This IELTS Reading post deals with a total solution package for IELTS Cambridge 10 Reading Test A. This is a targeted post for General Training candidates who have major difficulties in finding and understanding Reading Answers. This post can guide you the best to understand every Reading answer easily and without much difficulty. Finding IELTS Reading answers is a step-by-step process and I hope this post can help you in this respect.

IELTS Cambridge 10 Test A: GT Reading Module

Section 1:

Questions 1-7:

The headline of the passage: Smoke alarms in the home

Questions 1-7 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement contradicts with the account in the text- FALSE?
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 1: All new houses in Australia must have smoke alarms.

Keywords for this question: all new houses, must have, smoke alarms

The answer is in the first paragraph in lines 2-3. The writer says here, “Smoke alarms. . .. . in Australian homes and are required by the National Building Code in any recently built properties.” So, the lines clearly indicate that all recent properties must have smoke alarms according to the code or law.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 2: Photoelectric smoke alarms cost less than ionization smoke alarms.  

Keywords for this question: photoelectric, cost less than, ionization

The first few lines of the second paragraph give us the answer. Here, in lines 1-2, the author says, “There are two principal types of smoke alarms. Ionization alarms are the cheapest…. .”. Then, in line no. 5 we find the mention of photoelectric alarms. So, the given statement contradicts the information in the passage.

So, the answer is: FALSE                 

Question 3: It takes a short time to fit most smoke alarms.   

Keywords for this question: short time, fit,  

Paragraph no. 3 talks about how to install different smoke alarms by home owners. But it does not discuss how much time it needs to install smoke alarms.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

Question 4: Any hard-wired smoke alarm must be fitted by a specialist technician.  

Keywords for this question: hard-wired smoke alarm, must be, fitted, specialist

The answer is in paragraph 3, lines 2-4. The lines say, “. .. . For the installation of hard-wired smoke alarms, powered from the main electricity supply, however, you will need the services of a licensed professional.” This means hard-wired smoke alarms must be installed by an expert technician.

So, the answer is: TRUE                   

Question 5: You should get in touch with your local council before placing any ionization smoke alarms in household rubbish.   

Keywords for this question: get in touch, local council, before placing, ionization alarms, rubbish

The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer mentions, “… If you have fewer than ten ionization alarms to get rid of, you may put them in your domestic waste. If you have more than ten to dispose of, you should contact your local council.” These lines suggest that when disposing of more than ten ionization alarms, contacting the local council is necessary. But in the statement, it says ‘any ionization alarm’.

So, the answer is: FALSE     

Question 6: Smoke alarms give a warning sound to indicate that battery power is low.

Keywords for this question:  warning sound, indicate, power, low 

We can find the answer in paragraph no. 5. Here, in lines 1-2, the writer states, “Your battery-powered smoke alarm will produce a short beep every 60 second to alert you when the battery is running out and needs replacing.”

Here, the words beep and alert means warning sound.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7: Old smoke alarms need to be checked more than once a month.  

Keywords for this question:  Old smoke alarms, checked, more than once  

There is NO MENTION of old smoke alarms in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 8-14:

The headline of the passage: Sydney Opera House Tours

Questions 8-14 (Identifying information)

This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. This question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time if you are not very good at speed reading. You should always quickly read the first two lines or the last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.

Question 8: discounts available to younger visitors

Keywords for this question: discounts, younger visitors

To find the answer to this question, look for synonyms of the word discount. Can you guess some synonyms?
Here, are some synonyms of the word ‘discount’: reduction, concession,

Now, let’s have a look and see if we can find words like discount, reduction, concession etc. in the sections. Quickly go through the lines. In section B, we can find the word ‘discount’ in the last line. Now, we have to find if the discount is applicable for younger visitors. There is no such information. So, we need to look further.

In section C, we find the word ‘Concessions’ in line no. 4. Let’s see if the concession or discount is applicable for younger visitors.

“Concessions: Australian seniors and pensioners;

Students and children of 16 and under

$24.50.”

