Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday & Advertisements for local businesses - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 04 General Training Reading Test 2 · Part 1 · Questions 1–14
Reading Passage
Read the information below and answer Questions 1-7.
Booking a Wessex Cottages Holiday
How to book your holiday
When you have looked through our brochure and have chosen two or three alternative cottages you would like to stay in, please phone our Holiday Booking Office.
The number is: 01225 892299
31st March to 20th October
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
21st October to 30th March
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Sunday Closed
We will check the availability of your choices and our reservation staff will help you make your decision. Should none of your choices be available, we will do our best to suggest suitable alternatives.
When a provisional reservation has been made, it will be held for 7 days. We will give you a holiday reference number and ask you to complete the holiday booking form and return it, with a deposit of ONE THIRD of the cottage rental, to:
WESSEX COTTAGES HOLIDAY BOOKING OFFICE
PO BOX 675
MELKSHAM
WILTSHIRE SN12 8SX
Deposit payments can be made by credit card at the time of booking or by cheque made payable to: Wessex Cottages Ltd.
IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR COMPLETED AND SIGNED BOOKING FORM WITH DEPOSIT WITHIN 7 DAYS, WE REGRET THAT YOUR RESERVATION WILL BE CANCELLED.
When we receive your booking form and deposit, your reservation will be confirmed - we will send you a Booking Confirmation, together with advice on how to reach your holiday cottage and the telephone number of a local contact should you require further details on the cottage before leaving home. Attached to the Booking Confirmation will be a note showing the balance due on your holiday and the date by which it is payable. Outstanding balances on bookings made in the UK must be settled within 10 weeks of sending the deposit.
ARRIVAL
Please do not arrive at your holiday cottage before 3.30 p.m. or later than 7.00 p.m.
DEPARTURE
On the morning of departure, please leave your holiday property by 10 a.m. to allow caretakers sufficient time to prepare the property for the next visitors. We ask that you please leave the property as you found it. Please do not move the furniture as this can cause damage both to the furniture and to the property.
OVERSEAS BOOKINGS
We are delighted to take bookings from overseas visitors either by telephone or fax + 44 (0)1225 890227. All payments should be made by credit card or by cheque in Pounds Sterling. Please note that provisional bookings from overseas visitors will be held for 14 DAYS. If the completed and signed booking form with the deposit is not received within that time, the reservation will be cancelled.
LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS
If you wish to make a last-minute booking, please telephone the Holiday Booking Office to check availability.
If your reservation is made within 10 weeks of the holiday start date, full payment is due on booking.
ELECTRICITY
In most Wessex Cottages properties electricity must be paid for in addition to the holiday price. You may be asked to take a meter reading at the conclusion of your holiday, or an additional fixed charge for electricity may be made. Alternatively, there may be a coin meter, in which case you will be advised when you are making your booking. In some cottages, electricity is included in the rental and in very few there is no electricity at all.
LINEN
In most Wessex Cottages properties you have the choice either of hiring linen, at a cost of £6.00 per person per week, or of bringing your own. In some cottages linen is included and in a very few it is not available at all. If you choose to hire linen, it will include bed linen (i.e. sheets and/or duvet covers and pillow cases), bath and hand towels and tea cloths but will not include towels for swimming or beach use. Linen is not available for cots. If you have any queries, do ask the Holiday Booking Office.
______________
Read the advertisements below and answer Questions 8-14.
Advertisements for local businesses
A
STEADMAN & CO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
All professional services, including Auditing, Accountancy and Taxation from Small Businesses to Large Corporations.
Personal attention given at all times.
12, Church Street, Ely
Telephone: (01353) 562547/561331
B
St Paul's Garage (Ely)
Full Mechanical and Body Repair Service
Insurance Company Approved
Resprays and Restorations
Breakdown Service
6, River Lane, Ely, Cambs CB6 4BU
Telephone: Ely 552247
C
Accident Victim?
Injured in an accident? Was someone else at fault? Find out free from a specialist solicitor if you can claim compensation.
