IELTS General Training Reading - Test 2
Section 1
Community Sports Centre Membership
*
The Lakeside Community Sports Centre offers a range of facilities for local residents, including a swimming pool, fitness room, indoor courts and exercise studios. The centre is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at weekends. Opening hours may be reduced on public holidays.
People can purchase either a monthly membership or an annual membership. Both options provide unlimited use of the swimming pool and fitness room during normal opening hours. Members also receive a 20% reduction on exercise classes. Indoor courts, however, are not included in the membership fee and must be booked and paid for separately.
New members are required to attend a short introduction before using the fitness room for the first time. During this session, a member of staff explains how to operate the exercise equipment safely. Experienced gym users are still required to attend the introduction, although they may request a shorter session.
Children under the age of 12 may use the swimming pool only when accompanied by an adult. Young people aged 12 to 15 can swim without an adult, but they are not permitted to use the fitness room. Anyone aged 16 or over may use all the main facilities.
Members may freeze their membership for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months if they are unable to use the centre because of travel, illness or other personal circumstances. A small administration fee is charged for this service.
Members who wish to cancel an annual membership must give at least 30 days' notice. Any fees already paid are normally non-refundable. However, the centre may consider a partial refund in exceptional circumstances, such as a permanent move to another city.
Services at Greenfield Shopping Centre
A. Customer Service Desk
The customer service desk is located beside the main entrance and is open during all shopping-centre hours. Visitors can ask for directions, report lost property and borrow wheelchairs free of charge. Gift cards for use at participating stores can also be purchased here. Staff cannot make individual shop reservations on behalf of customers.
B. Little Explorers Play Area
This supervised play area is available for children aged three to eight. Parents may leave their children for a maximum of two hours while they shop, but they must remain inside the shopping centre. Places cannot be reserved online and are offered according to availability when families arrive. There is a small charge for each child.
C. Click & Collect Point
Customers who have ordered goods online from participating stores can have their purchases delivered to this central collection point instead of visiting individual shops. Customers must bring their collection message and photo identification. Parcels are normally kept for seven days before being returned to the store.
D. Clothing Alteration Service
Customers can bring trousers, dresses, jackets and other clothing here for alterations. Simple work, such as shortening trousers, can usually be completed on the same day if items are brought in before noon. More complicated alterations may take up to five working days. Prices depend on the type of work required.
E. Bicycle Repair Station
The repair station is situated next to the east car park and deals with common bicycle problems, including flat tyres, faulty brakes and damaged chains. Small repairs can sometimes be completed while customers wait. Cyclists can also leave their bicycles for a full safety inspection, which usually takes one working day.
F. Technology Help Desk
Staff at this desk provide assistance with smartphones, tablets and laptops. They can help customers set up new devices, transfer photographs and contacts, and solve basic software problems. The service does not include repairs to damaged screens or other physical parts. Appointments are recommended at weekends because the desk can become particularly busy.
Section 2
Working at Riverside Hotel
Riverside Hotel employs staff in a variety of departments, including reception, housekeeping, food service and guest services. The following information is provided to employees who are beginning work at the hotel.
A. Staff Uniforms
Employees working at reception and in the restaurant must wear the hotel uniform while on duty. New employees receive two shirts and one pair of trousers at no charge. Staff are responsible for keeping these items clean. Additional uniform items can be ordered through the hotel office, but the cost will be deducted from the employee's next salary payment.
B. Staff Meals
Employees working a shift of six hours or longer are entitled to one free meal in the staff dining room. The dining room is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Employees working outside these hours may request a packed meal from the kitchen, provided they place their order before the start of their shift.
C. Staff Parking
A limited number of parking spaces are available behind the hotel. Employees who regularly drive to work can apply for a monthly parking permit from the administration office. Having a permit does not guarantee a space, particularly during busy periods. Employees without a permit may use the public car park across the street, where normal parking charges apply.
D. Changing Shifts
Employees who need to exchange a scheduled shift with a colleague must first obtain permission from their department supervisor. Both employees should complete a shift-change form at least 48 hours before the original shift begins. In an emergency, supervisors may approve a change with less notice, but employees should contact them as soon as possible.
E. Staff Discounts
After completing three months of employment, staff receive a 25% discount on meals at the hotel's restaurant when they are not working. The discount may also be used when dining with immediate family members, although it applies only to the employee's own meal. Hotel-room discounts become available after six months of employment and are subject to room availability.
F. Lost Property
Any belongings found in guest rooms or public areas must be taken to the security office before the end of the employee's shift. Staff should not attempt to contact the owner themselves. Security records each item and arranges its return when possible. Unclaimed property is normally kept for 90 days.
Questions 23–27
Read the information below.
Staff Training at Westbrook Supermarket
Westbrook Supermarket provides regular training to help employees develop the skills needed for their
jobs. All new staff must complete basic customer-service training during their first month of
employment. The sessions cover dealing with customer enquiries, handling complaints and
communicating politely with shoppers. Employees who have previously worked in retail are still
expected to attend.
