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 4 answers with clear explanations
These Cambridge IELTS 21 General Training Test 4 Reading answers explain all 40 questions. Review curling, outdoor locations, orchard work, staff rules and elephant tracking.
Cambridge IELTS 21 GT Test 4 Reading answer key
Use these cards for quick marking. Read the section explanations when an answer needs more review.
1. The Scottish Curling School and outdoor places to visit
Questions 1 to 142. Cherry picking and staff guidelines
Questions 15 to 273. Tracking elephants in Namibia
Questions 28 to 40Section 1: The Scottish Curling School and outdoor places to visit
Section 1 introduces curling lessons, clothing and suitable footwear. It also compares 6 outdoor locations, including parks, reserves, woods and wildlife habitats.
Question types: True, False, Not Given, Matching features.
Why: The text says the relaxed image of curling is far from the truth.
Why: People can begin curling as children and continue playing into retirement.
Why: The text mentions playing international champions. It does not describe mixed professional and amateur teams.
Why: The initial course welcomes people who have never tried curling before.
Why: The school recommends layers that you can remove as your body warms.
Why: Your clothing should use fabrics that do not drop fibres onto the ice.
Why: Trainers need rubber soles because synthetic soles are slippery on ice.
Why: Turner's Wood wants nearby residents to help look after the reserve.
Why: JRR Tolkien often passed through Moseley Reserve and found inspiration there.
Why: Thurrock Thameside Nature Park will expand from 120 acres to 845 acres.
Why: Druridge Park allows windsurfers to use its freshwater lake with a permit.
Why: Thurrock Thameside Nature Park stands on a former waste disposal site.
Why: Turner's Wood welcomes pupils on nature observation visits.
Why: Balloch Castle once served as the main visitor centre.
Section 2: Cherry picking and staff guidelines
Section 2 explains seasonal orchard work and workplace rules. It covers picking targets, accommodation, pay, office staffing, overtime and holiday requests.
Question types: Short answer, Sentence completion.
Why: Every picker must collect at least 16 buckets each day.
Why: A fruit packer must be fit and have good concentration.
Why: The orchard provides on-site accommodation in bunkrooms.
Why: The residential manager allocates beds and supports the workers.
Why: The orchard pays workers fortnightly by credit to a bank account.
Why: The orchard recommends a bicycle because parking for cars and vans is limited.
Why: Staff must send guideline suggestions by the end of May.
Why: Lunch breaks should be arranged so the office remains staffed all day.
Why: Staff may need to help another team during a staff shortage.
Why: Urgent work may require extra hours before approval is possible.
Why: A holiday lasting 1 week or more needs 3 weeks' notice.
Why: Operational needs can override a holiday request.
Why: Staff may carry no more than 10 days into the next holiday year.
Section 3: Tracking elephants in Namibia
Section 3 follows an all-women elephant tracking expedition in Namibia. It covers safety, conservation goals, expedition planning, unexpected rain and wildlife encounters.
Question types: Matching headings, Multiple choice, Summary completion.
Why: Section A describes Hendrick's signal to remain completely still and silent.
Why: Section B recalls the writer's dangerous encounter 15 years earlier.
Why: Section C explains how Hendrick made the elephants retreat.
Why: Section D lists the patrol and expedition goals.
Why: Section E explains how the writer organised the expedition within 3 months.
Why: Section F describes the unexpected rain in Namibia's desert.
Why: Section G shows the team's cheerful spirit despite the rain.
Why: The matriarch was behind most elephants, creating the delay that enabled escape.
Why: EHRA works to improve relations between elephants and nearby human communities.
Why: Pretending to eat can indicate nervousness and possible aggression.
Why: The group used binoculars while searching among the rocks.
Why: The writer saw a rainbow while returning to camp.
Why: The group used umbrellas while preparing their barbecue in the rain.
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 21 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.