Đây là tài liệu tiếng Anh học thuật giúp mọi người trau dồi kỹ năng sử dụng ngoại ngữ cũng như phản xạ tiếng Anh ngoài đời thực. Tài liệu này hoàn toàn có thể tự học tại nhà, thêm vào đó là rất dễ hiểu có thể tiếp thu nhanh trong quá trình học, tài liệu đa phần là do những tác giả nổi tiếng biên soạn và có chỉnh sửa để phù hợp với sự thay đổi của mỗi năm.
Trang 1IELTS Practice Tests from www.IELTSPracticeTests.com GENERAL IELTS READING PRACTICE TEST 4
Reading (1 hour)
PART 1
Question 1
Choose the appropriate letter A-D and write it in box 1 on your answer sheet
1 According to the writer, what was the exhibition about?
A a workshop on the newest TV and video equipment
B a stunning presentation of 200 pieces of equipment
C a demonstration of devices that seemed to be the latest technology
D a remarkable achievement of the trendiest TV and video equipment
Questions 2-4
Choose THREE letters A-G and write them in boxes 2-4 on your answer sheet
Which THREE of the following does the writer highlight when describing the equipment
displayed in the exhibition?
A artificial intelligent devices
B remote control for 3D images
C a variety of wireless devices
D a range of screens and monitors
E analogue and digital TVs
F a 3-dimensional cinema
G interactive TV options
Trang 2Tech experience of a lifetime?
It was certainly ‘an enthusiastic exhibition of the latest technology’ Nevertheless, did it actually demonstrate the newest innovations in the entertainment industry?
On Saturday 24th March, people were given a public demonstration of what futurists and techies would regard as a remarkable achievement on the latest trend
in TV and video equipment However, in the era of high-tech innovations, this
‘technological revolution’ has succeeded in no more than its apparent enthusiasm
Over 200 pieces of equipment were displayed in a large room at Brighton Gallery
A range of modern design and artificial intelligence devices brightened up the event LCD monitors, flat screens, digital TV, interactive television devices, multi-use remote control, 3-dimensional images – everything would wake people up with
a flashing message: ‘welcome to technological revolution’ Mr John Taylor, who was the events’ manager, said that nothing similar to that event had ever taken place in the UK before ‘Our range of products is unique No one has ever attempted to go beyond interactive TV, but I can assure you that we can offer a much better experience than that’ Yet the amount of colourful images would lead anyone to a blissful blindness The manager would emphasise such experience was
a ‘memorable imagery’ since, in his words, ‘people can see that there is a selection
of a countless number of TV channels available to them – they simply use their fingerprints’
One could consider his last assumption and take the opportunity to check out how many TV channels were actually available To his/her surprise, s/he would find out
120 channels This amount of channels confirmed that there were actually less options than the current channels broadcasted on a cable TV
Its three-dimensional technology should also be verified According to Mr Taylor,
‘we provide the cinema experience from the comfort of your home’ In fact, they had invested a lot on a virtual reality room and its special effects would inspire many film producers However, what was supposed to be this ‘cinema experience’? Obviously a large flat screen would be found there, but its sound system would not be considered to deliver such amazement since it could reach up
to the high volume of a current TV
Indeed, this public event does demonstrate some advances in technology in terms
of sound and image quality Nonetheless, the public should be aware of the fact that not all the latest equipment carries such innovations, which would be an illusion to those who expected the greatest experience ever
Jenny Johnson is a journalist, film critic reviewer and freelance reporter for the Daily News
Trang 3Questions 5-9
Look at the newspaper report on the previous page and at the statements (5-9) below
In boxes 5-9 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if the statement is true
FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage
5 There was a screen that showed the message ‘welcome to technological revolution’
6 It was the first time this event had taken place in the UK
7 Visitors could become blind in the exhibition
8 Mr Taylor convinced the journalist about the cinema features
9 The writer has written quite a few articles for the Daily News
Question 10
Choose the appropriate letter A-D and write it in box 10 on your answer sheet
10 From the list below, choose the most suitable feeling the writer demonstrated according
to the reading passage:
A scepticism regarding the technological innovation
B disappointment due to the lack of equipment there
C admiration for the attempt to build up a virtual reality room
D sarcasm in relation to futuristic technology
Trang 4Questions 11-18
Match the artistic activity and its respective centres to the statements 11-18
Write the appropriate letters (A-H) in the boxes 11-18 on your answer sheet
NB Some of the artistic activities may be chosen more than once
11 You can find high art music in this place
12 You can improve your theatrical skills here
13 You will learn how to use modern handheld equipment
14 A range of narrative skills are developed in this centre
15 As there are different colours to choose from, you should use your imagination
16 You can hold your pencil and a first draft can then become a great picture
17 More than one language is available in this place
18 You can combine pieces of music in this venue
Trang 5Artistic Savants
Come and find out the hidden artist in you
A Surreal Art School
Shall we express our inner selves? Yes,
you can bring your deepest and most
abstract ideas into the world! Come to our
weekly painting classes and learn how to
use inks with the brushes so as to make
the next masterpieces featured in the
greatest art galleries in Europe! Even
Picasso would like to see your artwork!