Call: Freephone 0800 8760831 (24 hours)
National Accident Helpline
D
MELROSE BUFFET CATERING
Professional Caterers with 15 years' experience
BEFORE YOU BOOK A FUNCTION LET US GIVE YOU A QUOTE. WE WILL SUPPLY THE BEST WITHIN YOUR STATED BUDGET. WE CATER FOR SMALL OR LARGE FUNCTIONS, IN YOUR HOME, OFFICE, GARDEN, TOWN HALL, CHURCH HALL, IN FACT ANYWHERE YOU WISH.
"YOU SUPPLY THE VENUE, WE WILL SUPPLY THE MENU" - A MENU TO SUIT YOUR BUDGET.
28, Bury Road, Milton, Cambridge. Telephone 01223 640789
E
L M Limo Hire
Private Hire Cars for Weddings and Special Occasions etc.
John & Sue Bishop
The White House, 12A Fair Street, Ely CB6 1AE
Telephone: 01353 667184
F
AIR TICKETS EXPRESS
Your hotline to the world
If you are serious about booking a flight anywhere in the world and a reliable service is as important as a cheap price ...
CALL US NOW
0990 320321
25, Union Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM23 2LY
G
Barton Hill & Knight
ESTATE AND PROPERTY AGENTS, CHARTERED SURVEYORS, COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, HOUSEHOLD CONTENTS AND FINE ART SALES
AN INDEPENDENT PROPERTY SERVICE, PROVIDING EXPERT KNOWLEDGE
BURY ST EDMUNDS 01284 800717
15, DISS ROAD BURY ST EDMUNDS SUFFOLK IP33 3AA
H
PASCAL'S
French Restaurant/Brasserie Fully Licensed
A glass of wine goes a treat with a freshly prepared meal, served in relaxing surroundings
Open:
Lunch - Brasserie Style - Wednesday to Sunday
Dinner - Fixed Price 3 Course table d'hote - Wednesday to Saturday
This is a non-smoking restaurant
2, Fen Road, Littleport, Cambridgeshire 01353 565011
Sorry no credit cards
I
GLOBAL TRAVEL
FOREIGN EXCHANGE SERVICES
Available 6 days a week
BEST RATES GUARANTEED LOWEST COMMISSION CHARGED
14, March Road, Ely, Cambs. Tel: 01353 551136
J
THE PARKLANDS
ENSUITE FACILITIES WITH GOOD-SIZED FAMILY ROOMS ALL WITH: COLOUR TV, TEA/COFFEE-MAKING FACILITIES
LICENSED RESTAURANT & BAR
CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR MEETINGS, WEDDINGS, PARTIES & ALL OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
TEL: (01440) 862581
Mount Pleasant, Haverhill
K
BAKER, STEWART & YOUNG Solicitors
offer a wide range of legal services
2, High Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4JY
Tel: (01353) 552918
L
FINE LINE TRANSLATIONS LTD
LEADING LANGUAGE EXPERTS SINCE 1984
TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING
OVER 3,000 PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATORS
Translation Interpreting Voice-overs Editorial Services
Desktop Publishing Localisation Media Analysis
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 856732 Fax: (0) 1223 821588
5, Castle Court, Cambridge. CB1 2PQ
Questions
Questions 1–7 True / False / Not Given
Look at the information above about renting holiday cottages in England.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
Questions 8–14 Matching Information
Look at the twelve advertisements for local businesses A-L on the previous pages.
Which business should be contacted in each of the following situations?
