Bản Sao Của IELTS Online Practice Book
Bản Sao Của IELTS Online Practice Book
Bản Sao Của IELTS Online Practice Book
www.ieltsasia.org/vn
Introduction
The International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) is the world’s most popular high stakes
English-language test, for study, work and migration,
with more than 2.2 million tests taken each year.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Answer Keys 91
3
3 IELTS Essential Guide
IELTS
LISTENING TEST
What to expect?
Format
• The Listening module takes about 30 versions of the test.
minutes to complete. • There are 4 sections, each with 10 questions.
• At the end candidates are allowed 10 • Each section has one or more of the various
minutes to transfer their answers to an task types.
answer sheet. • The test gets progressively more difficult.
• The listening module is the same for both • All the instructions are printed on the question
the Academic and General Training booklet.
Audio Recording
• You will hear a variety of accents e.g. British, • Answers are in the same order as the
American, Australian. information on the recording.
• Answer the questions as you listen because • If you miss listening to the information for a
the recording is played only once. particular question, guess the answer
• Some time is allowed during the recording to because wrong answers are not penalised.
preview the questions.
Marking
• A mark is given for each correct answer. it counts as a wrong answer.
• Spelling is important. A spelling mistake • Write answers clearly. Illegible handwriting
counts as a wrong answer. will result in a wrong answer.
• Both American and British English spelling
are accepted but be consistent.
• A hyphenated word (e.g. absent-minded,
flow-chart) counts as one word.
• Grammar is important: e.g. if you write a
singular noun instead of a plural noun,
IELTS
READING TEST
What to expect?
Format
• The reading module takes one hour to content is a little different.
complete. • or both modules:
• At the end there is no e tra time to transfer • There are 3 sections with a total of 40
answers to the answer sheet. questions in all.
• The reading module is not the same for the • Each section has one or more of the
Academic and General Training versions of various task types.
the test. • All the instructions are printed on the
• Task types are the same for Academic and question booklet.
General Training but the test format and
Marking
• or both modules: writing counts as a wrong answer.
• A mark is given for each correct answer. • Answer the questions as you read and
• Spelling is important. A spelling mistake transfer to the answer sheet immediately.
counts as a wrong answer. •IELTS accepts both American and British
• Grammar is important: e.g. writing a English spelling but be consistent.
singular instead of a plural noun counts • A hyphenated word (e.g. absent-minded,
as a wrong answer. flow-chart) counts as one word.
• Write answers clearly. Illegible hand
:
Reading Strategies Overview:
• Before you start, quickly look through the one or 1 1/2 minutes at the most per question. If
whole test so you know what to e pect. you don t have an answer, guess, and move
• Time management is e tremely important do on. Write your answers directly onto the
not spend more than the recommended time answer sheet no e tra time is given for this.
( 0 minutes) on each passage. Limit yourself to
• ead carefully to make sure that the choice • Scan the te t to find the specific information
you have made is the right answer. required to answer the question.
• Skim the passage to get an idea of what it is • ead carefully to make sure this is the right
about. answer.
EA I G TAS TY ES
Reading Task Types
Task Type: Short-Answer uestions
• Answer questions which relate to factual • umbers can be written as figures or words
information and detail. (e.g. 00 or two hundred ).
• Write answers in words or numbers on the • A hyphenated word counts as one word (e.g.
answer sheet. other-in-law one word).
• se only words from the te t. • The questions are in the same order as the
• ead instructions carefully to find out how information in the te t.
many words/numbers to use.
• Given word limit no mark is awarded.
Scanning
or short-answer questions you need to scan The answer to wh-type questions are often
for facts and details. This means read every numbers or proper nouns (starting with capital
word but moving your eyes quickly over the letter) so they should be relatively easy to
te t ust looking for the relevant fact or details. find. ead the questions first so you know
You don t need to understand every word what to look for ( Is it a number A place A
ust enough to answer the question. name etc.)
IELTS
WRITING TEST
What to expect?
Format Format
• The writing module takes one hour to Task 2.
complete. • The tasks are different for the Academic and
• The format is the same for both the General Training versions of the test, as
Academic and General Training modules. outlined in the table below.
• There are tasks to complete: Task 1
Task 1
Letter Report
(1 0 Words)
Marking
• You are marked on 4 criteria. • oherence and cohesion
• Task achievement (Task 1) task • Le ical resource
response (Task ) • Grammatical range and accuracy.
Tips:
IELTS
SPEAKING TEST
What to expect?
Format
• The Speaking module lasts for 11 14 The Academic General Training versions of
minutes, and consists of an introduction the test.
section plus three parts. • The linguistic challenge of the test increases
• The speaking module is the same for both with each part.
2 or 3 unrelated, short,
simple conversations about
art 1 - Interview 3. - 4. mins your personal preferences
or e perience
1 minute of preparation time
1 minute talk on a topic
art - Long Turn 3 - 4 mins which draws on your
personal e perience
There may be one or two
follow-up questions
Marking
• You are marked on four criteria • Grammar
• luency and coherence • ronunciation.
• Le ical resource (vocabulary
Tips
• Before the test starts, the e aminer records stops you from making a long answer during
a brief introduction, including the date, the the introduction section. This part is intended
location of the test, your name, and his / her to be a brief settling down time, and it is not
name. the time to give a long talk.
• se this opportunity to rela and get used to • emember, this test is a conversation. It is
the e aminer s voice and diction. acceptable to use an informal speaking
• Give brief replies to the introduction and I style. You do not have to give formal
check questions. replies to all the question
• o not get upset or worried if the e aminer
10
11
Bedside Table
Construction:
wood
Colour: 1 ………………..
rawers: two (in each table)
andles made of 2 ………………..
eight: 3 …………….. cm
Condition: 4 ………………..
Price: 5 ………………..
(for both)
Questions 6–10
Complete the notes below.
Write ET A EW A
A BE for each answer.
Dressing Table
12
Questions 19 and 20
hoose TW letters, A E. Submit heck e-mail for
Which TW services are covered by the 26 ..................... 27 .....................
membership fee of submission
A personal training
B swim squads
child-minding
D programme design
E tennis lessons 28 .....................
Listening Section 3
Questions 21 - 30 Conditional
Acceptance or
acceptance or
Questions 21–25 29 .....................
evise esubmit
Complete the notes below.
