All answers on this page include the question number, correct answer and a brief explanation of where to find it in the passage or audio. Use these alongside the original Cambridge IELTS books for the best practice experience.
Test 1 General Training Reading Answers with Clear Explanations
Review all 40 Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Reading Test 1 answers. Find the supporting passage evidence, understand misleading options and check the word limits before your next timed attempt.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 1 General Training Reading Answer Key
Use the key for quick marking, then read the explanations below. A slash separates accepted alternative forms. Where two letters are required, enter both letters across the two question numbers, in either order.
Section 1: Optional subjects and the Ripton Festival
Questions 1 to 14Section 2: Farm safety and customer service
Questions 15 to 27Section 3: Plastic is no longer fantastic
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: Optional subjects and the Ripton Festival
Questions 1-14. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
1This pupil is interested in the subject despite the way it is taught.D - Violeta
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 9
Why: The key idea in the passage is d - Violeta My parents both work in leisure and tourism, and they’ve always talked about their work a lot at home. This matches Violeta, while the other choices do not express the same point.
2This pupil is hoping to have a career that makes use of the subject.B - Lucy
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 5
Why: The key idea in the passage is b - Lucy History is my favourite subject, and it’s fascinating to see how what we learn about the past is relevant to what’s going on in the world now. This matches Lucy, while the other choices do not express the same point.
3This pupil finds the subject harder than they expected.C - Mark
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is c - Mark Thursdays are my favourite days, because that’s when we have computing. This matches Mark, while the other choices do not express the same point.
4This pupil finds the lessons very entertaining.E - Walid
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is e - Walid I’ve always been keen on art, so I chose it as an optional subject, though I was afraid the lessons might be a bit dull. This matches Walid, while the other choices do not express the same point.
5This pupil appreciates the benefit of doing challenging work.A - Krishnan
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 3
Why: The key idea in the passage is helping pupils to choose optional subjects when they’re aged 14-15: what some pupils say A - Krishnan I’m studying Spanish, because it’s important to learn foreign languages - and I’m.... This matches Krishnan, while the other choices do not express the same point.
6This pupil has realised the connection between two things.B - Lucy
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 5
Why: The key idea in the passage is b - Lucy History is my favourite subject, and it’s fascinating to see how what we learn about the past is relevant to what’s going on in the world now. This matches Lucy, while the other choices do not express the same point.
7The festival is held every year.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 13
Why: The passage explains that as usual, the festival will be held in the last weekend of June, this year on Saturday to Monday, 27-29 June. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
8This year’s festival focuses on the town’s history.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 13
Why: The passage explains that ever since last year’s festival, the committee has been hard at work to make this year’s the best ever!. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
9Goods displayed in the craft fair are unlike ones found in shops.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 14
Why: The passage discusses the related point - the Craft Fair is a regular part of the festival - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
10The barbecue will be cancelled if it rains.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 15
Why: The passage explains that the barbecue will be held in Palmer’s Field, or in the town hall if there’s rain. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
11Adults can attend the barbecue at any time without charge.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 15
Why: The passage explains that the Saturday barbecue will start at 2 pm and continue until 10 pm, with a bouncy castle for kids. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
12Amateur musicians will perform during the whole of the barbecue.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 15
Why: The passage explains that there’ll be live music throughout, with local amateur bands in the afternoon and professional musicians in the evening. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
13Seating is available for watching the boat races.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 16
Why: The passage explains that on Sunday we’re delighted to introduce an afternoon of boat races, arranged by the Ripton Rowing Club. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
14People attending the festival will be asked to donate some money.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 17
Why: The passage discusses the related point - all money raised by the festival will go to support the sports clubs in Ripton - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
Section 2: Farm safety and customer service
Questions 15-27. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
15Risk factor: Heavy loads. Examples of farm activities: Lifting sacks of ____; carrying food for animals. Risk reduction measures to consider: Divide into containers that weigh less; use a vehicle such as a tractor.fertiliser / fertilizer
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 3
Why: The passage states that examples of tasks that involve this risk are moving 50-kilogramme fertiliser bags from one site to another or carrying heavy buckets of animal feed around fields. The wording and grammar of the gap require fertiliser / fertilizer; it also fits the printed word limit.