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | TRUE | 21st October to 30th MarchMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage shows the office hours for the winter and spring months (including February). It states that the office finishes at 5.00 p.m. on most weekdays but closes at 4.30 p.m. on Saturdays. Answer Explanation: The answer means that in the month of February, the office is open on Saturdays, but it finishes its working day a little bit sooner than it does on weekdays (Monday to Friday). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because February falls within the period from 21st October to 30th March mentioned in the rules. During this time, the office is open on Saturdays until 4.30 p.m. On weekdays, the office stays open until 5.00 p.m. Since 4.30 p.m. is earlier than 5.00 p.m., the office does close slightly earlier on Saturdays. |
| Q2 | FALSE | When we receive your booking form and deposit, your reservation will be confirmed - we will send you a Booking Confirmation, together with advice on how to reach your holiday cottage and the telephone number of a local contact should you require further details on the cottage before leaving home | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that they will "send" a confirmation packet to you once they have your deposit. It does not mention calling you on the phone to give you this confirmation. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the statement is incorrect because the company does not confirm your booking by calling you on the telephone. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the passage explains that after the office receives your deposit and booking form, they will "send" you a Booking Confirmation. In English, when someone says they will "send" a confirmation along with other documents like advice and a note, it usually means they are using the mail or email, not a telephone call. Since the question says they will confirm by telephone, it contradicts the information in the text. |
| Q3 | TRUE | Outstanding balances on bookings made in the UK must be settled within 10 weeks of sending the deposit | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that if you book from the UK, you have to pay the final amount of money for your trip no later than 10 weeks after you paid the start-up money. Answer Explanation: The answer is TRUE because according to the rules, people who book their holiday from the UK must pay the rest of the money they owe within 10 weeks of their first payment. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE. The text explains that after a person pays the first part of the cost (the deposit), they still have an 'outstanding balance,' which is the rest of the money they owe. For people living in the United Kingdom (UK), this money 'must be settled' or paid in full within a time limit of 10 weeks from when the deposit was sent. |
| Q4 | TRUE | On the morning of departure, please leave your holiday property by 10 a.m. to allow caretakers sufficient time to prepare the property for the next visitors | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that guests must leave the house in the morning so that workers have plenty of time to get it ready for the next people who will stay there. Answer Explanation: The answer is TRUE because the text says that people who look after the houses (caretakers) come to get them ready for new guests after the old guests leave. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the 'DEPARTURE' section explains that guests must leave by 10 a.m. The reason given is to give 'caretakers'—people whose job is to look after the building—enough time to 'prepare' or clean the house for the next group of people. This matches the statement that the houses are visited (by caretakers) and made ready (prepared) between one guest leaving and the next one arriving. |
| Q5 | FALSE | If your reservation is made within 10 weeks of the holiday start date, full payment is due on booking | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that if you book your holiday less than 10 weeks before it begins, you must pay all of the money at the time you book it. Answer Explanation: The answer says it is not true that the price is cheaper for bookings made at the last minute. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the text says that for any booking made within 10 weeks of the start date, 'full payment' is required. This means you must pay the total standard price immediately. Usually, people pay a small part (a deposit) and then the rest later, but last-minute bookers must pay the whole amount at once. This shows the price stays the same and does not become 'lower'. |
| Q6 | FALSE | In most Wessex Cottages properties electricity must be paid for in addition to the holiday price | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that in most of these holiday homes, you have to pay for electricity separately from the main holiday price. Answer Explanation: The answer is FALSE because the statement says electricity is included in the price for most houses, but the text says people usually have to pay extra for it. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the passage explicitly states that for the majority of properties, electricity is an extra cost that is not part of the rental price. The text uses the phrase 'most Wessex Cottages properties' and explains that electricity 'must be paid for in addition to the holiday price.' While later it mentions that electricity is included in 'some' cottages, 'some' refers to a smaller number than 'most'. Therefore, the statement that electricity is included for the majority is incorrect. |
