IELTS Reading Test 8 (General)
READING SECTION-1
Read each piece below and answer the questions.
SUNRISE HOLIDAYS – Important Information for Coach Tours
Baggage Allowance
For the convenience and safety of all passengers, we kindly ask that you limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase per person. In addition to this, a small personal bag or hold all is permitted on board the coach. Please ensure that your baggage is clearly labelled with your name and destination to avoid any confusion during the journey.
Seat Reservations
If you have a preference for a particular seat, we recommend that you inform us at the time of booking. Seat assignments are handled on a first come, first served basis, so early reservations will increase your chances of securing your desired seat. When confirming your booking, we will allocate the best available seats on the coach at that time.
Travel Papers
Upon receiving your deposit, we will send you all relevant travel documents, including luggage tags and any necessary vouchers, well ahead of your departure date. Please note that certain items, such as ferry tickets or entry passes, may be kept by our staff and handed to you at the appropriate moment during your trip.
Dietary Requirements
Travellers with specific dietary needs must notify us at the time of booking, providing detailed information about their requirements. We will forward this information to the hotel management. However, please be aware that some hotels, especially those in our budget range, may have limited capacity to cater to specialised diets. Any additional expenses related to special meals will need to be settled directly with the hotel before check-out.
Lodging
Most of our tours now include accommodation with private bathroom facilities, and this is specified in the tour details. Where only a limited number of such rooms are available, they can be reserved in advance for an additional fee, which will be added to your final balance. Single rooms are in short supply, and if available, they typically incur an extra charge, as indicated in our brochure.
On-Site Activities
Many of the hotels featured in our tours offer optional entertainment, such as live music, themed evenings, or movie nights. Please note that the availability and frequency of these activities are determined by the hotel management and are not guaranteed. Events may be modified or cancelled if there is insufficient participation or other unforeseen circumstances.
READING SECTION-2
Beneficial Work Practices for Remote Workers
A) Adopting proper work practices is essential for preventing physical discomfort, such as back pain, eye strain, or wrist injuries, commonly associated with long hours of remote work. Poor posture, inadequate workstations, and extended periods of sitting or staring at a screen can result in long-term health issues that affect productivity, focus, and overall well-being. Ergonomic adjustments are vital in reducing such risks and ensuring that workers can perform efficiently without compromising their health.
B) It is crucial that remote workers pay attention to their physical workspace, including desk height, chair comfort, and the positioning of monitors and other equipment. The workspace should be organized in a way that promotes comfort and productivity, encouraging healthy posture. Employers should provide guidance to help employees set up an ergonomic workstation at home, as many remote workers may not be aware of how to adjust their setup. Remote workers must be encouraged to assess their own workspace regularly and make necessary adjustments to minimize strain on their body.
C) A key element of an ergonomic workspace is the chair. Remote workers should invest in an ergonomic chair that supports their lower back. The chair should have adjustable features for height, armrests, and lumbar support. A chair with a comfortable seat cushion, preferably with breathable fabric, is important for long hours of sitting. Additionally, the feet should rest flat on the floor, or a footrest should be used to ensure that the knees are at a right angle. Having an adjustable chair allows for better comfort and helps maintain good posture.
D) When working with documents or notes, it is important to ensure that these materials are positioned at eye level and not too far away from the screen. Using a document holder or placing papers beside the monitor can help maintain a neutral head position and reduce neck strain. A frequent issue remote workers face is the tendency to look down at papers or twist their neck to view documents, leading to discomfort. By keeping the materials within close proximity to the screen, workers can maintain better alignment and reduce muscle fatigue.
E) To prevent repetitive strain injuries, remote workers should take frequent breaks throughout the day. Ideally, these breaks should occur every hour, even if it is just a quick 30-second stretch or a walk around the room. Such breaks allow the muscles to relax and the blood circulation to improve, reducing the risk of stiffness and pain in the wrists, neck, and back. Additionally, after extended periods of typing, workers should rest their hands and perform stretches that target the wrists and fingers. Practicing these techniques regularly can prevent the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome and other related issues.
