Adult Education Courses: Computing Skills For All Levels & Enrol Now At Your Centre - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Practice Test Plus 2 General Training Reading Test 1 · Part 2 · Questions 14–27
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-27.
Adult Education Courses: Computing skills for all levels
A Introduction to Computing This 10-week course is for those with only a little experience but no confidence in your computing skills. It aims to help you to get to know your way around the computer, to understand the jargon and to use the basic applications of word processing, database and spreadsheets. Fees: £25 payable at start of course.
B Computer Literacy and Information Technology A certificated course offering three or more modules chosen from, e.g. word processing, database, spreadsheets, spreadsheet graphic data and computer art. This course is suitable for those with a basic understanding of computers. Fees: £10 per module, payable at start of course.
C Integrated Business Technology 1 This 30-week programme consists of five set modules that must be successfully completed in order to gain the intermediate level Certificate in IBT. Word processing, database, spreadsheets, spreadsheet graphic data and integrated documents are all covered. This is a challenging course leading to a good level of accuracy, presentation, business understanding and skill. Entry qualification - Certificate in Computer Literacy and IT. Fees: £75 payable at start of programme, or £25 payable at the start of each 10-week session.
D Text / Word Processing Levels 1, 2 and 3 Students wishing to apply will be assessed and entered for the appropriate exam course. All abilities are catered for, including absolute beginners with no previous keyboard experience [Level 1 group]. Fees: £20, £25 or £30 according to level. Additional examination fee of £10 – both payable in advance of course to reserve a place.
E Integrated Business Technology 2 Six set modules must be successfully completed in order to gain the certificate for this 60-week course. The modules will include Electronic Communication, File Management, Source Data Processing, Automated Presentation Production and Publication Production. This is a high-level course aimed at further developing business understanding, presentation and effective computing skills. Applicants must have the IBT intermediate level certificate and an intermediate level qualification in Desk Top Publishing, as well as experience of using email. Fees: £125 payable at start of course only. Booking essential for course places.
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ENROL NOW AT YOUR CENTRE
Welcome to our new Adult Community Education brochure. You will find a wide range of learning opportunities which reflect the County Council's commitment to community-based adult learning.
How to join a course
Our courses are very popular so we advise you to enrol early to avoid disappointment.
- By post: complete the booking form and return it together with your cheque to the main centre organising your course.
- In person: at one of our main centres. Details of opening times can be found under the information for each centre.
- At an information week: this is held at our main centres prior to the beginning of term. You can meet your tutor to make sure you have chosen the right course before you enrol.
- At the first session: only if there are places available, so please telephone the centre beforehand.
Further information
- You can telephone your main centre for the latest information on the availability of courses.
- Ask for a course description sheet, which will give you more details on the suitability of each course.
- Come to a main centre at the beginning of term where you can talk to members of staff.
- Visit our website at www.midland.edu.uk/adult
Lifelong learning for all - additional needs
We aim to accommodate students with disabilities into our provision wherever possible. Your main centre can give you information on special equipment and/or individual learner support which may be available to enable you to join our course. Disabled access does vary from centre to centre, however, so please check with your centre before enrolling.
Child care
Many of our centres offer crèche facilities, which are staffed by experienced and qualified workers. Please book early, as places are limited.
How much do courses cost?
The prices are displayed in three bands and are inclusive of tuition and registration fees. However, there may be additional costs such as examination fees, materials and books. You can find out about these at the main centre.
Band A: Full fee. Band B: Fee payable by people over the age of 60. Band C: Fee payable by low-income groups on recognised benefits.
NB If you are claiming a reduction in fees you will be required to bring evidence of your entitlement when you enrol, and at the start of each term.
Questions
Questions 14–20 Matching Information
Look at the information on five computer courses on the page opposite.
For which course are the following statements true?
Questions 21–27 Sentence Completion
Look at the information opposite about enrolling for adult courses.
Complete the sentences below with words taken from the passage.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
- People who mail their applications have to send a 21 together with payment.
- Before all the courses start, the main centres hold 22.
- It is not always possible to enrol at 23 of popular courses.
- For more information about course content, students can talk to tutors, check the website or request a 24.
- Many centres have special facilities and services for students with physical problems, but not all centres have 25.
- Course fees only cover the cost of 26.
