IELTS General Training Reading

SECTION 1 Questions 1 -14

Read the text below and answer questions 1 -8

If you want to be healthy and save the environment at the same time,
then the edible water bottle is probably right up your street! The
creation of design student, Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, this ingenious
container could be the answer to plastic pollution. Whilst Gonzaijpyjhad
trouble previously convincing a sceptical public as to the merits of his
remote-controlled 'Hop!' suitcase in 2014, this time he may actually be
onto a winner.

The need for such an invention is quite patent. Discarded plastic bottles
make up an alarming statistic: there are 46,000 pieces of floating
plastic originating from plastic bottles, for every square mile of ocean.
Add to that the 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil required annually to
manufacture enough bottles to provide the 50 billion plastic bottles
supplied annually to the US, and it's clear that something needs to be
done.

Whilst environmentalists may be pinring their hopes on Gonzalez's

invention to reduce plastic pollution, the prototype edible plastic bottle,
christened 'Ooho,' is however very much in its early stages. For a start,
the 'bottle' itself is more reminiscent of a beach-stranded jellyfish in
appearance, than a conventional water bottle. Translucent and squishy in
texture it would probably take a very committed environmentalist to be
able to actually consume the bottle when it's empty. Oohos inventor does
however claim in its favour that the taste is at least palatable even if the
flavour is somewhat nondescript.

Gastronomic failings apart,ho bottles also presnt challenges for storage

and hygine. With regard to the former problem, the bottles are some
what flimsy in construction. Gonzalez however, is currently working on a
fortified bottle with a double membrane construction but has yet to
produce a bottle, that is more resilient than the skin found in fruit. As
for the latter problem of hygiene, well, would you like to consume a casing
that has been manhandled-throughout manufacture, transportation and
again by countless consumers when placed on the shelves in
supermarkets? A solution would be to encase the bottles of course in a
hermetically-sealed outer covering; but to encase them in a plastic
casing defeats the whole point of the object of reducing plastic pollution.
So it's back to the drawing board as regards the finer points of retailing
the bottles.
Gonzalez though, is not to be deterred by the finer points of
construction weaknesses and hygiene issues. Currently he has secured a
creative commons licence for his project which means that his Ooho
bottle will soon be available for sale online. Hopefully all teething problems
to date will have resolved themselves by the time online sales go ahead.
In the meantime, those who are truly conservation-minded would do best
to just recycle and refill old water bottles with filtered water. This is
surely a simpler and more effective solution to plastic pollution than any
manufacturer or designer could come up with.

Questions 1-5
Write the correct letter, a, b, c or d, in boxes 1-5 on your answer
sheet.

1. Gonzalez
a. has a proven track record in design.
b. is a winning designer.
c. has yet to produce a publicly-approved design.
d. currently sells designs online.
2. Action on plastic pollution is necessary since
a. crude oil used in plastic bottle manufacturing is polluting the
oceans.
b. too many discarded plastic water bottles are floating on the
oceans.
c. the debris from plastic water bottles is polluting oceans.
d. the public are demanding action on pollution.
3. People may hesitate to consume the Ooho bottle
a. due to its unpleasant flavour.
b. because of its unattractive appearance and feel.
c. as it is likely to be indigestible.
d. since it is unconventional in design.
4. Structurally, the Ooho bottle is
a. stronger than the skin found in fruit.
b. strong as the skin found in fruit.
c. stronger than the current bottles.
d. similar in appearance to fruit skin.
5. The manufacture of Ooho bottles is
a. response to public demand.
b. a process that needs refining.
c. response to pressure by environmentalists.
d. better alternative to recycling plastic water bottles.
6. Choose the most suitable title for the text from the list below.
a. Changes in public attitude towards plastic pollution.
b. Problems in manufacturing recyclable plastic water bottles.
c. Environmental pollution caused by plastic.
d. The edible water bottle as a possible solution to plastic pollution.
Questions 7 - 8
Complete the following sentences using words from the text.
Do not use more than THREE words for each sentence.

