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 3 General Training Reading Answers with Clear Explanations
Review all 40 Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Reading Test 3 answers. Find the supporting passage evidence, understand misleading options and check the word limits before your next timed attempt.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 3 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: Walks from Bingham Town Hall and the Maplehampton scarecrow competition
Questions 1 to 14Section 2: Qualities that make a great barista and Running a meeting
Questions 15 to 27Section 3: Feathers as decoration in European history
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: Walks from Bingham Town Hall and the Maplehampton scarecrow competition
Questions 1-14. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
1the chance to go into cavesE - Walk E
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 12
Why: The key idea in the passage is it passes the entrance to the famous Butter Caves visitor attraction, so you can combine a visit with the walk, or just take shelter if it starts raining!. This matches Walk E, while the other choices do not express the same point.
2the chance to spend time beside a lakeD - Walk D
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 10
Why: The key idea in the passage is d This walk is ideal in fine weather, as it takes you to the shore of a lake, at a spot convenient for swimming. This matches Walk D, while the other choices do not express the same point.
3some unusual architectureC - Walk C
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 12
Why: The key idea in the passage is e If you want an easy, undemanding walk over flat ground, this walk will suit you perfectly. This matches Walk C, while the other choices do not express the same point.
4unsuitability for young childrenA - Walk A
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 6
Why: The key idea in the passage is b This walk will take you to the top of Burley Hill, along a nice easy path that people of all ages will be able to manage. This matches Walk A, while the other choices do not express the same point.
5the length of the walk depending on the weatherC - Walk C
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 10
Why: The key idea in the passage is d This walk is ideal in fine weather, as it takes you to the shore of a lake, at a spot convenient for swimming. This matches Walk C, while the other choices do not express the same point.
6Traditionally, most scarecrows were the same size as a human being.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 16
Why: The passage explains that the scarecrows were dressed in old clothes which the competitors brought with them. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
7The competition in September was the first one in Maplehampton.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 16
Why: The passage discusses the related point - maplehampton’s scarecrow competition took place on September 12th - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
8The farmers who provided materials could take part in the competition.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 15
Why: The passage discusses the related point - there was once a time when farmers all over the country put scarecrows in fields of growing crops - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
9Old clothes were supplied to the people who made the scarecrows.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 16
Why: The passage explains that the scarecrows were dressed in old clothes which the competitors brought with them. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
10The venue for the competition was changed because of the weather.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 14
Why: The passage explains that the Maplehampton scarecrow competition - a great success!. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
11Competitors could get advice on making their scarecrows.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 16
Why: The passage explains that the scarecrows were dressed in old clothes which the competitors brought with them. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
12In the judges’ opinion, the scarecrow dressed as an alien was better than the giant bird.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 18
Why: The passage discusses the related point - the winning adult team’s scarecrow was dressed as an alien from another planet, and its face was painted to make it look very frightening - at least to human beings! - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
13The competition organisers supplied a picnic for the competitors and spectators.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 19
Why: The passage explains that after the judging, many of the participants and the spectators had a picnic which they had brought. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
14Alice Cameron bought a scarecrow to frighten birds away from her crops.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 19
Why: The passage explains that alice Cameron, a local farmer, liked one of the scarecrows so much, she bought it to stand on her balcony; she said she didn’t need it to scare birds away.... That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
Section 2: Qualities that make a great barista and Running a meeting
Questions 15-27. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
15Be sure you make drinks that are ____ for the customer.correct
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 4
Why: The passage states that as a barista, you must make a concerted effort to listen to your clientele and make sure the drinks you produce are correct in all respects. The wording and grammar of the gap require correct; it also fits the printed word limit.
16Ignore any ____ around you.conversation
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 4
Why: The passage states that if you become distracted by the conversation that is going on nearby, you may ultimately miss the mark from a service perspective. The wording and grammar of the gap require conversation; it also fits the printed word limit.
17Clean the machine ____ regularly.filter
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that you will often catch a great barista rinsing out the filter in their machines, for example, as this erodes the build-up of burnt coffee oil that can begin to impact.... The wording and grammar of the gap require filter; it also fits the printed word limit.
18Always use ground coffee that is ____.fresh
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that this highlights the keen attention to detail that distinguishes skilled baristas, as they have the desire and the awareness to make every drink with completely fresh ground coffee. The wording and grammar of the gap require fresh; it also fits the printed word limit.
19Stopping too early reduces the ____.flavour
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that a great barista knows precisely when to finish the extraction of espresso, at the point when the balance of flavour has reached its optimum levels. The wording and grammar of the gap require flavour; it also fits the printed word limit.
20Stopping too late makes the coffee ____.bitter
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that they also understand how important this is; those who act too soon are left with a drink without flavour while those who delay the finish risk burning the beverage and.... The wording and grammar of the gap require bitter; it also fits the printed word limit.
21Ask about the customers’ ____.day
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 7
Why: The passage states that great baristas ask their customers how their day is going or what they’re going to do later; they read local newspapers and keep up with issues that really matter, all.... The wording and grammar of the gap require day; it also fits the printed word limit.
22Know something about the important ____ in the area.issues
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 7
Why: The passage states that great baristas ask their customers how their day is going or what they’re going to do later; they read local newspapers and keep up with issues that really matter, all.... The wording and grammar of the gap require issues; it also fits the printed word limit.
