First Day Orientation For University Staff Members & Information for Theatre Staff Managers - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 21 General Training Reading Test 3 · Part 2 · Questions 15–27
Reading Passage
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-21.
First day orientation for university staff members
Transport and Parking
There are various bus and train links to the university and discounted tickets are available for staff. We also offer bike storage on campus and a cycle-to-work scheme. Further information on transport options is available from the Environment Team or can be found in the Travel Options leaflet. If you intend to travel to work by car, you should check whether parking facilities are available at your location and apply for a permit where applicable.
Your IT Account
Please liaise with your departmental IT contact to set up your university IT account, password and username. IT Services will be able to do this once the Recruitment Team have generated an employee number for you. You will then be able to log in to a university PC, as well as use Blackboard, Wi-Fi and many other IT systems and services. If you require further assistance, contact the IT Service Desk.
Your University Card
You need your University Card for proof of ID to enter buildings and areas where you work, and to gain access to smart printers and other resources. To obtain a card you will need to be registered with the Human Resource database and have your university IT account. Before you place a request for a card, please ensure that your details are correct by checking and updating your record using Employee Self Service. To obtain your card, please go to the Security Lodge, where a photo will be taken and the card produced immediately. Alternatively, if you upload a passport-style photo, your department can request the card via an email to Security. Please note that this email will need to include your name and payroll number.
Employee Self Service
Employee Self Service (ESS) allows staff to validate and update their staff record. This facility is particularly useful for checking your payslips, but you may wish to opt out of ESS correspondence.
Induction
Inductions are typically arranged by each department and you should get in touch with your departmental contact for more information. In addition to this, you can also use the Employee Portal to sign up for the yearly university-wide Information Day.
______________
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27.
Information for theatre staff managers
INTRODUCTION
This is the information required by those responsible for the theatre staff who have contact with the audience during any production at The Place Theatre. It is important that the designated manager, and ideally also their deputy, be familiar with the contents.
PERSONNEL
Common practice shows it is most appropriate to have at least six, and no more than eight, theatre staff available to ensure sufficient coverage of all public areas. These staff should be committed to their role and arrive within good time to be briefed and positioned before the audience starts to arrive. One or two members of staff should remain in the foyer to prepare for the interval. One of these should be the manager.
BOX OFFICE
Before the audience arrives, the box office will need to be opened and the lights switched on, which is done by a switch located on the left, directly outside the box office. The power for the box office will also need to be turned on, using the switch labelled Terminal. The computer then needs to be turned on; this can be done by pressing the power button located underneath the counter on the top of a small black unit.
NOTICEBOARDS
There are two small boards: one next to the box office, and the other on the wall by the main auditorium door. These are for notices to audiences, such as requests for mobiles to be switched off while the show is on, or warnings about lighting special effects. It is essential that notices such as these are put up for the sake of audience safety. There are two large boards on the wall opposite the bar – these are for publicity for forthcoming productions. There are also numerous display boards behind the bar listing the current bar prices for the staff and audience to refer to.
AUDITORIUM
There are two wheelchair bays, each wide enough to accommodate one wheelchair plus a chair for a companion. The three seats by the main foyer door should be left vacant for latecomers. The staff member who is sitting by the main doors into the foyer is responsible for seating these people. Items of food may be taken into the auditorium at the discretion of the manager. Drinks are allowed into the auditorium; however, these might result in spills which should be dealt with as soon as they are noticed.
Questions
Questions 15–21 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
- You qualify for 15 for public transport if you work for the university.
- For more details about the different ways to get to the university, you should contact the 16
- If you are using your own vehicle, you may need to obtain a 17
- You need to be given your 18 before you can create your university IT account.
- A University Card is necessary for the use of equipment such as 19
- You can collect your University Card from the 20
- The Employee Self Service feature is recommended for viewing 21
Questions 22–27 Note Completion
Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Information for theatre staff managers
Personnel
• note that:
– a minimum of six staff members should be on duty
– some staff are required to make sure all is ready before the interval
Box office
• turn on
– the lights (using the switch to the 22 of the office)
– the power
– the computer (switch found below the 23)
Noticeboards
• give instructions about use of mobiles during performances
• display posters about future 24
Auditorium
• remember to keep some places available for 25
• decide if 26 is permitted inside
• make sure 27 are cleaned up
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q15 | Discounted tickets | There are various bus and train links to the university and discounted tickets are available for staff | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that there are bus and train routes to the university, and employees can buy tickets for them at reduced prices. Answer Explanation: The answer "discounted tickets" means travel tickets that cost less money than the normal price. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "discounted tickets" because the passage states that university staff can get cheaper tickets for buses and trains. In the text, "bus and train links" refers to "public transport", and being "available for staff" corresponds to qualifying for them if you work for the university. |
| Q16 | Environment team | Further information on transport options is available from the Environment Team or can be found in the Travel Options leaflet | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that if someone needs more facts about travel choices, they can get help from the Environment Team or look at the Travel Options leaflet. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the university department or group named the "Environment Team". Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "Environment team" (or "Environment Team") because the text states where staff can get extra details about travel methods. In the text, "Further information" means "more details", and "transport options" matches "the different ways to get to the university". This information is provided by ("available from") the "Environment Team". |
| Q17 | Parking permit / permit | If you intend to travel to work by car, you should check whether parking facilities are available at your location and apply for a permit where applicable | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that if an employee wants to drive a car to work, they must find out if parking is available and ask for an official parking pass (permit) if needed. Answer Explanation: The answer means an official document or pass that gives someone permission to park a vehicle in a specific area. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "(parking) permit" because the text mentions that if staff members plan to drive to work ("travel to work by car"), they need to see if parking is offered and then "apply for a permit where applicable". In this sentence, "using your own vehicle" corresponds to traveling by car, and "obtain" matches "apply for". Therefore, what a person may need to get is a permit or parking permit. |