13
13
Write ET A EW A Problems:
A BE for each answer. • Erosion
• 37 from various sources,
If soil is healthy, it is a 31 ………………… including chemical fertilisers
teeming with life such as worms, fungi and
bacteria. If plants are grown in poor soil, they
will lack 32 ………………… and human health Farming Methods :
will suffer. Plants are nourished by organic
matter, 33 ………………… and other essential
elements which are broken down by insects
and other organisms in a synergistic Conventional Organic
relationship.
onoculture rop rotation
Synthetic fertilis overing crops
Questions 34–36 er chemicals se of insects as
Label the diagram below. used natural
for 38 40 .....................
..................... Addition of
Write E T A TW W S for each Genetically- manure green
answer. modified seeds waste
esticide
Layers of Soil fungicide sprayed
on
crops after picking
o need for
ecomposing rganic atter documentation of
36 .............................. 39.....................
Eluviation
35 ..............................
Regolith
34 ..............................
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IELT 15
15 IELTS Essential Guide
16
Questions 10–13
Complete the summary below.
Shark Attack
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17 IELTS Essential Guide
18
after three failed bids from its provincial cities, championships in each discipline. ost of
that only London stood any real chance at these events are already held on non- lympic
winning), the improvement of public transport, years anyway the International Association of
roads and communication links tends to Athletics ederations, for e ample, has run a
concentrate in places already well-equipped biennial World Athletics Championship since
with world-class infrastructures. erpetually 1983 after members decided that using the
by-passing minor cities creates a cycle of Olympics for their championship was no longer
disenfranchisement: these cities never get an sufficient. Events of this nature keep
in ection of capital, they fail to become first-rate world-class competition alive without requiring
candidates, and they are constantly passed lympic-si ed e penses.
over in favour of more secure choices.
inally, there is no guarantee that an lympics Questions 14–18
will be a popular success. The feel good Complete each sentence with the correct
factor that most proponents of Olympic bids ending, A–K, below.
e tol (and that was no doubt driving the 0 to
100 per cent approval rates of arisians and Write the correct letter, A , in bo es 14 1 on
Londoners for their cities respective 01 bids) your answer sheet.
can be an elusive phenomenon, and one that is
tied to that nation’s standing on the medal 14 Bids to become a host city
tables. This ephemeral thrill cannot compare to 15 Personal relationships and political tensions
the years of disruptive construction pro ects 16 Cost estimates for the Olympic Games
and security fears that go into preparing for an 17 urpose-built sporting venues
Olympic Games, nor the decades of debt 18 rban developments associated with the
repayment that follow (Greece s preparation for Olympics
Athens 2004 famously deterred tourists from
visiting the country due to widespread unease A. ften help smaller cities to develop basic
about congestion and disruption). infrastructure.
There are feasible alternatives to the bloat, B. Tend to occur in areas where they are least
e travagance and wasteful spending that needed.
comes with a modern Olympic Games. One C. equire profitable companies to be put out
option is to designate a permanent host city of business.
that would be re-designed or built from scratch D. Are often never used again once the Games
especially for the task. Another is to e tend the are over.
duration of the Olympics so that it becomes a E. Can take up to ten years to complete.
festival of several months. Local businesses F. Also satisfy needs of local citizens for
would en oy the e tra spending and congestion first-rate sports facilities.
would ease substantially as competitors and G. Are usually only successful when it is from a
spectators come and go according to their capital city.
specific interests. either the lympic ity H. Are closely related to how people feel
nor the e tended length options really get to the emotionally about the Olympics.
heart of the issue, however. Stripping away I. Are known for being very inaccurate.
ritual and decorum in favour of concentrating J. Often underlie the decisions of International
on athletic rivalry would be preferable. Olympic Committee members.
ailing that, the lympics could simply be K. Are holding back efforts to reform the
scrapped altogether. International competition Olympics.
could still be maintained through world
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19 IELTS Essential Guide
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21 IELTS Essential Guide
22
Original
Theory Principle
theorist
Question 40
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
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23 IELTS Essential Guide
Writing task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the proportion of four different materials that were recycled from 1982 to
2010 in a particular country.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
24
Writing task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these
are not taught, many are at risk of dying out.
In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival
of local languages and, if so, how?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
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25 IELTS Essential Guide
Speaking PART 2
26
37
37 IELTS Essential Guide
E ample Answer
Guest ame: Sandra ac ay Gallery 2 12 ............ 10 arch 10 a.m. to No
of the 21st 4 April 3 p.m. charge
ate of arrival: entury on, Wed,
1 ................. December
Date of departure: e hibition ri
2 ................. December
Room number: by students weekends
3 502 and .................
Room rate: 4 ................. Theatre 1 Shakespeare’s arch Daily at Adult
Deposit: 5 Paid ................. omeo 3 April 8 p.m. 13 .......
uliet Senior
• In name of: 6 Zoe .................
0
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Questions 19 and 20
Complete the sentences below. Jan’s comments Steve’s comments
Write EW LY for each answer.
27 ............................
19 ichael s father went ..................... to work.
Getting consent could Not legal in Europe to
20 ichael s ..................... was also a singer, be the main make money from
and was an inspiration for him. 28 ................... using someone’s
in the presentation private details without
Listening Section 3 their direct consent
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39 IELTS Essential Guide
Questions 36–40
Complete the summary below.
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR
A NUMBER for each answer.
40
41
41
42
43
43 IELTS Essential Guide
including his romance with a rench actress evolution, a necessary path that allowed him to
and some musical partnerships that ruptured release his full musical potential.
as a result of creative disputes. avis was also
frustrated by his perception that he had been Questions 20–26
overlooked by the music critics, who were Do the following statements agree with the
hailing the success of his collaborators and views of the writer in Reading Passage 2?
descendants in the cool tradition, such as In bo es 0 on your answer sheet, write
Gerry ulligan and ave Brubeck, but who YES - if the statement agrees with the views of
afforded him little credit for introducing the cool the writer
sound in the first place. - if the statement contradicts the views of
the writer
E T GI E - if it is impossible to say what the
In the latter decades of his career, avis broke writer thinks about this
out of e clusive a settings and began to 20. avis trumpet teacher wanted him to play
diversify his output across a range of musical with vibrato.
styles. In the 1960s, he was influenced by early 21. According to avis, studying at ulliard
funk performers such as Sly and the amily helped him to improve his musical abilities.