This means students and children (younger visitors) can get a discount.

So, the answer is: C

Question 9: the need for suitable footwear

Keywords for this question: footwear

The word ‘footwear’ means ‘shoes’ which can be found at the end of section E.

“Flat, rubber-soled shoes must be worn”

So, the answer is: E

Question 10: the opportunity to pretend you are taking part in a concert

Keywords for this question: pretend, taking part, concert

We can see the word ‘concert’ section D. Here, lines 5-8 say, “You might even get to stand on the concert hall stage, take up a conductor’s baton in the orchestra pit and imagine you are leading the performance.”

Here, ‘imagine you are leading the performance’ matches with ‘pretend you are taking part in a concert’.

So, the answer is: D

Question 11: a restriction on the number of participants  

Keywords for this question: restriction, number of participants

The word ‘restriction’ means ‘limitation’ or ‘limited’ which can be found in section E.

“To purchase: Bookings are essential.

Limited to 8 people per hour.”

This means the tour is restricted to only 8 people each time.

So, the answer is: E

Question 12: a reduction that applies to purchases using the internet 

Keywords for this question: reduction, internet

In section C, we find a price structure:

“Prices: Adults $35 / Online $29.75”

This means if any adult books online or on the internet, he/she gets $5.25 as discount or reduction

So the answer is: C

Question 13: the need to book your ticket in advance 

Keywords for this question: book ticket, in advance

In section E, there is a line which says, “Online sales expire at 4.30pm two days prior.”

Here, ‘prior’ means ‘earlier’. So, the booking needs to be made earlier or in advance.

So the answer is: E

Question 14: the length of one of the tours 

Keywords for this question: length

The word ‘length’ means ‘duration’. Only one section in this text includes the length or duration.

In section G, it is mentioned,
“Duration: 1.5 hours”

So the answer is: G

…………………………………………………………………………

Section 2:

The headline of the passage: Using Direct Mail to Sell Your Product

Questions 15-21: (Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum two words to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 15: Sales letters should be sent to the __________ in a company.

Keywords for this question: sales letters, sent to

The answer is in the second paragraph. Here, line no. 4 says, “.. . .. it is important to address the letter to the decision maker, …… ..”

Here, address the letter to = sent to

So, the answer is: decision maker

Question 16: You letter should make as much __________ as possible.

Keywords for this question: should make, as possible

The answer is in the third paragraph. Line no. 2 says, “. . .. you also need to gain the maximum impact from your sales letter.”

Here, need to gain maximum = make as much as

So, the answer is: impact

Question 17: The reader’s attention needs to be caught by the __________ of your letter.

Keywords for this question: attention, needs to be caught,

The answer remains in the first bullet point in the passage. In line no. 2 and 3, the writer says, “… The opening is crucial to attract their attention.”

Here, crucial to attract their attention = attention needs to be caught

So, the answer is: opening

Question 18: Letters should be sent in a __________.

Keywords for this question: should be sent in 

The answer remains in the second bullet point in the passage. In line no. 1 the writer says, “Try to send each mailing in a white envelope.”

So, the answer is: white envelope

Question 19: It is best to print the __________ in two or more colours.

Keywords for this question: best to print, two or more colours 

Bullet point three provides the answer to this question. Line no. 1 and 2 say, “Include a brochure. Depending on the volume and on whether you can afford the cost, try to use at least two-colour printing for this.” This means the brochure should be printed in two or more colours.

So, the answer is: brochure

Question 20: Consider sending a _________ as this is more effective than a picture.

Keywords for this question: consider, more effective than a picture 

Again, the answer is found in bullet point three. Here, line 3 says, “. .. .it may be worth enclosing a free sample – this is a much greater incentive than photographs.” (photographs = picture)

So, the answer is: (free) sample

Question 21: You should calculate the ______ to your letter.

Keywords for this question: calculate,  

In bullet point five, the writer says, “When you receive your replies, assess your response rate and monitor the sales.” Here, assess is synonymous to calculate.

