change activities for at least 10 minutes standing, walking, or doing light household tasks works best.
F)	To reduce glare, position your workstation at right angles to the window. If this is not possible, adjust blinds or curtains. The screen should face straight ahead, not tilted, to avoid reflections from ceiling lights.
G)	If discomfort or pain continues despite good habits, report it to your employer. Small adjustments often fix the problem, but if not, medical advice should be sought promptly.

Questions 15–21

The text above has seven sections, A–G.

Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i–viii, in boxes 15–21 on your answer sheet.

List of headings
i. How can I prevent glare from sunlight and lamps?
ii. How long should I work before resting?
iii. What if my health does not improve?
iv. Why should managers and workers cooperate?
v. What are the possible health risks of home work?
vi. What makes an ideal home chair?
vii. Where should I place my laptop and notes?
viii. Why remote work reduces productivity?

Question	Answer
15. Section A
16. Section B
17. Section C
18. Section D
19. Section E
20. Section F
21. Section G

Text for Questions 22-28
Read the text below and answer questions 22-28
Leaving a Gym Membership
Before Cancellation	If you want to cancel your gym membership, you must follow the procedure outlined in your contract. For minor issues—such as missing a few payments or not attending regularly—staff will usually first issue a reminder letter. This explains the issue, how to fix it, and what support is available. If the problem continues, you may receive a formal written notice. The last warning will clearly state that your membership will be cancelled unless the matter is resolved.
The Cancellation Process	If cancellation becomes necessary, you will be given a written letter explaining the reasons. You may also be invited to a meeting with the manager to discuss the decision. If you disagree, you can request a review by another senior staff member. After this, the club will decide whether your membership ends or continues
Types of Cancellation	The most straightforward is a standard cancellation, where the terms of the contract are followed correctly. However, there are situations when the gym may end a membership immediately. If a member has broken serious rules, such as violent behaviour or misuse of equipment—the club can terminate access at once. This is called an instant cancellation.
	Sometimes a cancellation is unfair. For example, if the gym ends your contract without good reason, it may not be valid. Another type is wrongful cancellation, which happens when the club ignores the notice period or other terms written in the agreement.
	There is also forced cancellation, which occurs when the gym changes your original agreement so much that you feel pushed to quit for instance, demanding extra fees or removing key facilities that were promised at the start.

Questions 22–23

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 22–23 on your answer sheet.

22. A warns that your membership will be ended unless you fix the problem.

23. If a member disagrees with cancellation, a can be requested.

Questions 24–28

Match each description with the correct type of cancellation.

Write the correct letter, A–E, in boxes 24–28 on your answer sheet.

A. Standard cancellation

B. Instant cancellation

C. Unfair cancellation

D. Wrongful cancellation

E. Forced cancellation

Question	Answer
24. A member is removed right away because of extremely bad behaviour.
25. A member is pressured to leave after the club introduces big unwanted changes.
26. A contract is ended without following the agreed notice period.
27. A member is told to leave without a reasonable explanation.
28. The cancellation process is done correctly under the terms of the contract.

Answer Key — Section 2

Questions 15–21

Questions 22–23

final written notice
review by another senior staff member

Questions 24–28

General Reading – Section 3

This section contains one long text. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions.

Text for Questions 29-40
The Story of the Bicycle
A)	Few inventions have influenced everyday life as much as the bicycle. Affordable, simple to use, and environmentally friendly, the bicycle has remained relevant for over two centuries. Its popularity lies not only in its practicality but also in the sense of independence and freedom it provides. From children learning to ride in their neighbourhoods to athletes competing in world championships, the bicycle continues to serve multiple purposes.
B)	The earliest version of the bicycle dates back to 1817, when Baron Karl von Drais of Germany created the "Laufmaschine", also called the running machine. It had no pedals, riders propelled themselves forward by pushing their feet against the ground. Although rudimentary, it marked the beginning of personal wheeled transport.
C)	In the mid-19th century, French inventors developed the "velocipede", a wooden machine fitted with pedals attached directly to the front wheel. This design was clumsy and uncomfortable, earning the nickname "boneshaker". Nevertheless, it was the first bicycle that allowed riders to move without using their feet to push.
D)	By the 1870s, bicycles became more sophisticated with the invention of the "penny-farthing", recognised by its enormous front wheel and tiny back wheel. Although elegant, it was dangerous to ride. Riders often fell forward from a great height if the front wheel struck an obstacle. Despite this, the penny-farthing represented speed and status in Victorian society.
E)	The real breakthrough came in the 1880s with the "safety bicycle", which closely resembles the bicycles we know today. It had equal-sized wheels, a chain drive, and pneumatic rubber tyres. This design was far safer, more comfortable, and affordable for the general public. Soon, cycling clubs and competitive races flourished across Europe and beyond.
F)	The bicycle also played a social role. It gave women in the late 19th century greater independence, allowing them to travel without reliance on men. Many historians argue that the bicycle contributed to early women's rights movements by symbolising freedom and self-reliance. The phrase "the freedom machine" became associated with the bicycle during this period.
G)	By the mid-20th century, however, bicycles began to lose ground to motor vehicles. Cars became symbols of progress, and bicycles were increasingly associated with children or those who could not afford cars. Still, in many developing countries, bicycles remained essential for commuting, carrying goods, and connecting rural communities.
H)	In recent decades, the bicycle has staged a strong comeback. Growing concerns about climate change, air pollution, and public health have revived interest in cycling. Cities around the world now invest in bike lanes, sharing schemes, and cycling infrastructure. For many, the bicycle represents not just transport but a healthier, greener future.

Questions 29–35

The text has eight paragraphs, A–H.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A–H, in boxes 29–35 on your answer sheet.

29. The bicycle's contribution to women's freedom.
30. The invention of the first machine with pedals.
31. The dangerous design with a very large front wheel.
32. The original version without pedals.
33. The reasons behind the modern revival of cycling.
34. The key improvements that made bicycles safe and practical.
35. A description of why bicycles have remained popular for centuries.

Questions 36–40

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 36–40 on your answer sheet.

The earliest bicycle-like invention, made in 1817, was called the 36 and was moved forward by pushing the feet on the ground. Later versions added pedals, but the first 37 was so uncomfortable that it earned the nickname "boneshaker".
In the 1870s, the 38 became fashionable, but it was highly unsafe due to its design. The breakthrough came with the 39, which introduced equal wheels, chain drive, and rubber tyres.
Today, the growing interest in bicycles is linked to concerns about 40 and personal health, encouraging cities to improve cycling facilities.

Answer Key — Section 3

Questions 29–35

Questions 36–40

Laufmaschine
velocipede
penny-farthing
safety bicycle
climate change

Tip: Complete each section under timed conditions (20 minutes per passage) before checking answers.

For practice purposes only

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