Great Cycling Trails & What Steps To Take To Become A Fashion Designer - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 20 General Training Reading Test 2 · Part 1 · Questions 1–14
Reading Passage
Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7.
Great cycling trails
Why not take the bike and try one of these wonderful cycling routes next weekend?
A Bo'ness to Blackness Castle, Edinburgh
If you like cycling on flat ground and enjoy having interesting things to look at, this is one of the best trails in Scotland. Among its plus points, there are fantastic views of three of the bridges across the river Forth. Simply return by the same path or continue on to South Queensferry for a longer day out.
B The Montgomery Canal cycle path, Wales
Dragonflies, swans, buzzards, fish and other creatures can be spotted as you cycle alongside the canal. The path is in good condition and broad enough for a family to ride safely. A day out cycling in the area can also include a visit to the nearby thirteenth-century Powis Castle and its beautiful gardens.
C A walking and cycling path in Birmingham, West Midlands
The busy city of Birmingham has several well-known bike trails, including a quiet route along the Bourn Brook to Woodgate Valley country park. One hump-backed bridge is best walked across, but the rest of the route is flat and suitable for a range of bikes. It's then 2km along the signposted path to Woodgate Valley, which is perfect for picnics, has a family-friendly visitor attraction especially known for its sheep, and offers a break from cycling.
D The Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The path is on a former railway route from the time when the area was involved in coal mining. Cyclists can visit sites from this period on the way, but those just along for the views won't be disappointed. Stop for lunch at one of the numerous picnic spots along the way. The route is circular, fully marked and suitable for the whole family, including the dog.
E The Wirral Trail, Liverpool
The trail is safe, flat and with plenty of cafés on the way. Take in the views of North Wales, have a rest on the beach at Caldy or Thurstaston, then cross the border into Cheshire and on towards Chester. Both West Kirby and Chester have regular direct trains back to Liverpool.
______________
Read the text below and answer Questions 8–14.
What steps to take to become a fashion designer
First, it's important to think about what types of fashion designers are in demand currently. There are so many womenswear designers, yet not as many menswear, sportswear or accessories designers. Opportunities might be greater in those categories.
When applying for internships, think about what you'll bring to the company as well as what they can offer you: Is the company going to teach you skills that are relevant to your future career? What mix of skills can you bring to the company that is relevant to their needs? Try to find the company that's the right fit for you, and you are much more likely to be what the company is looking for as well.
Knocking on doors can lead to fantastic opportunities: Designers are very busy and overwhelmed with people applying to work with them, but they're far more impressed by people that try that little bit harder. For example, some graduates go overseas to New York or Milan to deliver a self-directed design project and CV to the designer of their choice. Of course that can lead to considerable expense, but it often results in success.
Make use of online fashion and business networking sites. Create your profile on each one, as you never know who might be looking. Apply to as many fashion hiring agencies as you can - there are more than 20 in the UK alone. Not all of them take on new graduates, but try them all anyway.
Consider your training and fill in any gaps in it. Assistant designers and interns can make themselves more employable through investing time in obtaining, for example, computer-aided design (CAD) skills. Unfortunately, not all colleges and universities have CAD as an integral part of their courses. If this has affected you, you should study using online learning applications.
Finally, talent is not enough – you need to get out there and make sure everybody knows about your skills. Graduates should be aware that they need to be proactive and persistent. It's all down to developing new contacts and utilising the ones you already have.
Questions
Questions 1–7 Matching Information
Look at the five descriptions of cycle trails, A-E.
For which cycle trail are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-E.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8–14 Flow Chart Completion
Complete the flow-chart below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers on your answer sheet.
Design graduates – how to get work in the fashion industry
Consider whether to specialise in a less popular area, such as 8 rather than clothing.
↓
Try to get an internship in a business where you will be a good 9.
↓
Having identified a business where you want to work, go and hand in the application personally, even if this involves significant 10.
↓
To get your work seen, make sure you produce a 11 on various digital platforms and approach specialist 12 involved in recruiting fashion designers.
↓
Review the 13 you have done and make sure it is as comprehensive as possible by gaining further expertise.