Stone, which then e panded into the a -rock 22. laying in a clubs in ew York was the
fusion genre of which he was a frontrunner best way to become famous.
in the 1970s. Electronic recording effects and 23. The Birth of Cool featured music that was
electric instruments were incorporated into his faster and louder than most jazz at the
sound. By the 1 0s, avis was pushing the time.
boundaries further, covering pop anthems such 24. avis personal troubles had a negative
as yndi Lauper s Time After Time and ichael effect on his trumpet playing.
ackson s uman ature, dabbling in hip hop, 25. avis felt that his contribution to cool a
and even appearing in some movies. had not been acknowledged.
26. avis was a traditionalist who wanted to
F keep the jazz sound pure.
ot everyone was supportive of avis change
of tune. Compared to the recordings of his
early career, universally applauded as Reading Passage 3
linchpins of the a oeuvre, trumpeter
Wynston arsalis derided his fusion work as You should spend about 0 minutes on
being not true a , and pianist Bill Evans uestions 40, which are based on eading
denounced the corrupting influence of record Passage 3 below.
companies, noting that rock and pop draw A
wider audiences’. In the face of this criticism In the early days of mountaineering, questions
avis remained defiant, commenting that his of safety, standards of practice, and
earlier recordings were part of a moment in environmental impact were not widely
time that he had no feel for any more. e considered. The sport gained traction following
firmly believed that remaining stylistically inert the successful 1 ascent of ont Blanc, the
would have hampered his ability to develop highest peak in Western Europe, by two
new ways of producing music. rom this rench mountaineers, acques Balmat and
perspective, avis continual revamping of ichel-Gabriel accard. This event
genre was not merely a rebellion, but an established the beginning of modern
44
mountaineering, but the sole consideration over trodden an untrodden mountain top.’
the next hundred years was the success or
failure of climbers in reaching the summit and D
claiming the prestige of having made the first Climbing purists aside, it was not until the
ascent. 1970s that the general tide began to turn
against bolting and pitons. The USA, and much
B of the western world, was waking up to the
Toward the end of the nineteenth century, damage it had been causing to the planet, and
however, developments in technology spurred environmentalist campaigns and new
debate regarding climbing practices. Of government policies were becoming
particular concern in this era was the widespread. This new awareness and
introduction of pitons (metal spikes that sensitivity to environmental issues spilled over
climbers hammer into the rock face for into the rock climbing community. As a result, a
leverage) and the use of belaying 2 techniques. stripped- down style of rock climbing known as
A few, such as Italian climber Guido Ray, ‘clean climbing’ became widely adopted. Clean
supported these methods as ways to render climbing helped preserve rock faces and,
climbing less burdensome and more ‘acrobatic’. compared with older approaches, it was much
Others felt that they were only of value as a simpler to practise. This was partly due to the
safety net if all else failed. Austrian Paul Preuss hallmark of clean climbing – the use of nuts –
went so far as to eschew all artificial aids, which were favoured over bolts because they
scaling astonishing heights using only his shoes could be placed into the rock wall with one
and his bare hands. Albert Mummery, a well hand while climbers maintained their grip on
known British mountaineer and author who the rock with the other.
climbed the European Alps, and, more
famously, the Himalayas, where he died at the E
age of 39 attempting a notoriously difficult Not everyone embraced the clean climbing
ascent, developed the notion of ‘fair means’ as a movement, however. A decade later, debates
kind of informal protocol by which the use of over two more developments were erupting.
‘walk-through’ guidebooks and equipment such The first related to the practice of chipping, in
as ladders and grappling hooks were which climbers chip away pieces of rock in
discouraged. order to create tiny cracks in which to insert
their fingers. The other major point of
C contention was a process that involves setting
By the 1940s, bolts had begun to replace pitons bolts in reverse from the top of the climb down.
as the climber’s choice of equipment, and Rappel bolting makes almost any rock face
criticism surrounding their use was no less climbable with relative ease, and as a result of
fierce. In 1948, when two American climbers this new technique, the sport has lost much of
scaled Mount Brussels in the Canadian Rockies its risk factor and sense of pioneering spirit;
using a small number of pitons and bolts, indeed, it has become more about muscle
climber Frank Smythe wrote of their efforts: ‘I power and technical mastery than a
still regard Mount Brussels as unclimbed, and psychological trial of fearlessness under
my feelings are no different from those I should pressure. Because of this shift in focus, many
have were I to hear that a helicopter had amateur climbers have flocked to indoor
deposited its passenger on the summit of that climbing gyms, where the risk of serious harm
mountain just so that he could boast that he had is negligible.
2
Fastening or controlling of a climber’s rope by wrapping it around a metal device or another person
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45 IELTS Essential Guide
46
1940s
ew equipment becomes controversial. rank
Smythe says that t Brussels is effectively
35 .................... because of the techniques that
were used in order to scale the mountain.
1970s
36 .................... is more environmentally
friendly. 37 .................... are introduced as a
climbing aid.
uestion 40
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
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47 IELTS Essential Guide
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph shows the percentage of male and female academic staff members across the faculties
of a ma or university in 01 .
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant.
48
Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many
countries around the world.
Why is this?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
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49 IELTS Essential Guide
Speaking PART 2
Talk about someone you know who takes
good photos.
you should talk about:
- Who he she is
- What he she takes photos of
- What he she does with his her photos
nd e plain why you think he she is a good
photographer.
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61 IELTS Essential Guide
Listening Section 1
Locations
Questions 1–10
Complete the form below. A on washing machine
Write E T A TW W S B in hallway cupboard
A A BE for each answer C in hot water cupboard
D ne t to back door
NEW PASSWORD E in bathroom
F on top of television
G in bedroom
E ample H under kitchen sink
Call taken by: Natasha I above front door
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63 IELTS Essential Guide
1 The Commonwealth is an international association consisting of the UK together with states that were previously part of the British Empire and dependencies.