Staff who work in departments where heavy goods are regularly moved must also complete a manual-
handling course. During the training, employees learn safe methods for lifting and carrying large items.
The supermarket provides any protective equipment required for these duties, and employees should
report damaged equipment to their department manager immediately.
Cashiers receive separate training before they are allowed to operate a checkout without assistance.
New cashiers first observe an experienced colleague and then practise using the system under
supervision. They are only permitted to work independently after a supervisor is satisfied that they can
use the equipment correctly.
The supermarket also offers optional computer courses for employees who would like to improve their
digital skills. These sessions take place after normal working hours and are free for staff. However,
places are limited, so employees who are interested should register early.
Employees who complete certain training programmes may be considered for promotion to senior
positions. However, completing a course does not automatically lead to promotion, as work
performance and experience are also taken into account.
Section 3
The Changing Role of Public Libraries
A
For generations, public libraries were mainly associated with shelves of books and quiet places to read. Their primary purpose was to give people free access to information that they might otherwise have been unable to afford. Although lending books remains an important service, libraries have gradually expanded their role. Many now provide technology, educational programmes and community activities, reflecting changes in the way people find information and spend their free time.
B
One major change has been the introduction of digital services. Many libraries provide computers and internet access for visitors who do not have these facilities at home. Members may also be able to borrow electronic books and audiobooks without visiting the building. Some libraries offer online newspapers, magazines and research databases as part of their membership. These services have made library resources available to people even when the physical building is closed.
C
Libraries have also become places where people can develop practical skills. Workshops may cover subjects such as basic computer use, preparing a résumé or searching for employment online. Some libraries organize language classes for newcomers, while others provide homework clubs for schoolchildren. Such programmes are particularly valuable to people who cannot easily afford private courses or additional educational support.
D
Another development is the greater emphasis on community activities. Libraries may host book clubs, children's storytelling sessions, talks by local writers and exhibitions. Some have meeting rooms that community groups can reserve. These activities allow people with similar interests to meet one another and can help reduce social isolation, particularly among those who have limited opportunities to interact with others.
E
The physical design of libraries has changed as well. While quiet study areas remain important, many modern libraries also contain spaces where conversation and group work are permitted. Comfortable seating, cafés and areas specifically designed for children are increasingly common. Some buildings have even introduced creative spaces containing equipment such as 3D printers and recording facilities. The aim is to accommodate different activities rather than expecting every visitor to use the library in the same way.
F
Despite these developments, libraries face several challenges. Providing modern technology and maintaining buildings can be expensive, especially when public funding is limited. Libraries must also decide how to balance traditional services with newer ones. Some regular users worry that additional activities may make libraries noisier and reduce the space available for books. Library managers therefore have to consider the needs of different groups when planning future services.
Section 4
Questions 1–16
Questions 17–27
Questions 28–40
Questions
The sports centre stays open later on weekdays than it does at weekends.
Annual members are allowed to use the indoor courts without paying an additional fee.
Members pay less than non-members for exercise classes.
People who have regularly used gyms before can completely avoid the fitness-room introduction.
A 13-year-old is allowed to use the swimming pool without an adult.
Members can temporarily stop their membership for up to three months.
The administration fee for freezing a membership is $15.
A person moving permanently to another city may be considered for a partial refund.
A service that may require customers to wait several days before their request is completed.
Help is available for moving personal information from one electronic device to another.
A customer needs to show two things before receiving something previously purchased.
A service allows adults to shop without having their young children with them.
Something can be used without paying for it.
Customers may be able to have a minor problem dealt with immediately.
Booking in advance is advisable during particularly busy periods.
An item will be sent back if it is not collected within a particular period.
An employee may receive something to eat even when a particular facility is closed.
Following the usual procedure may not be necessary when an unexpected situation occurs.
Employees must hand over objects left behind by visitors to a particular department.
Receiving authorization does not necessarily mean an employee will be able to use a facility.
A benefit becomes available only after an employee has worked at the hotel for a certain length of time.
An employee may have to pay for replacing or increasing something initially supplied by the employer.
Even workers with previous experience in shops are required to complete 23 during
their first month.
Employees whose jobs involve moving large objects are taught how to lift them using
24.
Before working alone at a checkout, new cashiers practise while they are under 25.
Staff interested in developing their computer abilities should 26 early because only a
certain number of places are available.
In addition to completing training, an employee's experience and 27 are considered
when deciding whether they should move to a higher position.
Paragraph A
Paragraph B
Paragraph C
Paragraph D
Paragraph E
Paragraph F
According to Paragraph B, one advantage of digital library services is that
Why does the writer mention résumé preparation and employment searches?
According to Paragraph D, community activities can be particularly useful because they
What concern do some regular library users have?
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