↓
Do not rely on your ability alone, and establish as many useful 14 as possible.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | D | The path is on a former railway route from the time when the area was involved in coal mining. Cyclists can visit sites from this period on the way, but those just along for the views won't be disappointed | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the path of the trail used to be a train track in the past. This area was important for digging up coal. People riding their bikes here can see places from that old time when coal was mined. Even if they just want to see nice views, they will like it too. Answer Explanation: The answer is D. This means that trail D, which is called 'The Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean', is good for people who like to learn about old industries. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the passage says that this cycle trail was once a railway for coal mining. Coal mining and railways are parts of 'industrial history'. So, people who like to learn about the past of factories and mines will find this trail interesting because they can visit old places from that time. |
| Q2 | C | One hump-backed bridge is best walked across, but the rest of the route is flat and suitable for a range of bikes | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that on this trail, there is a bridge that looks like a hump. It is 'best walked across,' meaning people should walk over it instead of riding their bikes. But the other parts of the path are flat and good for different types of bikes. Answer Explanation: The answer is trail C, which is a path in Birmingham, West Midlands. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the passage mentions a specific part of this trail, a 'hump-backed bridge,' where cyclists are advised to get off their bikes and walk. This means it's better and safer to go on foot for that small section. |
| Q3 | E | The trail is safe, flat and with plenty of cafés on the way | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that along 'The Wirral Trail,' there are many 'cafés.' This means there are many small restaurants or shops where you can stop to buy drinks and food. Answer Explanation: The answer is E, meaning The Wirral Trail in Liverpool. This trail allows you to buy food along the way. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the passage states that 'The Wirral Trail, Liverpool' has 'plenty of cafés on the way.' Cafés are places where people can buy and eat food, confirming that it's possible to buy something to eat while cycling this trail. |
| Q4 | C | It's then 2km along the signposted path to Woodgate Valley, which is perfect for picnics, has a family-friendly visitor attraction especially known for its sheep, and offers a break from cycling | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if you go to Woodgate Valley, there is a place that many families like to visit. This place is famous for its sheep. Sheep are farm animals like cows or chickens, so you can see them there. Answer Explanation: The answer is C. This means that on the cycling path in Birmingham, you can stop and see farm animals. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the description for the Birmingham trail (C) mentions a specific place, Woodgate Valley, which has a visitor attraction "especially known for its sheep." Sheep are farm animals, so this trail allows people to see them. |
| Q5 | E | have a rest on the beach at Caldy or Thurstaston | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that on this path, you can 'rest on the beach'. This means you can take a break and sit down by the sand next to the water, which is the sea. Answer Explanation: The answer is E. This means that trail E is the one where bikers can stop and sit near the sea. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the description for 'The Wirral Trail, Liverpool' mentions that people cycling there can 'have a rest on the beach'. A beach is a place by the sea or ocean, so stopping on a beach means stopping by the sea. |
| Q6 | B | A day out cycling in the area can also include a visit to the nearby thirteenth-century Powis Castle and its beautiful gardens | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that when you go cycling in this area, you can also go to Powis Castle. This castle is from the 1200s, making it very old. It is also a place that you can 'visit,' which means it is open for people to see. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the cycling route labeled 'B' is the one that has a very old building nearby where people can go to look around. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the description for 'The Montgomery Canal cycle path, Wales' clearly states that a visit to 'the nearby thirteenth-century Powis Castle' can be included. The phrase 'thirteenth-century' indicates that the castle is 'very old', and 'include a visit' means it is 'open to the public'. |
| Q7 | A | Simply return by the same path or continue on to South Queensferry for a longer day out | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that after riding this path, you can either go back the way you came or keep going to another place called South Queensferry, which will make your trip longer. Answer Explanation: The answer is A. This means that trail 'A' allows people to ride a longer path if they want to. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the description for 'Bo'ness to Blackness Castle, Edinburgh' (Trail A) clearly states that cyclists have an option to make their trip longer. It says they can 'continue on to South Queensferry for a longer day out', which means they can ride for a greater distance than the main trail. |