The text above has seven sections, A–E. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
READING SECTION-3
Read the text below and answer the questions.
Sustainable Agriculture: The Future of Farming
Cultivating the Earth for a healthier tomorrow
A)
Since the dawn of agriculture, humans have sought ways to harness the land’s potential to feed growing populations. However, traditional farming methods have often been unsustainable, leading to soil depletion, water shortages, and environmental degradation. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards sustainable agriculture—a holistic approach to farming that prioritizes environmental health, social equity, and economic viability. By working in harmony with nature, sustainable agriculture aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This approach is critical as the world faces the dual challenges of feeding an increasing global population while preserving the planet’s ecosystems.
B)
The origins of sustainable agriculture can be traced back to ancient farming practices, which were often more attuned to the rhythms of nature. In ancient civilizations, farmers understood the importance of crop rotation, polyculture (growing multiple crops together), and using organic fertilizers. These practices helped preserve soil fertility and maintain biodiversity. Over time, industrial agriculture revolutionized food production, but at a high environmental cost. The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century introduced high-yield crops and synthetic chemicals, which significantly boosted food production but also led to soil erosion, pesticide resistance, and other ecological problems. The modern movement toward sustainable agriculture is, in part, a return to these ancient practices, incorporating them with new innovations.
C)
Sustainable agriculture is not just about protecting the environment; it also promotes social and economic fairness. Small-scale farmers, particularly in developing countries, often suffer from unfair trade practices and limited access to resources. Sustainable farming offers solutions to these issues by supporting local economies and encouraging fair trade practices. Organic farming, for instance, often involves community-based systems that promote local food security, reduce reliance on industrial inputs, and empower farmers. These systems also provide opportunities for smallholder farmers to market their produce directly to consumers, bypassing exploitative middlemen and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.
D)
One of the central tenets of sustainable agriculture is the use of organic farming practices, which eliminate the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming relies on natural methods to control pests and improve soil health, such as crop rotation, companion planting, and the use of organic matter like compost and manure. These practices help reduce the environmental impact of farming by avoiding harmful chemicals that can pollute waterways and harm wildlife. Additionally, organic farming promotes biodiversity by maintaining healthy ecosystems on farms, which in turn supports pollinators and beneficial insects that are essential for crop production.
E)
Agroforestry, another key element of sustainable agriculture, involves integrating trees into farming systems. This practice offers numerous environmental benefits, including improving soil structure, reducing erosion, and enhancing water retention. Trees also act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Agroforestry systems can include fruit and nut trees, timber trees, or even shelterbelts that protect crops from wind. These systems not only improve agricultural productivity but also create diverse ecosystems that support wildlife and offer additional income streams for farmers.
F)
The rise of technology has also played a significant role in promoting sustainable farming practices. Innovations in precision agriculture, such as GPS-guided tractors and drone monitoring, enable farmers to optimize the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact. These technologies allow farmers to apply inputs only where needed, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Furthermore, advances in biotechnology, such as the development of drought-resistant crops, are helping farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring food security in regions prone to extreme weather events.
G)
The growing popularity of plant-based diets has also contributed to the push for sustainable agriculture. As awareness increases about the environmental impact of livestock farming—particularly its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage—more consumers are seeking plant-based alternatives. Sustainable farming practices, such as permaculture, support the cultivation of diverse crops with minimal environmental impact. By focusing on plant-based food systems, these practices help reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and promote healthier eating habits. Furthermore, the shift toward plant-based diets can support local food systems and encourage the cultivation of nutritious, seasonal crops.
H)
As the global population continues to rise, sustainable agriculture will play an increasingly critical role in feeding the world while protecting the planet. The challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation require a fundamental shift in how we approach food production. By embracing sustainable farming practices—such as organic farming, agroforestry, precision agriculture, and plant-based diets—society can work toward creating a more resilient and equitable food system. With continued research, innovation, and global collaboration, sustainable agriculture offers hope for a future where food production is in balance with environmental health, supporting the well-being of all living beings.