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.
GT Test 1 answers with clear explanations
These Cambridge IELTS 21 General Training Test 1 Reading answers explain all 40 questions. Review Castle Road Run, the sales and forklift notices, and The lure of diving.
Cambridge IELTS 21 GT Test 1 Reading answer key
Use these cards for quick marking. Read the section explanations when an answer needs more review.
1. Castle Road Run and Hatcliff Backpackers
Questions 1 to 142. Sales clerk job and forklift operator course
Questions 15 to 273. The lure of diving
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: Castle Road Run and Hatcliff Backpackers
Section 1 contains notices for the Castle Road Run and Hatcliff Backpackers. The questions cover race registration, changes, safety limits, accommodation and guest services.
Question types: Sentence completion and True, False, Not Given.
Why: Only runners entering their fifth race receive a green number. A fourth-time runner receives a red number.
Why: The registration card includes a questionnaire that helps improve future runs.
Why: Entrants may change the run length until 28th October.
Also accepted: 28 October.
Why: The instructions say to email the details of the change.
Also accepted: by email.
Why: The council limits entrant numbers because of safety requirements.
Also accepted: council safety / safety requirements / council safety requirements.
Why: Every competitor must collect a race pack from North Lake Hotel.
Also accepted: their race pack.
Why: Competitors from outside the region must contact the Race Manager.
Also accepted: the Race Manager.
Why: The hostel is a short walk from the city centre, with services and attractions nearby.
Why: The rooms and their facilities are described. Limited room storage is not mentioned.
Why: Guests can usually upgrade their accommodation and pay the difference on arrival.
Why: Lockers are available for 3 days and the safe is for overnight storage. Long-term storage is unavailable.
Why: Drinks and groceries are available for 24 hours. Reception hours are not stated.
Why: Each traveller receives either one free collection or one free drop-off, not both.
Why: Staff can advise guests and reserve transport or adventure activities.
Section 2: Sales clerk job and forklift operator course
Section 2 includes a sales clerk vacancy and a forklift operator course. It tests workplace expectations, stock duties, safety training and practical driving skills.
Question types: Summary completion and Sentence completion.
Why: The job advertisement requires a clean and neat appearance.
Why: Employees need flexible working times for mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Why: Each task should be approached with urgency and completed on time.
Why: Clerks must work with colleagues without friction.
Why: Meeting personal and team goals contributes to sales growth.
Why: Clerks must report inventory shortages to their team leader.
Why: The legal requirements protect the operator and the people nearby.
Why: The accelerated course has been shown to improve knowledge retention.
Why: Students receive an in-depth explanation of the vehicle's parts.
Why: Operating the forklift with a heavy load can be a challenge for new drivers.
Why: Students learn the immediate action required when a dangerous product spills.
Why: The course teaches strategies for confined spaces and narrow aisles.
Why: Operators must perform an inspection before every shift.
Section 3: The lure of diving
Section 3 explains the appeal, safety and history of scuba diving. It covers physical fitness, underwater work and the development of breathing equipment.
Question types: Summary completion and True, False, Not Given.
Why: Divers must accept responsibility towards their diving buddies.
Also accepted: degree of responsibility.
Why: Sound training and basic safety rules reduce diving risks.
Also accepted: basic safety rules.
Why: Diving makes physical demands, so a diver must be fit.
Why: Divers should use energy slowly and keep some in reserve for emergencies.
Why: A fit diver copes better with cold and extreme weather.
Also accepted: extreme weather conditions.
Why: The passage says scuba diving can be enjoyed by practically anybody.
Why: Fitness is important for diving. The passage does not call diving a form of exercise.
Why: A lamp restores colours underwater. Its effect on photography is not discussed.
Why: The passage describes many diving locations. It does not require advance research.
Why: Growing demand for sea resources is bringing more people into underwater work.
Why: Valuables from shipwrecks encouraged new devices. Investigating the causes of wrecks did not.
Why: The passage describes early devices. It does not say people were wary of using them.
Why: The 1825 air supply sat around the waist. A later design carried it on the back.
Your GT Test 1 review plan
Mark all 40 answers. Group your mistakes by question type. Retake the test after reviewing the matching evidence.