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deadlines or achieve their goals. But there are more cunning twists on the human psyche.
other costs too. In shifting burdens of One such approach was developed by the
responsibility onto others and reneging on their crime writer Raymond Chandler, who built his
promises, procrastinators undermine strategy on a basic yet critical observation:
relationships both in the workplace and in their procrastinators rarely sit about completely
private lives, all of which takes a toll on their inactively, but rather tend to engage them-
well-being. In one study, over the course of a selves in useful but less pressing tasks: vacu-
semester, procrastinating university students uming behind the bed, cleaning out the fridge,
were noted to be suffering from notably weaker washing the windows and so on. The result is
immune systems, more gastrointestinal that they ‘cheat’ themselves into experiencing
problems, and higher occurrences of insomnia feelings of productivity and satisfaction that
than their non-procrastinating peers. offer further distraction from the original project.
Is there hope for procrastinators? Everyone Chandler’s method, which he successfully used
admits it’s a difficult demon to beat, but a few to help himself write detective stories, involves
self-styled procrastination coaches have setting aside a period of time in which the
developed strategies to that end. Although procrastinator may do one of two things:
evidence for their efficacy is largely anecdotal absolutely nothing or work on the project that
at this stage, some of these strategies at least he or she wishes to complete. Sitting still,
offer promising avenues for future research. without the satisfaction of busying himself with
Career counsellor Amy Sykes focuses on the less urgent tasks, Chandler slowly felt the itch
basics. Firstly, she says, embrace peer of tedious monotony sink in. Within five or ten
pressure. Many weight loss and self-help minutes, this itch had become intolerable, and
groups encourage individuals to hold he felt compelled to begin writing his stories.
themselves accountable to a wider circle of Another procrastinator, professor of philosophy
their peers, and Sykes believes this social John Perry, developed his strategy against
safety net can be harnessed just as procrastination based on essentially the same
successfully by procrastinators. A change in insight as Chandler’s – that procrastinators are
perspective is also considered vital. ‘When we actually quite good at doing ‘marginally useful’
want people to do something for us, we really tasks, just not the tasks they really ought to be
sell it to them,’ Sykes observes. ‘But when we doing. He thus surmised that the enemy of
need to do it ourselves, we focus on all the successful task completion is not, in fact, that
reasons we don’t want to.’ Instead, she argues, great engine of productive activity –
we should pique our own interest and find ways procrastination itself – but rather how we order
to make our important projects more attractive our projects in the hierarchy of urgency. If a
– by turning them into little competitions or procrastinator needs to finish an assignment
fact-finding missions, for example. If all else before 8 o’clock the following morning, for
fails, Sykes believes we must recompense instance, he is likely to find himself sharpening
ourselves for our troubles, ideally with little pencils instead. ‘But if all the procrastinator had
treats upon finishing a task. ‘It doesn’t need to left to do was to sharpen some pencils,’ Perry
be big,’ she says. ‘Pancakes, a hot bath, or an observes, ‘no force on earth could get him to do
episode of your favourite television show could it.’ The key to this approach is to rank one’s
all do the trick.’ priorities, then bump the most urgent tasks a
Though these tips may be a little too garden little further down and place at the top some
variety 1 for some, others have thought up
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earth armed with nothing but spears and stone flight mechanism functions most helpfully as a
tools. We now buy our meat from the response to something that can cause bodily
supermarket rather than stalking it through the harm, such as a falling tree or a wild animal,
ungle houses and high-rises shelter us at rather than in response to a fulminating boss, a
night instead of caves. But despite these traffic jam, or a spouse who has not returned a
changes, some very basic responses linger on. phone call. During these instances of mental
The short, sharp feeling of heightened distress, the physical manifestations of fight or
awareness that sweeps through us when a flight, such as an inability to think rationally and
stranger passes in a dark alley is no different, calmly, can actually e acerbate the problem.
physiologically speaking, from the sensation A similar case of an evolutionary development
our ancestors e perienced when they were overstaying its welcome is the e ample of
walking through the bushes and heard a dry mind chatter . ind chatter is the ceaseless
twig snap nearby. It s called the fight or flight train of scattered thoughts and self-talk that
response, and it helps us to identify dangerous occupies our mind, ensuring we are always
situations and act decisively by, as the name switched on , searching for danger and
suggests, mustering our strength for a threats. This would have been a boon for a
confrontation or running away as fast we can. solitary caveman on a three-hour hunting
This shift to survival mode is often popularly e pedition, but in a modern world already
described as a sudden unease, a sense that a overloaded with sensory input, it causes us to
situation is off or not right . owever, the fret about non-e istent predicaments and
sense is actually the outcome of an incredibly occasionally needlessly triggers the fight or
comple mind-body process which involves the flight response.
brain s fear centre , the hypothalamus, These twin forces, mind chatter and the fight or
advising the sympathetic nervous system and flight response, have combined to wreak havoc
the adrenal-cortical system to work, at first on the modern psyche and have led to a spike
separately, and then together, to blend a potent in what some studies have suggested is a
mi of hormones and chemicals and secrete cause of up to eighty per cent of all illness
them into the bloodstream. Our heartbeat rises, today: stress. Stress, erroneously considered
along with our respiratory rate. Skin feels cold by many to be a mere feeling, is actually a
(hence the shiver down the spine) as blood physiological condition resulting from a
supply is redirected to the larger muscles cumulative accrual of certain hormones in the
required for a physical confrontation or a hasty body, hormones that can help us in quick,
retreat. The ability to concentrate on issues of sharp doses, but which are to ic if they are not
minor importance also suffers, as the brain properly metabolised. etabolism of these
tends to prioritise big picture thinking at this potentially to ic hormones relies on physical
time. e ertion, which originally evolved as part of the
Without this instinctive response, the human fight or flight process hormone release was
race would never have survived, but at present usually followed by physical e ertion (fighting
it is often more of a hindrance than a help. or running), which returned the body to a state
Although instances of physical threats have of balance. In present day encounters,
decreased over the years, activation of the fight however, the vital element of physical e ertion
or flight response has actually increased, is missing: a resentful employee cannot punch
largely in response to mental frustrations. This his co-worker, for e ample, and a frustrated
poses a problem, however, because the fight or driver is unable to simply ram his way through
a packed intersection.