- People such as senior citizens and those with little money can get a 27.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q14 | D | All abilities are catered for, including absolute beginners with no previous keyboard experience [Level 1 group] | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this course is for 'all abilities,' meaning everyone can join. It also specifically mentions 'absolute beginners' (people who are starting completely fresh) and 'no previous keyboard experience' (people who have never used a computer keyboard before). This means even if you know nothing about computers, you can take this course. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course D. This course lets people who know nothing about computers join. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the description for 'Text / Word Processing Levels 1, 2 and 3' specifically mentions that it welcomes people with no computer knowledge. It says 'All abilities are catered for, including absolute beginners with no previous keyboard experience [Level 1 group]', directly addressing the idea that people who know nothing can join. |
| Q15 | A | This 10-week course is for those with only a little experience but no confidence in your computing skills. It aims to help you to get to know your way around the computer, to understand the jargon and to use the basic applications of word processing, database and spreadsheets | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that Course A helps people learn about computers, understand special words, and use simple programs. It explains what you will learn, but it does not say you will get a certificate or any official paper when you finish. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course A. This means that "Introduction to Computing" is the course that does not give you any official paper or award after you finish it. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the description for 'Introduction to Computing' (Course A) does not mention any kind of certificate, qualification, or exam. When you look at the other courses (B, C, D, E), they all clearly state that they lead to a 'certificated course', 'certificate', or an 'exam course', which are all types of 'formal qualification'. Course A only talks about helping you 'understand the jargon and to use the basic applications' without mentioning any formal award. |
| Q16 | C | Fees: £75 payable at start of programme, or £25 payable at the start of each 10-week session | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that for Course C, you can pay all '£75' at the very beginning, or you can choose to pay '£25' three times, each time when a new '10-week session' starts. This shows you can pay in parts over time. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course C. This course lets students pay for it little by little over time, instead of all at once. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is Course C because its description clearly states that fees can be paid in installments. Instead of paying the full amount of '£75 payable at start of programme', students have another option: '£25 payable at the start of each 10-week session'. This means they can pay for parts of the course at different times, specifically at the beginning of each 10-week segment. |
| Q17 | E | This is a high-level course aimed at further developing business understanding, presentation and effective computing skills | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that Course E is a very difficult course. It wants to help you improve your understanding of business, how to show information, and how to use computers very well. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Course E is a difficult course for people who already know a lot about computers and want to learn more advanced things. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because its description clearly states, "This is a high-level course." The words "high-level" tell us that it is not for beginners or people with little experience, but rather for those who are advanced. Additionally, the course has important entry requirements, asking that "Applicants must have the IBT intermediate level certificate and an intermediate level qualification in Desk Top Publishing, as well as experience of using email," which means you need to have a lot of computer knowledge already before you can join. |
| Q18 | C | Entry qualification - Certificate in Computer Literacy and IT | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that to start Course C, called 'Integrated Business Technology 1', you need one specific paper or award: a 'Certificate in Computer Literacy and IT'. This means you only need this one thing to get in. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course C. This course requires only one specific previous qualification from the student. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the passage explicitly states the 'Entry qualification' for 'Integrated Business Technology 1' is 'Certificate in Computer Literacy and IT'. This indicates that only one specific qualification is needed to join this course, unlike Course E which requires multiple qualifications and experience. |
| Q19 | B | A certificated course offering three or more modules chosen from, e.g. word processing, database, spreadsheets, spreadsheet graphic data and computer art | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that course 'B' is a special course where you can pick 'three or more modules'. A 'module' is like a part or a topic of study. So, you can choose how many parts (modules) to take, as long as it's three or more, from different computer skills like word processing or spreadsheets. Answer Explanation: The answer is course 'B'. This course lets students pick how many parts they want to learn. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is course 'B' because its description clearly states that it's a 'certificated course offering three or more modules chosen from' a list of topics. This means students are given the freedom to 'choose the number of components' they wish to study, as long as it's at least three. |
| Q20 | D | Fees: £20, £25 or £30 according to level. Additional examination fee of £10 – both payable in advance of course to reserve a place | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that for Course D, in addition to the regular course money (fees of £20, £25, or £30), there is also an extra cost of £10 for the test. You need to pay both amounts before the course starts to save your spot. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course D. This course requires students to pay more money for their final test. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the description for 'Text / Word Processing Levels 1, 2 and 3' specifically mentions an 'Additional examination fee'. This means that students must pay extra money on top of the regular course fees to take the final test. |
