IELTS Reading Test 10 (General)
READING SECTION-1
Questions 1–6
PHOTOCOPYING SERVICES AT CENTRAL CITY LIBRARY
• The library offers self-service photocopying machines located on the ground floor. Both black-and-white and colour photocopying are available.
• The cost is 10 cents per page for black-and-white copies and 50 cents per page for colour copies. Payment is accepted via coins or rechargeable library copy cards, which can be purchased at the main desk.
Paper Sizes
• Photocopying is available for A4 and A3 sizes only.
• Please do not attempt to use your own paper in the machines, as this may cause damage. Library staff are not responsible for personal paper jams.
Operating Hours
• Photocopying machines can be used during library opening hours, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.
• Please note: machines are switched off 15 minutes before closing time to allow for maintenance.
Assistance
• Basic instructions for using the machines are posted beside each copier.
• Library staff can provide limited help, mainly for paper refills and clearing jams, but they are not able to operate the machines on behalf of users.
Rules and Regulations
• Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws. Copies of copyrighted material should not exceed the permitted limit.
• Any damage caused to the machines by misuse will result in a fine to cover repair costs.
• Please be considerate of others: if there is a queue, limit your copying to a reasonable number of pages.
Further Information
For information about bulk photocopying services or professional assistance, please contact the library's Copying Services Coordinator at 9203 4587 during office hours, or inquire at the main desk.
READING SECTION-2
Questions 15-28
WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE HORIZON BUSINESS TRAINING INSTITUTE
Studying at Horizon Business Training Institute allows you to develop essential business skills while connecting with ambitious professionals from across the globe!
With flexible enrolment dates, Horizon courses begin every first Monday of the month, ensuring they fit perfectly into your personal or professional schedule. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone looking to enhance advanced skills, you can study for a period ranging from four weeks to an entire academic year. Horizon offers a variety of programmes, including short-term workshops and intensive diploma courses, with most classes running from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
If you enrol in a full-time programme, our advisors will guide you in selecting elective modules that align with your career objectives. Throughout the course, tutors will monitor your progress during regular one-on-one consultations, helping you achieve your learning goals and ensuring that you advance at a pace that suits you.
The reputation of Horizon largely rests on its excellent teaching staff. All instructors possess specialised qualifications in business education and have hands-on experience in the corporate world. Our recruitment process ensures that only passionate and highly skilled professionals join our teaching team.
At Horizon, teaching techniques are constantly updated to reflect the latest trends in business education. Our classrooms are equipped with modern facilities, including interactive whiteboards, digital resources, and simulation tools that enhance learning.
On your first day at Horizon, you will undertake an initial assessment, allowing our Academic Coordinator to place you in the correct class level. Regular evaluations ensure you are on track, and as you meet your targets, you will progress to more advanced levels of study.
Your tuition fees cover not only your studies but also your accommodation. Students are placed with carefully selected host families, who provide breakfast and dinner daily. This arrangement provides a comfortable living environment and an opportunity to practise conversational English in a real-life setting.
After successfully completing any Intensive, Diploma, or Summer programme, you will be awarded the Horizon Certificate of Completion. For programmes lasting eight weeks or longer, you will also receive a detailed Progress Report, which outlines your strengths in key business competencies, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving — valuable evidence of your abilities for future employers or educational institutions.
READING SECTION-3
The Evolution of Renewable Energy Technologies
A) The shift towards renewable energy has been one of the most significant developments in global energy consumption in recent decades. As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation grow, countries and industries are investing heavily in renewable energy technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, offer sustainable alternatives that can meet the world's growing energy demands while also reducing harmful emissions. The evolution of these technologies has been driven by advancements in research, development, and innovation, which have made renewable energy more efficient, affordable, and accessible than ever before.
B) Solar energy is one of the most rapidly growing renewable energy sources. The technology behind solar panels has improved drastically over the years, with advancements in materials, efficiency, and design. Solar panels are now more affordable and effective at converting sunlight into electricity, making them an attractive option for both residential and commercial use. Furthermore, the integration of solar energy systems into existing infrastructure, such as rooftops and parking lots, has expanded the potential for solar power generation, allowing for decentralized energy production that reduces strain on the power grid.
C) Wind energy has also seen significant progress, particularly in the development of larger and more efficient wind turbines. Modern turbines are capable of generating more power from lower wind speeds, making wind energy a viable option in more regions than ever before. Offshore wind farms are particularly promising, as they take advantage of stronger and more consistent winds found at sea. The growth of wind energy has created new opportunities for rural economies, where many wind farms are located, providing jobs and economic growth in otherwise underserved areas.