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What can be done to restore the balance organs. Although this 32 .................... was
Stress researcher eil . eimarck, perhaps once essential to human survival, it now occurs
not surprisingly, recommends physical as a result of perceived rather than actual
e ercise as one useful strategy. ortunately, threat.
the brain is not clever enough to realise that
this e ercise is completely unrelated to the A plan B strengths C substances
original stress stimulus, and in this way we can D strangers E warmth F mi tures
effectively fool our bodies into metabolising G instincts H threats I powers
stress hormones by punching a bo ing bag J system K an iety L pressure
instead of the person who annoyed us in the M drop N problems O rise
first place. Another option is the rela ation
response , discovered by arvard cardiologist Questions 33–36
erbert Benson. Benson found that certain Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
behaviours, such as deep breathing, Write the correct letter in bo es 33 3 on your
meditation, and the repetition of simple, answer sheet.
affirmative phrases, acted as an antidote to
mind chatter and the fight or flight responses, 33 When the fight or flight response is
calming the nervous system and inducing a activated, it is difficult to
rela ed state of mind and body instead. A increase breathing speed
Integrating these methods into our lives will be B focus on small problems
important if the cycle of stress accumulation C maintain body temperature
that is so endemic in modern D run for long periods of time
Western society is to be stopped.
34 The fight or flight response is less useful
Passage 3 today because modern individuals
Questions 27–32 A encounter fewer physical threats
Complete the summary using the list of words, B can easily manage small daily difficulties
A , below. C are better at creative problem solving
Write the correct letter, A , in bo es 3 on D do not need to hunt dangerous animals
your answer sheet.
35 ne disadvantage of mind chatter is that
THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE people may
odern man still has the 27 .................... that A talk too much and miss important
were needed in his distant past in the jungle. information
ne of these, the fight or flight response , B spend too much time by themselves
originally assisted humans to recognise C become distracted from real threats
28 .................... and take action. Today, this D worry about problems that are not real
same response manifests itself mostly as
nothing more than a feeling of 29 ..................... 36 The writer suggests stress is increasing
It is the result of the hypothalamus producing because of
and releasing 30 .................... into the blood, A a lack of physical release
with subsequent rises in heart rate and B an increase in the number of threats
breathing, and the sensation of a 31 C more health problems
................... in temperature as the blood is D the loss of some hormones
diverted to other
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Questions 37–40
Do the following statements agree with the
views of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
In bo es 3 40 on your answer sheet, write
YES - if the statement agrees with the views of
the writer
- if the statement contradicts the views of
the writer
T GI E - if it is impossible to say what the
writer thinks about this
37 Stress is an emotion.
70
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows how a solar powered water pump works.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
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71 IELTS Essential Guide
Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some
people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and
history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
72
Speaking PART 2
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77
77 IELTS Essential Guide
Questions 35–40
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each
answer.
Technique Procedure Comment
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concentrations and in some circumstances for all feverish children and teenagers.
salicylic acid creams can prove harmful, and
very occasionally, even fatal. Highly F
concentrated salicylic acid, particularly Salicylic acid has many uses for humans and
concentrations used for wart, corn or callus other animals, but several species of flora, too,
removal, can cause chemical burns if applied rely on its benefits. It seems to protect against
to skin for long periods of time. fungicidal and bacterial infections by acting as
Hyper-pigmentation – a blotchy discolouration a signal for pathogenic invasion. It also acts as
of skin tone – may also result in users who a kind of therapeutic agent by playing a role in
have darker skin and those who follow plant responses to abiotic, or external,
application with excessive exposure to stresses, such as in situations of drought,
ultraviolet light. Most over-the-counter facial excessive cold or heat and heavy metal
lotions are limited to a relatively mild 2–3% toxicity.
concentration for this reason.
G
D It is a naturally occurring substance in most
Salicylic acid also has a number of other less fruits, including berries, dates, raisins, kiwifruit,
widely known uses. Due to its antimicrobial olives and tomatoes. A few vegetables and also
properties, it is used in the formation of bismuth mushrooms and almonds have a strong
subsalicylate, the active ingredient in a number salicylic acid content. Some herbs and spices,
of popular remedies for upset stomachs and such as turmeric and curcumin, possess so
other intestinal problems. Some evidence much of the substance that, according to the
suggests that salicylic acid destroys Rowett Research Institute, a very spicy curry
E. coli bacteria and consequently reduces contains more salicylic acid than a dose of
symptoms of diarrhoea and gastrointestinal aspirin!
distress in many sufferers. Long-term use,
however, is discouraged because an H
accumulation of bismuth subsalicylate in the Some physicians recommend aspirin as a
body is toxic. continuous medication in low dosages to
provide a defence against heart attacks,
E strokes and blood clot formation in some
Salicylic acid in the form of aspirin tablets is patients. Early results from studies show it may
commonly used to reduce fever, aches and even be effective in warding off certain types of
pains and inflammation but when ingested, it cancer. However, it is not suggested that
can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach healthy people should start taking daily aspirin
irritation or bleeding and other undesirable side as a prophylactic measure, as there are
effects – an issue for many users of aspirin positive lifestyle changes that can be made
over the years. Children seem to be particularly instead: quitting smoking, consuming little or
sensitive, with epidemiological research no alcohol, and maintaining a normal weight by
demonstrating a connection between aspirin eating a wholesome diet and getting regular
use in children suffering from a viral illness and exercise. These adjustments to lifestyle may
a damaging, and potentially fatal, condition not be effortless but in the long run are
known as Reye’s syndrome. As a result, the extremely beneficial. If symptoms of withdrawal
Food and Drug Administration has (from nicotine or caffeine, for example) are
recommended parents avoid the use of aspirin painful, you could take a couple of aspirin to
overcome the temporary discomfort.