7. The very ………………….. of Gonzalez's water bottle makes it

unappealing to consume.
8. Gonzalez 's bottles need to be…………………..to withstand handling
and transportation

Questions 9 – 14
Read the texts below and answer questions 9 – 14

London Walking Tours

A London Architecture Walks
A professional interest is not a prerequisite to enjoy this leisurely tour of
London's most prominent buildings. Taking in a range of architectural
designs spanning several centuries, this tour will delight young and old
alike. Routes vary so please call in advance for details of daily departure
points.
Tel: 020 4578 8894
Contact: londonarchitecturewalks.co.uk

B. Jack 'the Ripper Walks

Retrace the final steps of the Ripper's with renowned Ripper expert,
David Thomson. Places are limited and tickets are sold on a
first-come-first-served basis. Concessions available for under 14s. Tours
weather-permitting.
Daily departures from Aldgate East underground station at 19.00
Tickets: £8

C. Original London Sightseeing Walks

This well-established tour is always well-subscribed. Come rain or shine,

we will take you on what is the most comprehensive tour of London.
Taking in the familiar sights as well as the more tucked-away treasures
of the capital, you will improve your knowledge of London as well as be
entertained by our knowledgeable, fully-qualified guides en route.
Combined tickets for city walk and bus tour available with special
discount.

Cost for walking or bus tour only: £7

Combined Ticket: £10.50
Under 13:
£3.50 for walking or bus tour only
£5.50 for combined ticket
Departure point: Tower Hill Station Tours on the hour from 10am-6pm.
D. London Duck Tours
See London from an entirely new perspective as you plunge into the River
Thames on your semi-submersible World War II DUKW vehicle. Cruise
past major London landmarks before re-emerging upstream at
Westminster Bridge for our land-based tour. Multiple daily departures
from 10.30am.
Tickets: £21, Child: £14
Tel: 020 7926 3134
Contact: Iondonducktours.co.uk
Departure point: Waterloo railway station

E. Big Bus Tour

Non-stop multilingual tours from 9am-7pm around the city's very best
sights. A hop-on hop-off ticket_with 50 stops. Tickets valid for 24 hrs,
plus three free walking tours and a River Thames Cruise pass included.

Ticket: £26, Child: £13

Departure: Charing Cross underground and railway station.
Tel: 020 4635 8896

Questions 9 -14
Match the statements for each question with the appropriate tour, A, B,
C, D or E as described in the texts. Which tour:

9. has restricted places?

10. caters for qualified experts as well as amateur enthusiasts?
11. has the least restrictive itinerary?
12. operates only in good weather?
13. offers no price reduction for children?
14. promises to be the most informative?
SECTION 2 Questions 15 - 28
Questions 15 -21
The text below has seven sections, A—G. Choose the correct heading for
each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number,
i—x, in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

i. Ahead of their time

ii. The role played by the observer
iii. Hidden potential
iv. A limited appeal
v. A scientific failing
vi. An amazing transformation
vii. No coincidence
viii. A rough science
ix. A hypothesis proven
x. An unforeseen consequence

15. Section A …………………….

16. Section B …………………….
17. Section C ……………………..
18. Section D ……………………..
19. Section E ……………………..
20. Section F ……………………..
21. Section G …………………….

A _______________The British Museum is host to a wealth of historical

artefacts, representing the accomplishments of past civilisations. A
Roman-era drinking cup would not, on the face of it, seem to be a
contender to rival the museum's more illustrious exhibits. After all, an
ancient drinking chalice rarely excites the attention of all but the most
dedicated history buff or expert.

B _______________However, the Lycurgus Cup, so-called due to the

depiction of King Lycurgus on its outside, is not what it seems. Lit from
in front, the relief depicted on the cup, glows green. Back-lit the cup
glows red. This light-induced colour change is all the more remarkable
given the cup's rather bland-looking exterior which holds no clue as to its
concealed secret.

C _______________The unusual qualities of the Lycurgus Cup has piqued

scientific curiosity since the 1950s when the cup's puzzling
colour-changing ability was first uncovered. Only in the 1990s was the
secret of the cup revealed: inclusion of miniscule particles of gold and
silver into the cup's surface were found to effect the colour
transformation. The particles themselves had been deliberately ground
down into nanoparticles, each particle being 50 nanometres in diameter,
or equivalent to one thousandth the size of a grain of salt! Moreover, the
exact proportions of materials had been included in order to create the
illusion of changing colour.

D _______________It would seem therefore, that nanotechnology can no

longer be considered cutting-edge science. It is humbling to realise that
Roman artisans, living in 400 A.D were putting nanotechnology to
practical use when scientists today are still exploring this relatively 'new'
field.

E _______________The illusion of the Lycurgus Cup can be explained by the

effect of electrons within the metallic components of the chalice,
vibrating in response to being hit by light and emitting different colours.
The colour actually perceived depends on where the viewer is stationed
at the time.