| Q18 | Employee number / employe number | IT Services will be able to do this once the Recruitment Team have generated an employee number for you | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the IT department can only create your account after the hiring team makes an ID number for you as an employee. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to a special identification number given to a worker by an employer. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is confirmed by the section titled 'Your IT Account'. The sentence states that you need this item before your IT account can be created. The passage explains that IT Services can set up your account 'once the Recruitment Team have generated an employee number for you'. In other words, you must receive an 'employee number' first. |
| Q19 | Smart printers / printers | You need your University Card for proof of ID to enter buildings and areas where you work, and to gain access to smart printers and other resources | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that your University Card shows who you are, lets you go inside work areas and buildings, and allows you to use smart printers and other tools. Answer Explanation: The answer means machines that print documents, which in the text are called "smart printers" (or simply "printers"). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "(smart) printers" because the passage explains what you need the card for. Under the heading "Your University Card", it states that staff need their University Card to "gain access to smart printers and other resources". Therefore, the University Card is needed to use equipment such as smart printers. |
| Q20 | Security lodge | To obtain your card, please go to the Security Lodge, where a photo will be taken and the card produced immediately | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that to receive your card, you must visit the place named the Security Lodge, where they will take your picture and create your card at that moment. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the specific building or office called the Security Lodge, where workers can get their university card in person. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "Security Lodge" (or "Security lodge") because the passage explains the steps to get a card in the section titled "Your University Card". It says that to get your card, you should go to the "Security Lodge", where staff will take your photograph and make the card right away. In the question sentence, "collect your University Card" matches the phrase "obtain your card" in the text. |
| Q21 | Your payslips / payslips | This facility is particularly useful for checking your payslips | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the Employee Self Service tool is very helpful when staff want to see their pay records. Answer Explanation: The answer means "payslips," which are records or documents that show how much money an employee has earned and received. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "payslips" or "your payslips" because the text explicitly states in the "Employee Self Service" section that the system is "particularly useful for checking your payslips." In the sentence, "recommended for viewing" matches the meaning of "particularly useful for checking." |
| Q22 | Left | Before the audience arrives, the box office will need to be opened and the lights switched on, which is done by a switch located on the left, directly outside the box office | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that to turn on the box office lights, a person must use a switch situated on the left side right outside the room. Answer Explanation: The answer "left" refers to the side where the light switch is found outside the ticket office. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "left" because the text explains how to turn on the lights for the box office before guests arrive. It states that the switch is located "on the left, directly outside the box office." Therefore, "left" accurately fills in the blank describing the location of the light switch. |
| Q23 | Counter | The computer then needs to be turned on; this can be done by pressing the power button located underneath the counter on the top of a small black unit | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that to switch on the computer, you have to press a button that is positioned under the counter. Answer Explanation: The answer "counter" refers to a flat, high table or surface where staff work and serve people. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "counter" because the note asks where the switch for the computer is located ("switch found below the [input]"). In the "BOX OFFICE" section of the passage, it explains how to turn on the computer by "pressing the power button located underneath the counter". Here, "power button" matches "switch", and "underneath" means the same as "below". Therefore, the word that fills the blank is "counter". |
| Q24 | Productions | There are two large boards on the wall opposite the bar – these are for publicity for forthcoming productions | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that there are two big noticeboards across from the bar that show advertising for shows that will happen in the future. Answer Explanation: The answer "Productions" refers to theatre shows or plays that are presented to an audience. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "productions" (or "Productions") because the text explains that the two large boards across from the bar are used for advertising future shows. In the passage, the word "forthcoming" means "future," and "publicity" refers to promotional material like "posters." |
| Q25 | Latecomers | The three seats by the main foyer door should be left vacant for latecomers | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that three seats near the door must be kept empty so that people who arrive late have a place to sit. Answer Explanation: The answer "latecomers" refers to people who arrive after an event or performance has already started. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "latecomers" because the notes instruct staff to keep some places open or empty in the auditorium. The text states that three seats near the foyer door must be left vacant (kept free or available) specifically for people who arrive late. |
| Q26 | Food | Items of food may be taken into the auditorium at the discretion of the manager | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage means that the theatre manager has the authority to decide whether audience members are allowed to bring things to eat into the main theatre hall. Answer Explanation: The answer "Food" refers to things that people eat. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "Food" because the text explains that whether people can bring food into the auditorium depends on what the manager chooses to allow. In the text, the phrase "at the discretion of the manager" means it is up to the manager to decide, and "may be taken into the auditorium" means being allowed or "permitted inside". |
| Q27 | Spills | Drinks are allowed into the auditorium; however, these might result in spills which should be dealt with as soon as they are noticed | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that audience members are permitted to bring drinks inside, but these drinks can be accidentally spilled, so staff members must take care of and clean up those spills as soon as they see them. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to liquids that have accidentally dropped, flowed, or splashed onto surfaces like the floor or seats. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "spills" because the notes ask staff to make sure something is "cleaned up" in the auditorium. In the passage, under the heading "AUDITORIUM", it explains that bringing drinks inside can lead to "spills" and that these "should be dealt with as soon as they are noticed." In this context, "dealt with" means cleaned up immediately. |