80
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81 IELTS Essential Guide
a noted mathematician and astronomer, whose notes some more speculative, show an
legacy is continued in the naming of women’s awareness of computing potential that went
colleges around the world. Another tutor, beyond mere number crunching. Ada
logician Augustus De Morgan, informed Anne anticipated advances, such as computer
that her daughter had the potential to become generated music, which would not be fully
‘an original mathematical investigator, perhaps realised until a century and a half later. For
of first-rate eminence’. these contributions, Ada has been dubbed the
It was through Somerville, however, that Ada ‘first computer programmer’.
was introduced to the researcher who would Not everyone is convinced that Ada deserves
play the greatest role in shaping her this title, however. Some historians have
legacy: Charles Babbage. Babbage, a suggested that Ada functioned more as an
professor of mathematics at Cambridge, was editor or compiler rather than as a
widely known for having invented and mathematician in her own right. These critics
developed the Difference Engine, a calculating note that, although published under her name,
machine more advanced than any of its time. In the algorithms had been completed by
1834, Babbage wanted to develop another, Babbage several years earlier, and that her
even more sophisticated apparatus, an correspondence with Babbage indicates that
Analytical Engine. Although he enjoyed great Ada relied a great deal on his guidance and
prestige, being a founder of the Astronomical authority in composing her appendices, while
Society, and a member of international making only minor corrections herself. Other
organisations including the American Academy historians defend her role. According to
of Arts and Sciences, his sponsors were Benjamin Woolley, biographer, Ada’s great
reluctant to support his Analytical Engine contribution lies in her discussion of the
project, and for some time it appeared as if implications of Babbage’s work and her
Babbage’s intentions would never be fulfilled. conceptual vision of what computing might
Assistance eventually came from the Italian become. In accomplishing this, Woolley
mathematician Luigi Menabrea, who produced suggests, Ada ‘rose above the technical
a memoir documenting the Analytical Engine. minutiae of Babbage's extraordinary invention’
The memoir was published in French, however, and revealed its ‘true grandeur’. For his part,
and Babbage recruited Ada to help make it Babbage always insisted that Ada’s work, while
accessible to an English-speaking audience. the product of an extensive dialogue between
Over a nine-month period during 1842–1843, them, was entirely her own.
Ada devoted herself to completing the work, Disputes aside, Ada’s legacy in both computing
eventually producing not only an English and the wider popular imagination is now firmly
version of Menabrea’s work, but a set of established. The British Computer Society now
appendices longer than the original document awards a medal bearing her name, and the
itself. In these appendices, Ada wrote a United States Department of Defence has
detailed account, in Section G, of how a named a computer language, Ada, in her
sequence of Bernoulli numbers 6 could be honour. In addition, a number of organisations,
calculated using the Analytical Engine. inspired by the example she set, also exist to
Although the Engine was never built, foster the development of women in the fields
retrospective studies have concluded that of computing, science and technology.
Ada’s calculations would have been correct
had the Engine existed at the time. In addition
to her mathematical accuracy, Ada’s other
6
Bernoulli numbers (named after Swiss mathematician Jakob Bernoulli) are the sequence of rational numbers; extremely important in number theory and analysis
and the subject of the first computer program.
82
Questions 20–24
Fill in the gaps in these sentences using NO HAAST’S EAGLE
MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the ‘Tiger of the skies’
passage.
Write your answers in bo es 0 4 on your A
answer sheet. As a result of being separated for tens of
millions of years from other mainland
20 Babbage did not receive any help for his ecosystems such as Australia or continental
Analytical Engine from ..................... Asia, the biota of ew ealand evolved to
21 Ada translated enabrea s work and include some of the most unique plants and
created a .................... for him. animals on earth. ntil the arrival of humans
22 Long before its time, Ada predicted the and their associated introduced species, such
development of .................... . as rats and dogs, New Zealand was not home
23 Ada’s .................... suggests that the work to a single ground mammal, and this
she did for enabrea was not completely encouraged bird-life to prevail. Another
original. common feature of island ecosystems,
24 Ada’s biographer felt that she had a whereby some species significantly outgrow
.................... of the future of computer their mainland relatives, also occurred in
science. ew ealand. rom these twin forces the
dominance of birds, and the tendency toward
Questions 25–26 larger body si es in island ecosystems
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. emerged one of the most formidable flying
Write the correct letter in bo es and on predators known on earth: the aast s eagle.
your answer sheet.
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83 IELTS Essential Guide
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85 IELTS Essential Guide
86
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The pie chart below shows where energy is used in a typical Australian household,
and the table shows the amount of electricity used according to the number of
occupants. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant.
1 5,000 – 6,500
2 6,000 – 8,000
3 7,500 – 10,000
Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Most people accept that we now live in a globalised world but not everyone agrees
that this is beneficial.
To what extent is globalisation a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
88
Speaking PART 2
Talk about someone you met who was
interesting.
You should talk about:
- Where he/she was
- who he/she was
- what you did together
And explain why you think this person was
interesting.
Section 1 Section 4
1 Cream 31 Living entity
2 Brass 32 Nutrients
3 65 / sixty-five 33 Minerals
4 Perfect 34 Bedrock
5 £30 / 30 pounds / thirty pounds 35 Subsoil
6 Deep 36 Topsoil
7 1.25 metres / 1.25 m 37 Pollution
8 Adjustable 38 Pest control
9 £50 / 50 pounds / fifty pounds 39 Production practices
10 Domain 40 Predators
Section 2
11 H
12 C
13 J
14 F
15 B
16 I
17 A
18 A
19 & 20 D or E (in either order)
Section 3
21 Abstract
22 Key words / keywords
23 Final draft
24 Style guide
25 Copyright form
26 (The) manuscript
27 Confirmation
28 Peer review
29 Rejection
30 Cover letter
92
Section 1 33 FALSE
1 C 34 past-actions
2 G 35 nconsistencies
3 B 36 Hugh Everett
4 A 37 lternative path-way
5 H 38 Non-existence theory
6 D 39 historical identity
7 Respiratory movements/signals 40 C
8 Tail
9 Electric currents
10 Olfactory organs
11 Electric signals
12 Sinewy muscle
13 Electric field
Section 2
14 E
15 J
16 I
17 D
18 B
19 TRUE
20 NOT GIVEN
21 FALSE
22 TRUE
23 NOT GIVEN
24 TRUE
25 TRUE
26 & 27 A or C (in either order)
Section 3
28 FALSE
29 TRUE
30 NOT GIVEN
31 TRUE
32 TRUE
Task 1
The chart shows the percentages of paper and cardboard, glass containers, aluminium cans and
plastics that were recycled in one country between 1982 and 2010.
In 1982, about 65% of paper and cardboard was recycled. This figure fluctuated before rising steep-
ly to reach a peak of 80% in 1994. From then on, however, it decreased steadily to a level of 70% in
2010. In 1982, half of all glass containers were recycled; after dipping to a low of 40% in 1990, the
glass recycling rate gradually increased to 60% by 2010.