B Dance Music Club
No, this is not the latest nightclub, but it is
a school for the greatest DJs who will be
scratching LPs and mixing the best tunes
in the trendiest parties and festivals! Here
you can bring your own equipment and
learn how to use every single technical
device hidden in it Compose the best
samples and get everyone moving with
the sound of your music!
C Japanese Drawings
If you enjoy reading comics that have
been made with manga, then you can have
your hands on these drawings Our classes
include an introductory lesson on the
history of manga and then practice classes
on manga scans and famous characters
found in print cartoons Once you have
developed the most relevant drawing
techniques, you will surely draw your
own characters!
D Shakespearian Centre
When you come here, you will see that ‘to
be or not to be’ is not a question, but the
answer to your artistic talent Yes, you
can be an actor or an actress that is ready
to act out and be part of any of
Shakespeare’s outstanding plays Not only
will you learn about dramaturgy but you
will also step on the stage and let out your
acting skills in front of an audience at the
Globe Theatre in the end of the year!
E Sublime Music Conservatory
At the heart of the town, you can contemplate the most incredible pieces of classical music! Our lessons are based on
a traditional syllabus which allows you to develop through a series of levels You can become a wonderful musician who will stand out and play symphonies in the most renowned orchestras An authentic repertoire of classical sheet music is available for skilful hands!
F New Writers Club
Come and join in a new trend of English and Gaelic writers who are willing to have their names included in the Scottish Academy of Literature! Every month, we gather together and take part in a range of talks and workshops so that we can develop our writing skills, learn new techniques and work on our dream novel and the finest compositions in prose!
G Stunning Pictures Centre
Have you got passion for photography? Then you are invited to learn how to use the most professional digital cameras and the latest technology available in the best photo shops! Apart from being able to make the most of your camera, you will also be given a lesson on the principles of photography Natural landscapes and portraits will certainly become an artwork
in your hands!
H English Poets School
If you feel like unveiling the secret of the hidden poet that lives inside you, then you are welcome to learn the art of poetry in the most creative place in town! Here you can let your imagination fly away and think about an inconceivable combination
of words which can shed a light on the most recent works of the English Literature!
Trang 6PART 2
Questions 19-25
From the list of headings below, choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph A-G Write the appropriate numbers (i-x) in boxes 19-25 on your answer sheet
19 Paragraph A
20 Paragraph B
21 Paragraph C
22 Paragraph D
23 Paragraph E
24 Paragraph F
25 Paragraph G
List of headings
i Applying for multiple financial services
ii Withdrawing money from your account
iii Applying for a bank loan
iv Opening a student bank account
v Keeping track of your finances
vi Upgrading your student account
vii Making a deposit into your account
viii Relying on cheques
ix Seeking advice from our banking consultant
x Going overdrawn
Trang 7Personal Banking
Here is the standard procedure for applying for a student bank account
A Before the contract is processed, you need to provide us with the following documents – identification card (also known as I.D card), passport or driving licence, two passport-sized photos, a statement which includes your permanent address and mailing address (if different) and your current contact details An initial deposit of £20 is also required so that we can guarantee your bank account is actually activated
B Whenever you decide to increase your outstanding balance, you can check the nearest branch and stand in a queue that leads to the cashiers You can hand in cheques, cash or traveller cheques to the bank assistant Notwithstanding, make sure the amount is in sterling pounds otherwise you will be guided to the exchange currency cashier or bureau de change before your desired transaction is concluded
C Should you wish to take out any cash from your current account, you may do so in any ATM, cash point or cash machine available in town You may also use your debit card in any ATM throughout the world While the transaction is in progress, the amount is automatically converted into local currency Simply place your debit card in the slot available in the cash point and follow the instructions on the screen
D A bank statement will be mailed to your correspondence address once a month and you shall be able to identify all the transactions that occurred during the time specified on top of the page You will also be able to visualise your outstanding debts and/or credits and consider whether any action should be taken regarding your current account This first bank statement is free of charge However, whether you require another statement, your account will be charged a £0.25 fee to cover the post expenses
E Upon opening your current account, we will also provide you with an overdraft limit This is demonstrated on the right hand side of your bank statement and you may use it whenever it suits you Whether you need to withdraw the full amount of your overdraft limit, you may do so Nevertheless, you should be warned that you will not be able to make any further withdrawals until you make a deposit so as to have credit balance in your current account
F Whether you require a loan, you can use our application forms and have your credits analysed by a competent member of the staff Once your application is processed, the manager will send you an invitation to a short interview so as to confirm your eligibility for a loan If successful, your loan will be paid into your bank account in the next 24 hours The loan shall be paid in instalments according
to the agreement previously signed
G Once you have completed your degree, you will not be eligible for an undergraduate student bank account anymore Therefore, your current account will
be automatically upgraded to a graduate account, which means that you will have a more generous overdraft limit and you will be able to apply for loans and mortgages that are in accordance with your financial situation
Trang 8Questions 26-30
Look at the reading passage on the previous page
Complete the flow chart below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer
Write your answers in boxes 26-30
Once you have your documents handed in and the contract processed, you can
go to the 26.……… and pay money into your account
↓
You will need your debit card every time you use an 27.