So, the answer is: response rate

Questions 22-27:

The headline of the passage: Job Specification: Communications Manager

Questions 22-27: (Completing notes with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS to complete some notes on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 22: Summary of role: to improve IFCES’s _________ around the world

Keywords for this question: summary, improve, around the world  

In the Job Summary section, the answer is in the very first line. “To raise the international profile of IFCES.”

Here, to raise = to improve, international = around the world,

So, the answer is: profile

Question 23: writing for a number of ________ , produced for both IFCES and a wider readership

Keywords for this question: writing, both IFCES, wider readership

The answer can be found in the Key Responsibilities section. Here, bullet point no. 3 says, “Write and edit copy for publications intended for internal and external use… .. .”

Here, write = writing, internal = IFCES, external = wider readership,

So, the answer is: publications

Question 24: making sure the _________ contains current information

Keywords for this question: making sure, current, information, 

Again, the answer is in Key Responsibilities section, in bullet point no. 8. The writer says here, “Ensure website content is up to date and consistent.”

Here, ensure = making sure, content = information, up to date = current

So, the answer is: website

Question 25:

• high level skill in writing appropriately
• for the _________ to read

Keywords for this question: skill, writing, read,

The answer can be found in Employee Specification (Essential) section. Here, bullet point no. 3 Says, “Excellent copy writing skills with strong attention to detail, a keen sense of audience… . .”

Here, high level skill in writing = strong attention,

Keen sense of audience means that the writer must have a clear idea about the audience of the writings, that is the readers.

So, the answer is: audience

Question 26: to achieve a specific _________

Keywords for this answer: achieve, specific

This answer can also be found in Employee Specification (Essential) section. Here, bullet point no. 3 Says, “Excellent copy writing skills with strong attention to detail, a keen sense of audience and an ability to tailor writing to its particular purpose.”

Here, ability to tailor writing means guide writing to achieve, particular means specific

So, the answer is: purpose

Question 27: relevant qualification at a _______ level

Keywords for this answer: relevant qualification, level  

This answer can be found in Employee Specification (Desirable) section. Here, bullet point no. 1 Says, “Recognised post-graduate qualification in public relations / journalism / marketing communications.”

So, the answer is: post-graduate

……………………………………………………………………..

Section 3:

The headline of the passage: KAURI GUM – a piece of New Zealand’s history

Questions 28-33:  (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. This question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time if you are not very good in speed reading. You should always quickly read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.]

Question 28: an example of a domestic product made of high-quality gum

Keywords for this answer: domestic product, made of, high-quality,

The first line of section E gives us the clue for the answer. “The first major commercial use of kauri gum was in the manufacture of high-grade furniture varnish, a kind of … .. . .”

Here, manufacture = made of, domestic product = furniture varnish (furniture varnish is referred here as domestic product), high-quality = high-grade

So, the answer is: E

Question 29: factors affecting gum quality

Keywords for this answer: factors, affecting, quality

In section A, paragraph no. 3 gives us the answer. In lines 3-5 the writer says, “.. .. . This gum came in a bewildering variety of colours, degree of transparency and hardness, depending on the length and location of burial, as well as the health of the original tree and the area of bleeding. Highest quality gum was hard and bright and was usually found at shallow depth on the hills.”
Here, depending on = affecting,

The followings are the factors:

• length and location of burial
• the health of the original tree
• the area of bleeding
• usually found at shallow depth on the hills

So, the answer is: A

Question 30: how kauri gum is formed

Keywords for this answer: how, formed

In section A, paragraph no. 2 gives us the answer. In lines 1-4 the writer provides a detailed description on how the gum forms, “After running from rips or tears in the bark of trees, the sap hardens to form the lumps of gum which eventually fall to the ground and are buried under layers of forest litter. The bark often splits where branches fork from the trunk, and gum accumulates there also.”