F _______________It was engineer Gang Logan Liu, of the University of

Illinois, who correctly suspected though, that in Roman times, the illusion
was primarily effected not through change in lighting or observer position
but by the addition of different liquids to the drinking cup. By adding a
variety of liquids to a recreation of the cup interior, his original hunch
was confirmed. As each liquid was added, a different colour was emitted
from the mock-up version of the chalice.

G _______________Liu's experiment most importantly may have a huge

impact in the diagnoses of disease. Addition of fluids such as saliva and
urine to nano-sized receptacles based on the original Lycurgus cup could
reveal the presence of pathogens. Moreover, the same
laboratory-manufactured receptacles could detect the presence of
biohazards at security checkpoints and hence thwart terrorist attacks.

Read the text below and answer Questions 22-28.

Leadership and Its various forms

Leadership styles vary vastly, very observable differences being seen not
only between companies and institutes but also within such bodies. On a
more global basis, these types of leadership styles are use to govern
countries the world over. Whether one particular leadership style is more
effective than another, is dependent on whether the needs of a particular
organisation or country are being met an those of the individuals who are
subject to the authority or governing bodies concerned. In addition, as
needs change, certain leadership styles may no longer be appropriate,
necessitating the adoption of a new approach Below the five main types
of leadership styles are set out.
Laissez-Faire
A laissez-faire leader does not directly supervise employees and does not
set great store by regular feedback to those under his supervision.
Whilst highly experienced and trained employees may thrive under this
leadership style, those employees requiring supervision will tend to
flounder when placed in this situation. The real downside to the
laissez-faire approach is the lack of leadership and supervision that can
result in an escalation of costs, poor production and lack of control.

Autocratic
Epitomising this type of leadership style are the countries of Cuba and
North Korea. Autocratic_leadership denies the right of the individual to
challenge the authority of the leader who imposes their will on those
around him. It is deemed unacceptable to challenge the leader's
decisions. In a working environment, those who respond best to this kind
of leadership are individuals requiring clear guidance and decisions made
on their behalf. Those least suited to the autocratic leadership style are
creative employees who require a considerable degree of autonomy.

Participative
Participative leadership is synonymous with the democratic leadership
style. Unlike autocratic style leaderships, the contribution of
team-members and peers is welcomed. welcomed. The participative
leader will, however, have the final say in any decision-making process.
This style of leadership has the effect of boosting employee morale since
employees are free to make contributions to the decision-making process
which in turn makes them feel valued by the company concerned. Since
the leadership-employee role is more interactive than in other forms of
leadership, changes within a company are more readily accepted by
employees since they play a role in the process.

Transactional
This leadership style is highly results-oriented. Input from employees
amounts to setting predetermined goals with team managers, employees
then following the direction and leadership of the manager to accomplish
those goals. A system of rewards and punishments is set up by team
managers to ensure tasks are satisfactorily completed.

Transformational
Whilst this type of leadership is goal-oriented as with transactional
styles of leadership, transormational leaders play a more prominent role
in the workplace, ensuring goals are attained by employees. Managers
who adopt this type of leadership role, maintain a high visibility and open
communication with employees, acting as motivators and enhancing
productivity to meet goals. Such managers will tend to delegate smaller
tasks to the team to accomplish goals.
Questions 22 and 23
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE
WORDS from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 22
and 23 on your answer sheet.

22. Sometimes it is debatable as to which leadership style is the most

…………………. since different styles meet different needs.

23. When dynamics within a company change, then ....................to

leadership may be called for.

Questions 24- 28
Look at the following descriptions and the list of terms in the box below.
Match each description with the correct term A—E. Write the
appropriate letter A—E in boxes 24-28 on your answer sheet.

List of Descriptions

24. A reciprocal relationship between the leader and employees is

encouraged, to the benefit of all concerned.

25. A two-way relationship between the leader and employees is

harshly discouraged.
26. Employees are constantly monitored and encouraged to realise
goals in a positive way.
27. Employees receive positive or negative reinforcement on the basis
of their performance.
28. Leaders are notably absent in the workplace relying on worker
autonomy to get the job done.

List of terms

A Laissez-faire
B Autocratic
C Participative
D Transactional
E Transformational
SECTION 3 Questions 29 - 40

Read the text below and answer Questions 29-35.

A. Cosmetics have been in use almost since time immemorial across

diverse cultures. Not only do they serve to enhance natural
beauty but they also provide a means of self-expression. From
Cleopatra to the modern day, cosmetics have played an integral
role in women's daily beauty regimes.