……… so as to take cash out of your current account
↓
No 28.……… can be made if you have an overdraft at the bank
↓
If you need to apply for a loan, you will have to pay it back in 29.
………
↓
Finally, you will be given a good 30.……… after your account
becomes a graduate bank account
Trang 9PART 3
Stylish Male Grooming
Who told you fashion and toiletries are only for women?
A few years ago, a man who would go to
the supermarket would glace through the
aisles and find numerous shelves
dedicated solely to the female consumer
needs Perhaps, after looking into each
shelf as if he was a modern version of Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes,
he would finally see a small selection of
products for men cramped in the corner
of a shelf Not only were male goods
seen as if they were part of a subversive
underground subculture, but the diversity
of the products was also appalling to the
male consumer
In the 1980s the rise of the ‘new man’
shed light on the media industry and
contributed to the production of
contemporary men’s magazines aimed at
assertive but caring men The pages were
full of articles on topics of interest to
men – cars, motorbikes, technology – but
they also featured amazing
advertisements on fashionable clothing
and toiletries that were addressed to the
male consumer Marketing research had
finally realised that there was a target
audience that claimed to have their needs
met by the media industry It is true that
such needs had already been established
by the changing society as men moved
from the countryside to the bright city to
become managers and businessmen
rather than follow their fathers’ footsteps
and work as coal miners, for example
The overall good looks and the
appearance of their skin, hair and nails
became vital to their self-esteem and to
the image they wanted to convey to
others
At first, the only products accessible to them were actually aimed at women They looked for shampoos and conditioners according to the hair type, shower gels rather than bar soaps, moisturisers and cleansing facial gels despite the variety being focused on women’s skin types and facial care Since 30% of such goods were sold to men, the merchandising and marketing strategists noticed that there was a significant amount of male buyers who had turned to female products since nothing was available to them
Fashion & Beauty companies opened
up to this unexplored niche market and started to work on goods which would
be aimed at them – a range of toiletries and grooming products, such as shaving foams, after shaves, shower gels and skin care products They may also choose a transparent nail polish for their hands and feet Inevitably, the fashion industry also considered the availability of tailor-made options as well as bespoke ones in the trendiest high-street shops in cities like London The concept was straightforward – as a man stepped onto the barber shop & clothing store, he would be able to select a shirt or a pair of trousers and had them altered especially to suit his needs As he returned to collect his garments, he would receive a face and hair treatment in the barber shop with a range of products that were aimed at his skin and hair type No one can say that men are not looked after and cared for these days
Trang 10Question 31
Choose the appropriate letter A-D and write it in box 31 on your answer sheet
31 What do you learn about the male product display in the first paragraph?
A They could be found in huge shelves placed in specific aisles
B They were in cramped shelves at the check-out counter in a supermarket
C There was a wide range of appalling products due to its diversity
D They were seen in the corner of a shelf and there were just a few products
Questions 32-34
Complete the table below
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer
Write your answers in boxes 32-34 on your answer sheet
Trendiest high-street
shops that are aimed
at men
32 ……., e.g
having a pair of trousers altered
33 …… used at the
manicure and pedicure
34 …… products,
e.g shaving foams, shower gels, moisturisers and cleansing facial gels