So, the answer is: A

Question 31: how gum was gathered

Keywords for this answer: how, gathered

In section B, lines 3-4 provide us the answer. “In Maori and early European times up until 1850, most gum collected was simply picked up from the ground, but, after that, the majority was recovered by digging.”

All these 3 words, collected, picked up, recovered, are synonymous to gathered.

So, the answer is: B

Question 32: the main industrial uses of the gum  

Keywords for this answer: main, industrial uses,

In section E, both the paragraph talks about the commercial use. The first lines give us the answer. “The first major commercial use of kauri gum was in the manufacture of high-grade furniture varnish, a kind of clear paint used to treat wood.”

Here, major = main, commercial = industrial,

So, the answer is: E

Question 33: recent uses of kauri gum  

Keywords for this answer: recent, uses,

In section F, the second paragraph has the answer to this question. “In the last decades, it has had a very limited use in the manufacture of extremely high-grade varnish for violins, .. . .”

So, the answer is: F

Questions 34-39 (Matching references with time periods)

(In this type of question, candidates need to relate references which are given by or link to time periods in the passage. This question is similar to matching names with statements. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.)

Question 34: Kauri gum was first used in New Zealand.

Keywords for this answer: first used, in New Zealand,

Take a close look at Section C, “The original inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, had experimented with kauri gum well before Europeans arrived at the beginning of the nineteenth century.” Do not confuse the answer with Section E, “The first major commercial use. .. “ The question asks for first use, not the first commercial use.

So, the answer is: A (before the 1800s)

Question 35: The amount of kauri gum sent overseas peaked.

Keywords for this answer: amount, sent overseas, peaked,

The answer is found in the last lines of paragraph no. 1 in section D. “The increasing number of diggers resulted in rapid growth of the kauri gum exports from 1000 tons in 1860 to a maximum of over 10,000 tons in 1900.”

Here, rapid growth = peaked, export = sent overseas,

So, the answer is: B (in 1900)

Question 36: The collections of kauri gum supplemented farmers’ incomes.

Keywords for this answer: collection, supplemented, farmers’ incomes,

The answer lies in paragraph no. 2 of section D. “By the 1890s, there were 20,000 people engaged in gum-digging. Although many of these, such as farmers, women, and children, were only part-time diggers, nearly 7,000 were full-timers.” So, gum-digging or collection was a supplement for other jobs.

So, the answer is: D (between the late 1800s and the early 1900s)

Question 37: Kauri gum was made into jewellery.

Keywords for this answer: made into jewellery

To find the answer to this question, we must find the word jewellery or its synonym. Take a look at Section F. “In the time of Queen Victoria of England (1837 – 1901) some pieces were made into fashionable amber beads that women wore around their necks. The occasional lump that contained preserved insects was prized for use in necklaces and bracelets.”

So, the answer is: E (between the 1830s and 1900)

Question 38: Kauri gum was used in the production of string instruments.

Keywords for this answer: production, string instruments

The answer lies in section F, where the writer says, “In the last decades, it has had a very limited use in the manufacture of extremely high-grade varnish for violins… . .. . ”.

Here, violins are string instruments.

So, the answer is: I (in recent times)

Question 39: Most of the kauri gum was found underground.

Keywords for this answer: found underground

In Section B, the answer is in these lines, “In Maori and early European times up until 1850, most gum collected was simply picked up from the ground, but, after that, the majority was recovered by digging.”

Here, by digging means found underground.

So, the answer is: G (after 1850)

Question 40: Multiple choice question

What was most likely to reduce the quality of kauri gum?

A how long it was buried

B exposure to water

C how deep it was buried

D exposure to heat

Keywords for this answer: most likely, reduce, quality

In section A, paragraph no. 3, lines 6-8 says, “Lowest quality gum was soft, black or chalky and sugary and was usually found buried in swamps, where it had been in contact with water for a long time.” These lines suggest that contact of water affects the quality of kauri gum negatively.

So, the answer is: B (exposure to water)

Leave your valuable comments below regarding this post.