23In small meetings, ask people for some ____ as they introduce themselves.relevant information
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 12
Why: The passage states that if the meeting is small, start by requesting everyone to introduce themselves and to give a bit of relevant information in addition to their name. The wording and grammar of the gap require relevant information; it also fits the printed word limit.
24Make sure the ____ is available to everyone.agenda
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 13
Why: The passage states that next, make sure everyone can see the agenda or has a copy of it. The wording and grammar of the gap require agenda; it also fits the printed word limit.
25Involve people in the discussion and solve any ____ quickly if they arise.conflicts
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 13
Why: The passage states that try to keep discussions positive, but don’t ignore conflicts - find a solution for them and make sure they are resolved before they grow. The wording and grammar of the gap require conflicts; it also fits the printed word limit.
26Avoid ____ by involving a range of people in tasks.tension
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 14
Why: The passage states that it can help if the more experienced members of the group offer to share skills and knowledge, but don’t let the same people take on all the work as this.... The wording and grammar of the gap require tension; it also fits the printed word limit.
27Thank people for coming, and possibly have some kind of ____ afterwards.social activity
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 15
Why: The passage states that it can be nice to follow the meeting with a social activity like sharing a meal or going to a café. The wording and grammar of the gap require social activity; it also fits the printed word limit.
Section 3: Feathers as decoration in European history
Questions 28-40. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
28Section Avii - An interesting relationship between the wearing of feathers and gender
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is in prosperous trading centres, the citizens started wearing hats bedecked with feathers from cranes and swallows. This matches An interesting relationship between the wearing of feathers and gender, while the other choices do not express the same point.
29Section Biii - A significant rise in the popularity of feathers
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 17
Why: The key idea in the passage is rublack believes that just as some of these cultures considered the feathers of certain birds to be highly significant, and sometimes sacred, European soldiers saw the feathers as imparting noble.... This matches A significant rise in the popularity of feathers, while the other choices do not express the same point.
30Section Ci - The link between feathers and a wider international awareness
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is given the link with new territories and conquest, ruling elites wore feathers partly to express their power and reach. This matches The link between feathers and a wider international awareness, while the other choices do not express the same point.
31Section Dvi - Feathers as protection and as a symbol of sophistication
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is this was not just a symbol of power, but of cultural connectedness, Rublack suggests: ‘The message seems to be that he was embracing the global in a duchy that was.... This matches Feathers as protection and as a symbol of sophistication, while the other choices do not express the same point.
32Section Eviii - A reason for the continued use of feathers by soldiers
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 19
Why: The key idea in the passage is f In time, her research may therefore reveal a tension about the ongoing use of feathers in this unlikely context. This matches A reason for the continued use of feathers by soldiers, while the other choices do not express the same point.
33Section Fv - A new approach to researching the past
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 10
Why: The key idea in the passage is one crucial driver, however, was exploration - the discovery of new lands, especially in South America. This matches A new approach to researching the past, while the other choices do not express the same point.
34In Section B, what information is given about the use of feathers in the 16th century?B - They were sometimes coloured artificially.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 17
Why: The key idea in the passage is rublack believes that just as some of these cultures considered the feathers of certain birds to be highly significant, and sometimes sacred, European soldiers saw the feathers as imparting noble.... This matches They were sometimes coloured artificially., while the other choices do not express the same point.
35Rublack suggests the feather costume worn by Duke Frederick in 1599 representedC - a positive attitude towards the culture of the Americas.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is in 1599, for example, Duke Frederick of Württemberg held a display at his court at which he personally appeared wearing a costume covered in exotic feathers and representing the Americas. This matches a positive attitude towards the culture of the Americas., while the other choices do not express the same point.
36According to Rublack, one reason why feathers survived in European military costume was becauseB - feathers suggested certain qualities about military activities.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 17
Why: The key idea in the passage is rublack believes that just as some of these cultures considered the feathers of certain birds to be highly significant, and sometimes sacred, European soldiers saw the feathers as imparting noble.... This matches feathers suggested certain qualities about military activities., while the other choices do not express the same point.
37Hats decorated with long black feathersC - are worn today by some soldiers.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is this was not just a symbol of power, but of cultural connectedness, Rublack suggests: ‘The message seems to be that he was embracing the global in a duchy that was.... This matches are worn today by some soldiers., while the other choices do not express the same point.
38Feathers from cranes and swallowsG - became popular decorations for urban dwellers in the 16th century.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is b Rublack has spotted that something unusual started to happen with feathers during the 16th century. This matches became popular decorations for urban dwellers in the 16th century., while the other choices do not express the same point.
39Feathers from exotic birdsE - were used to create an outfit worn by a person of high status.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is this was not just a symbol of power, but of cultural connectedness, Rublack suggests: ‘The message seems to be that he was embracing the global in a duchy that was.... This matches were used to create an outfit worn by a person of high status., while the other choices do not express the same point.
40Peacock feathersB - were used as protection from bad weather.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 13
Why: The key idea in the passage is the measure did not last, perhaps because health manuals of the era recommended feathers could keep the wearer safe from ‘bad air’ - cold, miasma, damp or excessive heat -.... This matches were used as protection from bad weather., while the other choices do not express the same point.
Using This Reading Answer Key
Is This the Academic or General Training Test?
This page covers Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Reading Test 3. 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.