D) Hydroelectric power, the oldest form of renewable energy, continues to play a major role in global energy production. Recent advancements in hydroelectric technologies have focused on improving efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of large-scale dams. Smaller, more environmentally friendly hydropower projects, such as run-of-river systems, have been developed to reduce the ecological disruptions associated with traditional hydropower plants. Additionally, hydropower serves as an important energy storage system, as it allows for the generation of power on-demand, especially during peak energy usage hours.
E) Geothermal energy, derived from the heat stored within the Earth’s crust, is another renewable energy source that has gained traction in recent years. Geothermal power plants tap into this heat to generate electricity, offering a consistent and reliable source of energy that is not affected by weather patterns or seasonal changes. While geothermal energy is geographically limited to areas with significant geothermal activity, such as volcanic regions, new technologies are being developed to harness this resource in a more cost-effective manner, expanding its potential use worldwide.
F) One of the most exciting developments in renewable energy is the integration of multiple technologies into hybrid energy systems. For instance, combining solar and wind power with energy storage systems allows for a more reliable and stable energy supply, even when one source is not producing energy. Energy storage solutions, such as advanced batteries, help to store excess power generated during peak production times and release it when demand is high, smoothing out the intermittent nature of renewable energy. These hybrid systems have the potential to revolutionize the energy industry by making renewable power generation more reliable and scalable.
G) The push for renewable energy has also led to the development of smart grids, which utilize digital technology to monitor and manage the flow of electricity more efficiently. Smart grids enable better integration of renewable energy sources into the existing power grid, allowing for real-time adjustments in response to changing energy supply and demand. This innovation also facilitates the participation of individual consumers in energy generation through microgrids and distributed energy resources, empowering them to contribute to the sustainability of their communities.
H) Despite the progress made in renewable energy technologies, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of these sources. The intermittency of solar and wind power, the need for significant infrastructure investments, and the political and economic challenges surrounding fossil fuel subsidies are just a few of the barriers to a fully renewable-powered world. However, continued innovation, global collaboration, and policy support are crucial to overcoming these challenges and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As renewable energy technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming the global energy landscape and mitigating the effects of climate change for generations to come.
Answer
Section-1
TRUE: Text says: "The cost is 10 cents per page for black-and-white copies and 50 cents per page for colour copies."
FALSE : Text says: "Please do not attempt to use your own paper in the machines, as this may cause damage."
FALSE : Text says: "Machines are switched off 15 minutes before closing time to allow for maintenance."
FALSE : Text says: "Library staff can provide limited help, mainly for paper refills and clearing jams, but they are not able to operate the machines on behalf of users."
TRUE : Text says: "Any damage caused to the machines by misuse will result in a fine to cover repair costs."
NOT GIVEN : Text does not mention anything about bulk photocopying services being offered.
NOT GIVEN : The text does not mention any discounts for members or otherwise on photocopying services.
It is open for breakfast.
A (Bayside Cafe offers breakfast from 7:30 am to 10:30 am on weekdays.)
It is open every night for dinner.
NOT GIVEN (None of the advertisements specify that they are open every night for dinner.)
It is only open for lunch on weekdays.
NOT GIVEN (None of the advertisements specify lunch hours, only breakfast.)
It has recently returned to its previous location.
NOT GIVEN (There is no mention of any restaurant returning to a previous location.)
It welcomes families.
C (Harbor Delight Restaurant serves breakfast with healthy options, implying it caters to a variety of guests, likely including families.)
It caters for large groups.
NOT GIVEN (There is no mention of whether any of the restaurants cater to large groups.)
It only opens at weekends.
B (Sunset Grill is open only on weekends from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.)
Section-2
FALSE
Text says: "with most classes running from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm." (Not 3:30 pm.)
TRUE
Text says: "our advisors will guide you in selecting elective modules that align with your career objectives."
TRUE
Text says: "All instructors possess specialized qualifications in business education and have hands-on experience in the corporate world."
FALSE
Text says: "Your tuition fees cover not only your studies but also your accommodation."
TRUE
Text says: "On your first day at Horizon, you will undertake an initial assessment, allowing our Academic Coordinator to place you in the correct class level."
NOT GIVEN
The text does not mention anything about online courses — it only talks about in-person classes and facilities.
Paragraph A — vii. Government support and industry competition
Paragraph B — v. How electric vehicles function
Paragraph C — i. Efforts to increase charging infrastructure
Paragraph D — ix. Environmental benefits and limitations
Paragraph E — vi. Concerns about battery production and disposal
Paragraph F — ii. The impact of EVs on employment and industries
Paragraph G — viii. Technological features of modern EVs
Paragraph H — iv. Predicting a shift towards electric vehicles
Section-3
29.D
30.E
31.H
32.A
33.True
34.False
35.Not Given
36.True
37.False
38.Technology
39.Economic growth
40.Volcanic regions