16Risk factor: Awkward posture. Examples of farm activities: Lifting a restless ____.animal
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 3
Why: The passage states that examples of tasks that involve this risk are moving 50-kilogramme fertiliser bags from one site to another or carrying heavy buckets of animal feed around fields. The wording and grammar of the gap require animal; it also fits the printed word limit.
17Risk factor: Awkward posture. Examples of farm activities: Moving something around a big ____.obstacle
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 3
Why: The passage states that examples of tasks that involve this risk are moving 50-kilogramme fertiliser bags from one site to another or carrying heavy buckets of animal feed around fields. The wording and grammar of the gap require obstacle; it also fits the printed word limit.
18Risk factor: Awkward posture. Risk reduction measures to consider: Buy particular ____ to help with support.aids
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 4
Why: The passage states that in such cases, handling aids should be purchased that can take the weight off the load and minimise the potential for injury. The wording and grammar of the gap require aids; it also fits the printed word limit.
19Risk factor: A lot of ____ while working. Risk reduction measures to consider: Use a workbench instead.bending
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that another risk that relates to awkward posture is repetitive bending when carrying out a task. The wording and grammar of the gap require bending; it also fits the printed word limit.
20Examples of farm activities: Fixing a fallen ____. Risk reduction measures to consider: Use a workbench instead.gate
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that an example might be repairing a gate that has collapsed onto the ground. The wording and grammar of the gap require gate; it also fits the printed word limit.
21A ____ approach to selling is fine as long as you do not irritate the customer.proactive
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 8
Why: The passage states that try to be sensitive to how much help a customer wants; be proactive in offering help without being annoying. The wording and grammar of the gap require proactive; it also fits the printed word limit.
22Recommend additional products and ____ without being too forceful.special offers
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 8
Why: The passage states that suggest a product that naturally accompanies what the customer is considering or point out products for which there are special offers, but don’t pressure a customer into buying an item.... The wording and grammar of the gap require special offers; it also fits the printed word limit.
23Know how to compare similar products which have different ____.brand names
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 9
Why: The passage states that build up a comprehensive knowledge of all the products in your shop, including the pros and cons of products that are alike but that have been produced under a range.... The wording and grammar of the gap require brand names; it also fits the printed word limit.
24Avoid ____ by always saying more than “no”.negativity
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 9
Why: The passage states that negativity can put customers off instantly. The wording and grammar of the gap require negativity; it also fits the printed word limit.
25Keep an eye on the ____ of goods on the shelves.presentation
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 10
Why: The passage states that this attention to presentation keeps the shop tidy, giving the right impression to your customers. The wording and grammar of the gap require presentation; it also fits the printed word limit.
26If a customer has problems paying with their ____, handle the problem with care.credit card
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 11
Why: The passage states that for example, if the customer’s credit card is declined at the till, keep your voice down and enquire about an alternative payment method quietly so that the customer doesn’t feel.... The wording and grammar of the gap require credit card; it also fits the printed word limit.
27Any ____ from a customer should not affect how you treat them.rudeness
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 12
Why: The passage states that treat each person with respect at all times, even when you are faced with rudeness. The wording and grammar of the gap require rudeness; it also fits the printed word limit.
Section 3: Plastic is no longer fantastic
Questions 28-40. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
28Paragraph Avi - A disturbing experience
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is ‘We are trying to create a sense that being environmentally sophisticated is a status symbol,’ he adds. This matches A disturbing experience, while the other choices do not express the same point.
29Paragraph Biv - Two inventions and some physical details
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 15
Why: The key idea in the passage is ferrando posted details about his water-bottle venture on a large, recognised platform for funding creative projects. This matches Two inventions and some physical details, while the other choices do not express the same point.
