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.
General Training Test 2 answers with clear explanations
These Cambridge IELTS 20 General Training Test 2 Reading answers explain all 40 questions. Review cycling, fashion careers, business training and a nursery play experiment.
Cambridge IELTS 20 General Training Test 2 Reading answer key
Use these cards for quick marking. Read the detailed explanations when an answer needs more review.
1. Cycling trails and becoming a fashion designer
Questions 1 to 142. Business training and the small business lifecycle
Questions 15 to 273. The nursery that removed all children's toys
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: Cycling trails and becoming a fashion designer
Section 1 compares cycling routes and explains steps towards a career in fashion design. It covers route features, training, portfolios, work experience and employment.
Question types: Matching features, Flow-chart completion.
Why: The passage links this detail to The Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
Why: The passage links this detail to A walking and cycling path in Birmingham, West Midlands.
Why: The passage links this detail to The Wirral Trail, Liverpool.
Why: The passage links this detail to A walking and cycling path in Birmingham, West Midlands.
Why: The passage links this detail to The Wirral Trail, Liverpool.
Why: The passage links this detail to The Montgomery Canal cycle path, Wales.
Why: The passage links this detail to Bo'ness to Blackness Castle, Edinburgh.
Why: The passage uses "accessories" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "fit" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "expense" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "profile" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "agencies" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "training" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "contacts" to complete this answer accurately.
Section 2: Business training and the small business lifecycle
Section 2 outlines types of workplace training and stages in a small business lifecycle. It covers learning methods, growth, management priorities and business development.
Question types: Table completion, Flow-chart completion.
Why: The passage uses "hours" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "orders" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "marketing" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "phone" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "needs" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "price" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "listening" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "opinions" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "mistakes" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "confused" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "recruitment" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "quality" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "leader" to complete this answer accurately.
Section 3: The nursery that removed all children's toys
Section 3 examines a nursery experiment that removed children's toys. It explores play, behaviour, communication and the social effects observed by adults.
Question types: Multiple choice, Matching features, Summary completion.
Why: Option D is the only choice supported by the passage.
Why: Option B is the only choice supported by the passage.
Why: Option D is the only choice supported by the passage.
Why: The passage links this detail to Elke Schubert.
Why: The passage links this detail to Gisela Marti.
Why: The passage links this detail to Klaus's father.
Why: The passage links this detail to Elsa Davies.
Why: The passage links this detail to Gudrun Huber.
Why: The passage uses "classroom" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "shoes" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "games" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "circus" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "socialise" to complete this answer accurately.
Also accepted: socialize.
How to review your answers
- Mark all 40 answers before reading the explanations.
- Group mistakes by question type and reading section.
- Find the exact sentence that proves each correct answer.
- Retake the test after reviewing your weakest question type.
Continue your Cambridge IELTS 20 practice
Take the timed reading test first, then use this page to review every answer.
This study guide uses IELTSBeacon verified test data. Complete the reading test before checking the answers and explanations.