| Q21 | booking form | By post: complete the booking form and return it together with your cheque to the main centre organising your course | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage tells us that if you want to sign up for a course by sending it in the mail, you must fill out a 'booking form' (a paper to sign up) and send it with your 'cheque' (money). Answer Explanation: The answer is 'booking form'. This is a paper you fill out to sign up for a course. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'booking form' because the passage explains how to sign up for a course by mail. It says that people need to complete a 'booking form' and send it along with their payment (a cheque). This 'booking form' is the specific document required for mailing applications. |
| Q22 | an information week | At an information week: this is held at our main centres prior to the beginning of term | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that an 'information week' happens at the main places 'before the start of classes'. This matches the idea of something held before courses begin at the main centres. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'an information week', means a special week where you can get details and help before the classes begin. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'an information week' because the passage states this is a special event the main centres hold 'prior to the beginning of term'. The question asks about what main centres hold 'Before all the courses start', and 'prior to the beginning of term' means the same thing as 'before the courses start'. This specific event allows people to meet tutors and choose the right course. |
| Q23 | the first session | At the first session: only if there are places available, so please telephone the centre beforehand | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says you can only sign up at the beginning of a class if there are still spots left. So, it's a good idea to call the centre first to ask. Answer Explanation: The answer means that you cannot always sign up for a class during its very first meeting, especially if many people want to take that class. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'the first session' because the passage explains that you can only join a course 'at the first session' if there are still 'places available'. This implies that for popular courses, where places might fill up quickly, it's often not possible to enrol then. The passage advises calling the centre ahead of time to check for availability. |
| Q24 | course description sheet | Ask for a course description sheet, which will give you more details on the suitability of each course | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you can ask for a special paper called a "course description sheet." This paper will tell you more important things about each course, like what it is good for and what kind of students it fits. Answer Explanation: The answer, "course description sheet," means a paper or document that gives more details about what a course is about. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "course description sheet" because the passage states that if you "Ask for a course description sheet," it "will give you more details on the suitability of each course." The phrase "suitability of each course" directly relates to understanding the content and purpose of a course, which aligns with the question's request for "more information about course content." |
| Q25 | disabled access | Disabled access does vary from centre to centre, however, so please check with your centre before enrolling | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the special ways for people with disabilities to get into the building and move around are different at each place. So, you need to ask your chosen place if they have what you need before you sign up. Answer Explanation: The answer 'disabled access' means special ways for people with disabilities, like ramps or elevators, to get into and move around buildings. Not all centers have these special ways. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'disabled access' because the passage explains that for students with 'additional needs' like 'disabilities', the ability to easily enter and use the center is not the same everywhere. It specifically states that 'Disabled access does vary from centre to centre', meaning not all centers have the same facilities for people with physical problems or different accessibility levels. |
| Q26 | tuition and registration | The prices are displayed in three bands and are inclusive of tuition and registration fees | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the cost of the course includes (covers) the money for teaching you (tuition) and the money for signing you up (registration). This tells us what the main fee pays for. Answer Explanation: The answer means that when you pay for a course, the money only pays for the teaching (tuition) and for signing up for the course (registration). It does not pay for other things like books or extra tests. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is made clear in the section about 'How much do courses cost?'. The passage states that the listed course 'prices are inclusive of tuition and registration fees'. This means these are the only things that the basic course fees cover, as it then mentions that 'there may be additional costs' for other items like exams, materials, and books. |
| Q27 | reduction in fees | NB If you are claiming a reduction in fees you will be required to bring evidence of your entitlement when you enrol, and at the start of each term | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if you want to pay less for the course (a 'reduction in fees'), you must show proof that you qualify for this special price when you sign up. Answer Explanation: The answer means that some people can pay less money for the courses. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'reduction in fees' because the passage explains that certain groups, such as senior citizens (people over the age of 60) and low-income groups (people with little money), do not have to pay the full price for courses. They can ask for a 'reduction in fees', meaning they will pay less money, as stated under the 'How much do courses cost?' section of the adult education brochure. |