Aluminium cans were first recycled in 1986, starting at about 5%, but this figure climbed rapidly over
25 years and by 2010 it had reached 45%. Recycling of plastics, on the other hand, was not intro-
duced until 1990 and, although the growth in this category was also constant, it was very slow, rising
from about 2% to around 8% over the period.
Overall, the proportion of paper and cardboard that was recycled was the highest of the four classes
of material, but this category experienced a decline after 1994, whereas there was a continuing
upward trend in the recycling of the other materials.
194 Words.
Task 2
English is a gateway to the world and no one should be deprived of the opportunities that arise for
those with a strong command of the English language. This does not mean that local languages are
dispensable, however. They have an important role to play in supporting education, including
English language education.
People who insist on prioritising local languages are often those who can speak fluent English them-
selves. Advocates of minority languages need to be fluent in English in order to research their field
and support the cause at international conferences. In doing so, however, they are also demonstrat-
ing why English is so important. Learning English allows people to gain knowledge, communicate
with society, further themselves as individuals and have a global impact. It is unfair to willingly
dispossess people of this ability in order to preserve tradition.
But this does not mean local languages can be forgotten or downplayed. People are more likely to
succeed – not just at learning English, but in employment and education generally – if they are
immersed in a community rich in history and tradition. Local dialects are a part of this tradition.
Efforts to regenerate and celebrate indigenous cultures in recent decades have demonstrated that
the preservation of local languages and the teaching of English are mutually-reinforcing develop-
ments. In this way, the local language serves as the bedrock for learning English, rather than being
an obstacle in need of removal. Local languages should be taught at school. Employment for those
who speak
94
285 Words
Section 3
21 Presentation/assignment
22 Digital privacy
23 Credit rating
24 Employees
25 Sales manager
26 (search) habits
27 Profitability/profits
28 Recommendation
29 Legal action
Section 1 30 H
1 C 31 B
2 F 32 G
3 E 33 A safety net
4 D 34 Albert Mummery
5 A 35 Unclimbed
6 Emmanuel Chabrier 36 Clean climbing
7 A black bodice 37 Nuts
8 An auditorium 38 Rappel bolting
9 A trapeze artist 39 Technical mastery
10 A private studio / Manet’s private studio 40 B
11 E
12 D
13 A
Section 2
14 viii
15 iii
16 i
17 ix
18 iv
19 vi
20 NO
21 YES
22 NOT GIVEN
23 NO
24 NOT GIVEN
25 YES
26 NO
Section 3
27 F
28 D
29 E
100
Task 1
The bar chart shows the proportion of men and women who taught in seven different faculties of a
particular university in 2012.
There was a large gender disparity in some faculties: engineering was dominated by male academ-
ics whereas education had the highest percentage of female academics. Notably, 85% of the
engineering teachers were male and only 15% female. Three quarters of the academic staff in
education were women, with just 25% males.
However, other faculties were more balanced in their composition. In medicine, gender
representation was almost equal, while in arts subjects slightly more than half the academics were
female (55%). It is interesting to note that business and science had the same proportions of men
and women, with 65% male to 35% female academics in those faculties. Law had a slightly higher
percentage of women at 40%.
Although the faculties of engineering, business, science and law were still primarily male- dominat-
ed in 2012, women made up half the faculty of medicine and were predominant in education and
arts.
160 Words
Task 2
Solar power as a source of domestic household energy is becoming more desirable because many
individuals and governments are concerned that burning fossil fuels adds carbon to the atmosphere
and thus accelerates global warming and climate change. Others feel that nuclear power is poten-
tially unsafe, and do not like its associated pollution from radioactive waste. Therefore, many
researchers and consumers have looked at alternative sources of energy and have found that solar
power has many benefits and few drawbacks.
The main advantage of solar energy is that after the initial installation, it is entirely free and renew-
able, and there are no extra costs involved in producing the energy. Solar energy is silent and envi-
ronmentally friendly as well - it does not destroy or poison the eco-system. This is because the raw
material; sunshine, does not need to be extracted or refined, so there are no pollutants or toxic resi-
due produced. Another major advantage is that it is produced where it is needed so there is no
energy wasted on transport. This decentralisation of the power source not only leads to savings on
transmission, but also to more self-reliant communities – the ability to produce their own power is a
significant advantage for remote populations.
There are also employment opportunities in the design and development, manufacture, installation
and maintenance of the new technology for solar panels, which are consequently becoming less
expensive, more available and much more efficient.
The greatest drawback of solar power is that it is totally reliant on sunlight, which is not always
constant. In fact, there are some regions where it may not be practicable, as it does not work at
night. Power from daytime sunshine must be stored in large batteries. In addition, the panels tend
to be big and cumbersome. A major drawback for some is that the initial purchase and installation of
the equipment is costly.
In my view, the benefits of a clean, quiet, renewable, eco-friendly source of energy far outweigh the
drawbacks, provided that there is sufficient sunlight available to make this source of power feasible.
343 Words
102
Section 1 Section 4
1 Simmons 31 Interventions
2 Ocean Drive 32 Policies
3 Unlimited 33 Housing
4 24 Months 34 Statistics
5 White 35 Evaluate
6 ( ) goldfish 36 Cooperate
7 30 June 37 Economic
8 Modem 38 Critical
9 Home phone 39 Gender
10 Security 40 icro-credit
Section 2
11 D
12 B
13 H
14 A
15 C
16 G
17 Tourists
18 Monday(s)
19 Happy Dragon
20 3231190
Section 3
21 B
22 C
23 A
24 B
25 A
26 Documents
27 Shortlist
28 Tailor
29 Call
30 Ask questions
106
Section 1 30 C
1 TRUE 31 M
2 NOT GIVEN 32 J
3 FALSE 33 B
4 FALSE 34 A
5 NOT GIVEN 35 D
6 TRUE 36 A
7 A young age 37 NO
8 The ruling monarch 38 NOT GIVEN
9 A nominations system 39 NO
10 An advisory panel 40 YES
11 B
12 C
13 F
Section 2
14 FALSE
15 TRUE
16 NOT GIVEN
17 TRUE
18 FALSE
19 B
20 A
21 C
22 A
23 C
24 B
25 A
26 B
Section 3
27 G
28 H
29 K
Task 1
The diagram demonstrates how a solar powered water pump is used to supply water for a village.
