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 4 General Training Reading Answers with Clear Explanations
Review all 40 Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Reading Test 4 answers. Find the supporting passage evidence, understand misleading options and check the word limits before your next timed attempt.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 4 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: The best hiking boots and Beekeeping workshop at Elm Farm
Questions 1 to 14Section 2: Should you pay someone to write your CV? and Starting a new job
Questions 15 to 27Section 3: History of women’s football in Britain
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: The best hiking boots and Beekeeping workshop at Elm Farm
Questions 1-14. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
1These boots are a good choice for people who want to look smart when they are walking.D - Boots D
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is b - Scarpa Peak Gore-tex Boots These are good all-round boots that have kept our feet dry in heavy rain, snow and mud. This matches Boots D, while the other choices do not express the same point.
2People do not need to spend time getting their feet accustomed to these boots.B - Boots B
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 13
Why: The key idea in the passage is e - Merrell Siren Sport Mid Boots We’ve worn these boots in freezing cold conditions and our feet felt comfortable. This matches Boots B, while the other choices do not express the same point.
3These boots should last for many years.A - Boots A
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 11
Why: The key idea in the passage is these are boots for style conscious, but still suitable for demanding walks. This matches Boots A, while the other choices do not express the same point.
4People find these boots useful when travelling as they are not heavy.C - Boots C
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 17
Why: The key idea in the passage is g - Regatta Clydebank Mid Boots These boots are reasonably priced and they performed well in heavy rain. This matches Boots C, while the other choices do not express the same point.
5One feature of these boots does not continue to be effective for very long.F - Boots F
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 17
Why: The key idea in the passage is they don’t grip the ground as well as some other boots and aren’t very warm in cold winter weather so we’d say they’re best for country walks in spring and.... This matches Boots F, while the other choices do not express the same point.
6These boots do not keep the rain out.C - Boots C
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is b - Scarpa Peak Gore-tex Boots These are good all-round boots that have kept our feet dry in heavy rain, snow and mud. This matches Boots C, while the other choices do not express the same point.
7It is important to make sure these boots are done up tightly before starting a walk.E - Boots E
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 3
Why: The key idea in the passage is the best hiking boots Whether you’re climbing a mountain or walking in the country, be sure to buy the right boots, writes Sian Lewis A - Hanwag Tatra Boots These.... This matches Boots E, while the other choices do not express the same point.
8These boots should suit people who don’t want to spend a lot.G - Boots G
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 17
Why: The key idea in the passage is they don’t grip the ground as well as some other boots and aren’t very warm in cold winter weather so we’d say they’re best for country walks in spring and.... This matches Boots G, while the other choices do not express the same point.
9The workshop is only suitable for people who already keep their own bees.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 20
Why: The passage explains that beekeeping workshop at Elm Farm If you’ve ever wanted to keep bees and have your own delicious honey, there’s no better time to begin!. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
10Participants will meet people who are involved in selling honey to the public.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 22
Why: The passage discusses the related point - you’ll learn about the life cycle of a colony, disease prevention and caring for bees and of course how to harvest honey for your personal use or for sale - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
11Vegetarian refreshments are available if requested in advance.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 17
Why: The passage discusses the related point - g - Regatta Clydebank Mid Boots These boots are reasonably priced and they performed well in heavy rain - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
12Participants will need to pay extra to hire appropriate clothes for the workshop.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 21
Why: The passage explains that whether you’re keen to learn everything you need to know to get you started, or simply extremely interested in the idea of keeping bees, this one-day interactive workshop will teach.... That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
13Protective footwear will be required during the workshop.TRUE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 15
Why: The passage explains that you can, however, get round this problem by using a protective spray on them. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
14If someone has to cancel before the workshop, the fee will be repaid.FALSE
Where to Look: Section 1, paragraph 20
Why: The passage explains that beekeeping workshop at Elm Farm If you’ve ever wanted to keep bees and have your own delicious honey, there’s no better time to begin!. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
Section 2: Should you pay someone to write your CV? and Starting a new job
Questions 15-27. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
15Some jobseekers have difficulty with their CV because they have not learnt which qualities they should ____.highlight
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 3
Why: The passage states that although many people can write their own CVs, and do it well, others struggle with a variety of problems initially, such as not knowing how to structure a CV or.... The wording and grammar of the gap require highlight; it also fits the printed word limit.
16Professional CV writers know which ____ are best left out of the CV.details
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 4
Why: The passage states that through in-depth consultation, a professional CV writer can help identify exactly what is necessary for a particular role, cut out unnecessary or irrelevant details, and pinpoint what makes the individual.... The wording and grammar of the gap require details; it also fits the printed word limit.
17CV writers with knowledge of a particular field of work often provide useful ____ about the skills firms expect from job applicants.insights
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that hR professionals and recruiters with relevant experience can also have valuable insights into what companies are looking for. The wording and grammar of the gap require insights; it also fits the printed word limit.
18It is advisable to request ____ of what a professional CV writer has previously produced.samples
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 7
Why: The passage states that ask to see samples of their work or use personal recommendations before you choose a CV writing service. The wording and grammar of the gap require samples; it also fits the printed word limit.
19Professional CV writers often ask jobseekers to work through a ____ as a first step.questionnaire
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 8
Why: The passage states that you’ll probably need to answer an in-depth email questionnaire or be interviewed before any writing actually starts. The wording and grammar of the gap require questionnaire; it also fits the printed word limit.