| Q7 | FALSE | If you choose to hire linen, it will include bed linen (i.e. sheets and/or duvet covers and pillow cases), bath and hand towels and tea cloths but will not include towels for swimming or beach use | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that if you choose to pay for the linen service, you will receive sheets and bathroom towels, but this service does not provide towels for the beach or swimming. Answer Explanation: The answer is FALSE because the text says you cannot rent towels to use at the beach. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is determined by looking at the section about 'LINEN'. The text explains that guests can pay a fee to hire (rent) items like bed sheets and towels. However, it specifically lists what is included in that service and what is not. It says that although you get towels for the bath, towels for swimming or the beach are not part of the deal. Since the statement says beach towels ARE available for hire, it directly contradicts the facts in the text. |
| Q8 | B | Full Mechanical and Body Repair Service | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that this business provides complete services for fixing both the engine (mechanical) and the outside parts (body) of a car. Answer Explanation: The answer is Business B, which is St Paul's Garage (Ely). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because this business is a garage that specializes in fixing cars. The situation describes a broken car light that needs to be replaced. Advertisement B offers a "Full Mechanical and Body Repair Service," which means they can fix various parts of a vehicle, including broken lights or damage to the car's exterior (the body). |
| Q9 | D | Professional Caterers with 15 years' experience BEFORE YOU BOOK A FUNCTION LET US GIVE YOU A QUOTE. WE WILL SUPPLY THE BEST WITHIN YOUR STATED BUDGET. WE CATER FOR SMALL OR LARGE FUNCTIONS, IN YOUR HOME, OFFICE, GARDEN, TOWN HALL, CHURCH HALL, IN FACT ANYWHERE YOU WISH. "YOU SUPPLY THE VENUE, WE WILL SUPPLY THE MENU" | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this company provides food for parties and can bring the food to your house. It also says that if you provide the place (venue), they will provide the food (menu). Answer Explanation: The answer is Business D, which is Melrose Buffet Catering. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because Melrose Buffet Catering provides food for events (catering). The person needs food for a wedding at a family home, and the advertisement specifically says they are "Professional Caterers" and that they work "in your home." This matches both the need for food and the specific location mentioned in the question. |
| Q10 | K | BAKER, STEWART & YOUNG Solicitors offer a wide range of legal services | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage shows that Baker, Stewart & Young are solicitors (lawyers) who provide many different kinds of help with legal matters. Answer Explanation: The answer is Business K. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is K because this business is a group of solicitors. In British English, a 'solicitor' is a type of lawyer who helps people with legal tasks and contracts. Since they offer a 'wide range of legal services,' they can help with the legal paperwork required when buying a house. |
| Q11 | L | FINE LINE TRANSLATIONS LTD LEADING LANGUAGE EXPERTS SINCE 1984 TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage describes a company whose job is to work with languages. By using the words 'TRANSLATION' and 'LANGUAGE EXPERTS', it shows that they are the right people to help someone understand a book written in a foreign language. Answer Explanation: The answer is L, which represents the business Fine Line Translations Ltd. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is L because this advertisement is for a company that helps with different languages. The person in the scenario has a book written in Thai and needs someone to explain what it says. Since they cannot read the original language, they need a translator. Advertisement L states that they are 'LANGUAGE EXPERTS' and provide 'TRANSLATION' services, which means they can change the Thai text into a language the person can understand. |
| Q12 | G | Barton Hill & Knight ESTATE AND PROPERTY AGENTS, CHARTERED SURVEYORS, COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, HOUSEHOLD CONTENTS AND FINE ART SALES AN INDEPENDENT PROPERTY SERVICE, PROVIDING EXPERT KNOWLEDGE | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage shows that Barton Hill & Knight are property agents. This means they are experts who help people find and move into buildings like houses or apartments. Answer Explanation: The answer is business G, which is Barton Hill & Knight. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is G because this business acts as an 'estate and property agent'. These are professional people who help you buy, sell, or rent a home. If you just got a new job and need a place to live, a property agent is the right person to talk to about finding the right house or apartment. |
| Q13 | J | ENSUITE FACILITIES WITH GOOD-SIZED FAMILY ROOMS ALL WITH: COLOUR TV, TEA/COFFEE-MAKING FACILITIES | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that this business has large rooms for families that include private bathrooms, TVs, and things to make hot drinks. Answer Explanation: The answer J refers to the business named THE PARKLANDS. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is J because THE PARKLANDS advertisement describes a place that provides accommodation. It mentions having 'family rooms' with their own bathrooms (ensuite facilities), televisions, and tea or coffee equipment, which are standard features of a hotel or guest house where people can stay overnight. |
| Q14 | A | All professional services, including Auditing, Accountancy and Taxation from Small Businesses to Large Corporations | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that this business provides professional services for money management, including keeping records (accountancy) and dealing with government money rules (taxation) for businesses. Answer Explanation: The answer is the business identified by the letter A, which is a company called Steadman & Co Chartered Accountants. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because this business provides accounting services. When someone needs to organize their finances (information about their money) or deal with the end of the tax year, they need an accountant. This company specifically mentions that they offer 'Accountancy and Taxation' services for both small and large businesses. |