There are three main components to the system: a solar panel, an underground bore or well with a
water pump inside it, and a tank for holding the water after it has been pumped up from the
underground source.
The first part of the process involves collecting sunlight to power the pump. A solar panel consisting
of photo-voltaic cells is mounted, facing the sun, on a raised pole well above the ground. DC elec-
tricity is collected when the panel is exposed to sunlight. This DC current travels from the panel to
power a water pump, which is suspended below the water level inside an underground well or bore.
The DC power is used to pump water from the well into an outlet pipe which runs from the pump up
the well through the bore cap and into the top of a water tank which is situated on the ground nearby.
The water then runs in a pipe to a village, where it provides fresh water to the residents.
186 Words.
Task 2
Students spend a great deal of time and money on tertiary study; therefore, vocational subjects
would be a better investment in terms of immediate job opportunities. However, not everyone has
an aptitude for science, engineering or medicine, and there is a need for graduates with expertise
gained from arts courses.
In subjects such as philosophy, students learn a valuable set of skills. They become active thinkers
who learn how to solve problems, rather than passive learners who memorise facts and other peo-
ple’s ideas. Philosophy students become proficient at critical and moral thinking, argumentation and
debate. The ability to examine and analyse topical issues or challenge the status quo is very import-
ant. After all, someone needs to question the results or indeed the usefulness of scientific research,
the politician’s assertions, and historical events and assumptions in general. What is more, scan-
dals in business and government emphasise the need for ethics in the corporate and public domain.
The sciences and business are clearly very important for our community, and those who have talent
should, of course, pursue a university degree and a career in those fields. If, however, they also
have training in logic and analytical thinking or a broad general knowledge from studying arts sub-
jects, they are more likely to be able to solve problems, create initiatives, identify bias and avoid
major pitfalls as they progress through their careers.
in short, I wholeheartedly disagree with the statement that arts subjects should not be taught. I
suggest that every student should have instruction in philosophy, history or other arts subjects, even
108
if they elect to major in the sciences, because learning critical thinking skills, and developing a wide
background knowledge, will benefit them enormously in later life. In addition to this general training,
we need specialist graduates in arts subjects to make their contribution to a well-rounded society.
307 Words.
Section 1 Section 4
31 ( he)wind
1 Country 32 ood source
2 ( our) Personal 33 Organisms
3 Business 34 est-resistance
4 School fees 35 Time-consuming
5 48 / forty eight 36 iological-control
6 Reference Number / reference number 37 Unpredictable
7 3/three days 38 Repel
8 $30/30 dollars/thirty dollars 39 Migrate
9 $10,000/ten thousand dollars 40 Profits
10 special code
Section 2
11 G
12 H
13 E
14 C
15 A
16 F
17 B
18 ublic transport/public transportation
19 Sites
20 Traffic lights
Section 3
21 Regulations
22 Chain of command
23 Status
24 Government
25 External relationships
26 Financial results
27 Satisfaction/Collaboration
28 Loyalty
29 Flexibility
30 Growth opportunities
110
Section 1 30 F
1 vii 31 A
2 ix 32 E
3 iii 33 B
4 ii 34 C
5 vi 35 C or E
6 x 36 C or E
7 iv 37 D
8 viii 38 A or C
9 E 39 A or C
10 G 40 D
11 C
12 D
13 A
Section 2
14 FALSE
15 TRUE
16 NOT GIVEN
17 TRUE
18 NOT GIVEN
19 NOT GIVEN
20 His sponsors
21 Set of appendices
22 Computer-generated music
23 Correspondence(with Babbage)
24 onceptual vision
25 C
26 B
Section 3
27 C
28 D
29 B
Task 1
The pie chart illustrates the proportion of energy consumed by different appliances in an average
Australian home. In general, the pie chart shows that temperature control, both for heating and cool-
ing, is the major user, followed by water heating, and the table shows that energy consumed per
capita drops as household size increases.
Heating and cooling devices account for almost 40% of total energy, and water heating consumes
a quarter of total household power. Other appliances, such as dishwashers, televisions and smaller
items, make up 16% of energy consumption. Slightly less than half that amount (7%) is used for
both refrigeration and lighting. Standby power comprises a remarkable 3% compared with stoves,
ovens and other cooking equipment that expend only 4% of household energy.
The table shows that a single person’s electricity usage is 5,000 to 6,500 Kw per annum, whereas
two people use a similar amount or not much more. A three-person Australian household typically
uses about the same as two people (6,000–8,000) or perhaps up to 10,000 Kw. Six people or more
living in the same house have only double the consumption of a two- person household.
In summary, all forms of heating and cooling – air temperature, water, refrigeration and cooking –
are major consumers of energy in Australian houses, and it is more economical to live in a larger
household.
222 Words.
Task 2
Globalisation is here to stay, driven by advances in information technology and resulting in
scientific, technological and economic progress and increased international trade and
investment. It has had wide-ranging positive and negative effects on employment and economic
development, scientific research, language and culture, and the environment.
One positive result of globalisation is the global distribution of labour. It is now much easier to
move to other countries to find work, and this leads to better employment prospects for
individuals and to more diverse workplaces. In addition, capital and industrial resources have
migrated to developing countries, thus providing local jobs and boosting local economies. It has
also resulted in greater contact between different cultures, as travel has become relatively safer
and less expensive than it used to be. Ease of communication has encouraged an
unprecedented level of global scientific research and cooperation, and a subsequent explosion
of knowledge and information.
A downside of this global economy is that when a catastrophe occurs, as in the recent global
112
financial crisis that started in the USA, it affects the whole world. Similarly, when a virus
emerges in one region of the world, it spreads rapidly, threatening worldwide health.
Globalisation affects culture and language, too; minority languages are dying out because of the
necessity of learning English for international business, and indigenous cultures are being
rejected in favour of a dominant, often USA-based, culture. Finally, levels of pollution are rising
as countries strive for economic growth and a competitive edge in the global market.
In conclusion, globalisation is a double-edged sword that has created jobs and promoted
international cooperation but has led to cultural losses, more environmental damage, increased
health risks and exposure to economic crises. However, our world will continue to shrink as
technology expands, and we need to accept globalisation as a fact of life in the 21st century.
307 Words.
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