20If the jobseeker assists the professional writer, the tone of the CV will be ____.authentic
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 8
Why: The passage states that being involved in the writing process means your CV sounds authentic. The wording and grammar of the gap require authentic; it also fits the printed word limit.
21Before arriving at work, try out a different morning ____ that will create a sense of well-being.routine
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 12
Why: The passage states that having a routine you like and sticking to it definitely impacts on your overall happiness. The wording and grammar of the gap require routine; it also fits the printed word limit.
22Make sure your chosen outfit conforms to the company’s ____.dress code
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 13
Why: The passage states that you’ve probably already been into the office for an interview, so you’ll have some idea of what the dress code is. The wording and grammar of the gap require dress code; it also fits the printed word limit.
23If you eat with colleagues at midday, it will provide information on their ____ and the way they operate.personalities
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 15
Why: The passage states that it will also help you get a handle on personalities and work styles. The wording and grammar of the gap require personalities; it also fits the printed word limit.
24It may be wise to prepare some ____ to help the interaction flow.conversation starters
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 15
Why: The passage states that to ensure the lunch goes well, have a few conversation starters in mind. The wording and grammar of the gap require conversation starters; it also fits the printed word limit.
25During the first few weeks, work out some ____ and how to go about fulfilling them.goals
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 16
Why: The passage states that with this new-found understanding, take some time over the initial period to think about what goals you have for your new role. The wording and grammar of the gap require goals; it also fits the printed word limit.
26Try to keep a completely ____ as you settle into the post.open mind
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 17
Why: The passage states that it’s important that you approach your new job with an open mind, and that you’re ready to soak it all in. The wording and grammar of the gap require open mind; it also fits the printed word limit.
27Avoid making proposals for ____ too soon.improvements
Where to Look: Section 2, paragraph 17
Why: The passage states that be patient with yourself as you figure out how you fit in, and make sure you understand the way things are done before rushing into giving suggestions on improvements. The wording and grammar of the gap require improvements; it also fits the printed word limit.
Section 3: History of women’s football in Britain
Questions 28-40. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
28In the first paragraph, the writer says that in 18th-century ScotlandD - skill at football might be considered when choosing a wife.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is by the late 19th century, with the men’s game spreading across Britain like wildfire, women also began to take up association football. This matches skill at football might be considered when choosing a wife., while the other choices do not express the same point.
29The writer says that Nettie J Honeyball was unwilling toC - let the public know of her involvement in football.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is early pioneers included Nettie J Honeyball, who founded the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC) in 1895. This matches let the public know of her involvement in football., while the other choices do not express the same point.
30The writer suggests that in Britain, between 1895 and 1914,A - society was not yet ready for women’s football.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 5
Why: The key idea in the passage is in a country where women were not yet allowed to vote, it would take extraordinary circumstances for their efforts on the football pitch to attract widespread attention. This matches society was not yet ready for women’s football., while the other choices do not express the same point.
31After the First World War broke out in 1914, factory managersD - decided that women’s football might have positive effects.
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 9
Why: The key idea in the passage is women’s football was tolerated during the war, but in the years that followed, driven by the fear that the women’s game could affect Football League attendances, the FA sought to.... This matches decided that women’s football might have positive effects., while the other choices do not express the same point.
32It felt threatened by the rise of women’s football.C - the Football Association (FA)
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is by the late 19th century, with the men’s game spreading across Britain like wildfire, women also began to take up association football. This matches the Football Association (FA), while the other choices do not express the same point.
33It was established by a male office worker.B - the Dick, Kerr’s Ladies team
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 8
Why: The key idea in the passage is she is credited with 43 goals during her first season playing for Dick, Kerr’s Ladies and around 1,000 in total. This matches the Dick, Kerr’s Ladies team, while the other choices do not express the same point.
34It donated money from football matches to good causes.A - the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC)
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is early pioneers included Nettie J Honeyball, who founded the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC) in 1895. This matches the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC), while the other choices do not express the same point.
35It called for the ending of the ban on women’s football in Britain.D - the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 13
Why: The key idea in the passage is it took pressure from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), to finally force the FA to end restrictions on women’s football in 1971. This matches the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), while the other choices do not express the same point.
36It was accused of being old-fashioned.C - the Football Association (FA)
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is by the late 19th century, with the men’s game spreading across Britain like wildfire, women also began to take up association football. This matches the Football Association (FA), while the other choices do not express the same point.
37It was led by a believer in women’s rights.A - the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC)
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is early pioneers included Nettie J Honeyball, who founded the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC) in 1895. This matches the British Ladies’ Football Club (BLFC), while the other choices do not express the same point.
38At the end of 1921, women’s football teams were forbidden to use the ____ of the Football Association.grounds
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 10
Why: The passage states that on 5 December 1921, the FA banned its members from allowing women’s football to be played at its grounds, saying that football was ‘quite unsuitable for females’. The wording and grammar of the gap require grounds; it also fits the printed word limit.
39Football Association members were not allowed to have women’s matches as ____.referees
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 10
Why: The passage states that the FA also forbade its members from acting as referees at women’s games. The wording and grammar of the gap require referees; it also fits the printed word limit.
40Female workers accused the FA of ____ against women, but the ban continued until 1971.prejudice
Where to Look: Section 3, paragraph 12
Why: The passage states that there was outrage from players, with the captain of Plymouth Ladies remarking that the FA was ‘a hundred years behind the times’ and calling its decision ‘purely sex prejudice’. The wording and grammar of the gap require prejudice; 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 4. 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.