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 4 answers with clear explanations
These Cambridge IELTS 20 General Training Test 4 Reading answers explain all 40 questions. Review sports bags, coasteering, freelance writing, CV advice and archaeology in Turkey.
Cambridge IELTS 20 General Training Test 4 Reading answer key
Use these cards for quick marking. Read the detailed explanations when an answer needs more review.
1. Sports bags and coasteering in North Devon
Questions 1 to 142. Freelance writing and an effective CV
Questions 15 to 273. Archaeological discoveries in southeast Turkey
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: Sports bags and coasteering in North Devon
Section 1 compares bags for sports and gym use, then introduces coasteering in North Devon. It covers product features, equipment, safety and participation requirements.
Question types: Matching features, True, False, Not Given.
Why: The passage links this detail to Under Armour sports style duffel.
Why: The passage links this detail to Filson medium rugged twill duffel bag.
Why: The passage links this detail to Fjällräven vardag duffel 30.
Why: The passage links this detail to The North Face base camp duffel.
Why: The passage links this detail to Under Armour sports style duffel.
Why: The passage links this detail to Fjällräven vardag duffel 30.
Why: The passage links this detail to Deuter trans alpine pro 28.
Why: The passage gives information that contradicts this statement.
Why: The passage gives information that contradicts this statement.
Why: The passage does not provide this specific information.
Why: The passage does not provide this specific information.
Why: The passage gives information that contradicts this statement.
Why: The passage directly confirms the information in this statement.
Why: The passage directly confirms the information in this statement.
Section 2: Freelance writing and an effective CV
Section 2 explains opportunities in freelance writing and how to improve a CV. It covers assignments, editors, experience, presentation and a hiring manager's priorities.
Question types: Note completion, Sentence completion.
Why: The passage uses "genuine" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "pitches" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "workload" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "flexibility" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "job" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "payment" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "motivation" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "sections" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "interest" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "skills" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "budget" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "achievements" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "mistakes" to complete this answer accurately.
Section 3: Archaeological discoveries in southeast Turkey
Section 3 examines archaeological discoveries in southeast Turkey. It explores excavation evidence, ancient communities, site interpretation and the importance of new findings.
Question types: Matching headings, Summary completion, Multiple choice.
Why: The paragraph mainly focuses on "The main reason for the archaeological investigations".
Why: The paragraph mainly focuses on "An important link in the chain of defences".
Why: The paragraph mainly focuses on "A detailed description of one building on the site".
Why: The paragraph mainly focuses on "Where the trade deals were done".
Why: The paragraph mainly focuses on "Defences which proved inadequate".
Why: The paragraph mainly focuses on "An approaching force of a different type".
Why: The passage uses "mosaics" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "tokens" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "records" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: The passage uses "barley" to complete this answer accurately.
Why: Option A 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.
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.