B. The fashion for cosmetics first started in Ancient Egypt and was
later actively embraced by the Romans. In the latter era,
cosmetics and their use transcended all classes, as aristocracy
and poor alike availed themselves of all manner of beauty
products. However, nail colour was exclusively the preserve of
aristocrats, as it continued to be in China in later years. In China
this trend even became enshrined in law and transgressors
crossing the social divide separating the working class from
aristocracy by daring to sport nail colour, were summarily
executed in public. Quite literally, people died for fashion.

C. As cosmetics grew in popularity, women began to become more

extravagant in their use of cosmetics. Imported beauty products
from as far away as China, Germany and Gaul were lavishly used
by women in their quest for beauty. Excessive use of these costly
products ultimately incited public controversy, leading to the
introduction of the Lex Oppia Law of 18913C. The law curbed the
use of cosmetics and over-adornment of women generally, in
public places. Prior to the law's introduction, women had been
becoming ever more competitive in keeping up appearances, even
gambling away huge fortunes on the costly cosmetics.

D. In the following interim period between the Roman era and the
Middle Ages, use of cosmetics all but disappeared. The Dark
Ages, as this era was termed, saw only very limited use of
make-up amongst restricted sectors of the public. An edict
issued by the Church, denouncing all those wearing cosmetics as
heathens and devil-worshippers, ensured that cosmetics
suffered a rapid loss in popularity amongst the public.
Overwhelmingly, the use of cosmetics during this era was
associated with women of ill repute and actors for whom society
had scant regard.

E. Only much later, in the Elizabethan era, did cosmetics become

popular once again. Lead preparations were particularly favoured
as women sought to lighten their skin. The pallid complexion of
 Elizabeth I was famously attributed to the application of a
poisonous lead compound. Nor were poisonous applications
merely restricted to applications of lead substances. Belladonna,
obtained from the deadly nightshade plant was used to enlarge
pupils in the belief that this made women more attractive. In
addition, mercury compounds, such as mercury sulphide, were
applied to the lips for colour. It is no small wonder therefore, that
Queen Elizabeth I lived long enough to be one of England's
longest-reigning monarchs, her reign lasting a total of 45 years.

F. After a brief resurgence in popularity, during the Elizabethan

period, cosmetics only became popular again years later during
the reign of another long-reigning monarch, Queen Victoria
(1837-190 1). As in the Elizabethan era, a pallid complexion was
favoured over a tanned look. Mercifully, the pale look was attained
through applying concoctions of lemon juice and vinegar as
opposed to the more lethal lead preparations of the past. Overt
applications of make-up were frowned upon, with lipstick and
rouge being studiously avoided.

G. Since make-up was deliberately understated in the Victorian as

well as the subsequent Edwardian era (1901-19 JO) purveyors
of cosmetics were few and far between. Purchase of cosmetics
was even a somewhat furtive affair, with clients obtaining
products from local chemists or from shops with concealed back
door entrances.

H. Only with the advent of Selfridge's in Oxford Street, London

(1909) and the establishing of a cosmetics counter where women
could publicly try out cosmetics before purchase, did buying and
wearing of cosmetics gain acceptability. Today the sheer diversity
of cosmetics available and the freedom to apply them sparingly,
liberally, or not at all, is largely due the burgeoning of the
cosmetics industry, spearheaded in the UK by Gordon Selfridge
and the influence of Hollywood in the 1920s.

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. class distinctions are upheld ………………………..

30. a fashion only for a despised minority……………..
31. a legislative response to public outcry ……………..
32. the motivation to wear cosmetics …………..
33. health comes a poor second to maintaining appearances
34. a healthier approach to fashion
35. freedom of expression
Questions 36-40
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 36-40 on
your answer sheet.
_
Throughout the ages, cosmetics have rarely been out of fashion for long.
Beauty products have been and continue to be 36 ………………… to the
pursuit of physical perfection, although the popularity of cosmetics has
waxed and waned in different eras.

Cosmetics have often been used not only as a means of enhancing

beauty, but also as a form of 37………………… in addition to
maintaining the 38 ........................ between classes. Distinctions
between the ruling class and the underclasses, with regard to the
observation of fashions, were the most stringently observed in China
where transgressors were often punished by death.

In certain eras, such as the Dark Ages and the Edwardian period, the
obvious use of cosmetics was 39………………… and positively
discouraged. Only in the post-Edwardian era, with 40 …………………
of cosmetics counters in major department stores and the fascination
for Hollywood, did cosmetics enjoy a resurgence in public popularity.