30Paragraph Cii - The reasons why Ferrando’s product is needed
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 3
Why: The key idea in the passage is the artwork, designed to raise public awareness, left Ferrando angry - and fuelled with entrepreneurial ideas. This matches The reasons why Ferrando’s product is needed, while the other choices do not express the same point.
31Paragraph Dviii - Looking back at why water was bottled
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is ‘Bottled water is now a $100 billion business, and 81 per cent of the bottles are not recycled. This matches Looking back at why water was bottled, while the other choices do not express the same point.
32Paragraph Ev - The contrasting views of different generations
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 13
Why: The key idea in the passage is things have moved on slightly since then. This matches The contrasting views of different generations, while the other choices do not express the same point.
33Paragraph Fi - A time when opportunities were limited
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 9
Why: The key idea in the passage is indeed, the closing decades of the 20th century were a time when it seemed that anything could be turned into a commodity. This matches A time when opportunities were limited, while the other choices do not express the same point.
34Paragraph Giii - A no-risk solution
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is e Today, though, conspicuous extravagance no longer seems desirable among consumers. This matches A no-risk solution, while the other choices do not express the same point.
35What does Ferrando say about his glass water bottle?D - He wants people to be proud to show it.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is ‘We want people to clip their bottles onto what they are wearing, to show that they are recycling - and to look cool.’ D Ferrando’s story is fascinating because it.... This matches He wants people to be proud to show it., while the other choices do not express the same point.
36What does the writer find fascinating about Ferrando’s story?D - the change it is revealing in people’s attitudes
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is ‘We want people to clip their bottles onto what they are wearing, to show that they are recycling - and to look cool.’ D Ferrando’s story is fascinating because it.... This matches the change it is revealing in people’s attitudes, while the other choices do not express the same point.
37What does the writer suggest about Closca’s bike helmet?A - It has both functional and artistic value.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 5
Why: The key idea in the passage is b Ferrando runs a Spanish-based design company, Closca, that produces an ingenious foldable bicycle helmet. This matches It has both functional and artistic value., while the other choices do not express the same point.
38Thirty years ago, the methods used by creators to fund their projects involved getting money from the bank or from someone in the ____. Banks today are still a useful source of finance, but investments may also be sought from ‘corporate social responsibility’ projects.family
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 13
Why: The passage states that if an entrepreneur had wanted to fund a smart invention a few decades ago, he or she would have had to either raise a bank loan, borrow money from a.... The wording and grammar of the gap require family; it also fits the printed word limit.
39In order to get immediate funding, the method Ferrando took was to use a well-known ____ to advertise his product and request financial support. People who gave a certain figure or over were offered a free gift.platform
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 15
Why: The passage states that ferrando posted details about his water-bottle venture on a large, recognised platform for funding creative projects. The wording and grammar of the gap require platform; it also fits the printed word limit.
40In addition, Ferrando advised his donors that his company would create bottles in two colours, followed by a ____ bottle once they had received a more significant amount. In this way, Ferrando avoided debt and found out how many people might want his products before manufacturing them.multicoloured / multi-coloured / multicolored / multi-colored
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 15
Why: The passage states that if he received the funds, he stated that the company would produce bottles in grey and white; if $60,000 was raised, a multicoloured one would be made. The wording and grammar of the gap require multicoloured / multi-coloured / multicolored / multi-colored; it also fits the printed word limit.
Using This Reading Answer Key
Is This the Academic or General Training Test?
This page covers Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Reading Test 1. Academic and GT Reading use different texts and answer keys, so check the track before marking.
How Should I Review a Wrong Answer?
Return to the evidence location and compare the exact meaning, not just matching words. Check spelling and word limits. For NOT GIVEN, identify the information the text does not supply.
How Do I Estimate My Band?
Count one mark for each correct answer, then consult the Reading Band Score Guide. Academic and GT use different raw-score conversions, and an estimate is not an official IELTS result.
What to Do After Marking
Group your errors by misunderstanding, distractors, spelling and instructions. Review the difficult section, then try another complete test to check whether your accuracy improves.