| Q8 | accessories | There are so many womenswear designers, yet not as many menswear, sportswear or accessories designers. Opportunities might be greater in those categories | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that many people design clothes for women. But, there are not as many people who design clothes for men, sports clothes, or things like bags and jewelry (accessories). The passage then states that there might be more chances to get a job in these less common design areas. Answer Explanation: The answer 'accessories' means small items like bags, jewelry, hats, or scarves that people wear with their clothes to make them look better. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'accessories' because the passage suggests that new fashion designers should think about designing items in less popular areas to find more work. The passage points out that there are many designers for women's clothing, but fewer for menswear, sportswear, or 'accessories'. It explicitly states that 'Opportunities might be greater in those categories,' meaning these are the less popular or less crowded areas where a designer might have a better chance. The question asks for an example of a less popular area 'rather than clothing,' and 'accessories' fits this description as a distinct category from main clothing garments. |
| Q9 | fit | Try to find the company that's the right fit for you, and you are much more likely to be what the company is looking for as well | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says to look for a company that is 'the right fit for you'. This means a company that is suitable and matches your needs, and where you are suitable for the company's needs too. Answer Explanation: The answer 'fit' means that you should try to find a job or company that is right for you, where your skills and what they need match well. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'fit' because the passage advises new designers to find companies that are a good match for them. It suggests thinking about what you can offer the company and what they can teach you, so you both 'fit' well together. The text explicitly uses the word 'fit' in this context. |
| Q10 | expense | Of course that can lead to considerable expense, but it often results in success | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that going to faraway places like New York or Milan to give your work to a designer can cost a lot of money (which is the "considerable expense"), but many times, it helps people get a job. Answer Explanation: The answer, "expense," means spending money. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "expense" because the passage talks about how going to a designer personally to give them your work can cost a lot of money. The flow-chart asks what big thing this action might "involve," and "expense" is the word the passage uses to describe this cost. |
| Q11 | profile | Make use of online fashion and business networking sites. Create your profile on each one, as you never know who might be looking | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says to use websites where fashion and business people meet online. It tells you to make a profile on these websites, because someone looking for talent might see it. Answer Explanation: The answer 'profile' means a short description about yourself and your skills that you share online. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'profile' because the passage suggests that future fashion designers should create a profile on online platforms to show their work and skills. This helps people see what they can do and makes it easier for them to find job opportunities. |
| Q12 | agencies | Make use of online fashion and business networking sites. Create your profile on each one, as you never know who might be looking. Apply to as many fashion hiring agencies as you can - there are more than 20 in the UK alone. Not all of them take on new graduates, but try them all anyway | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that people wanting to be fashion designers should create online profiles and contact many 'fashion hiring agencies'. These 'agencies' are groups that help people find work in fashion, even if they are new graduates. Answer Explanation: The answer, "agencies," means companies or groups that help people find jobs, especially in fashion. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'agencies' because the passage advises fashion design graduates to use 'online fashion and business networking sites' and to 'apply to as many fashion hiring agencies as you can'. These 'agencies' are the specialist groups that help recruit fashion designers, matching the description in the question. |
| Q13 | training | Consider your training and fill in any gaps in it | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says to 'Consider your training and fill in any gaps in it'. This means think about what you have studied and learned, and then try to learn anything you missed or do not know well enough yet. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'training'. This means to look again at what you have learned and studied. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'training' because the passage advises fashion design graduates to 'Consider your training and fill in any gaps in it'. This means they should review their education and learn new skills, like 'computer-aided design (CAD) skills', to make sure their training is complete and they are more likely to get a job. This directly matches the idea of reviewing what you have learned and making it as complete as possible by getting more knowledge. |
| Q14 | contacts | It's all down to developing new contacts and utilising the ones you already have | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage means that you need to make new friends or connections in your work area and use the ones you already have. This is how you can tell more people about your skills and find job opportunities. Answer Explanation: The answer 'contacts' means people you know who can help you, like friends or people in your work field. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'contacts' because the passage says that to get a job in fashion, you need to 'develop new contacts and utilise the ones you already have.' This means you should meet and get to know many people who can help you find work or tell others about your skills. It is important not to just rely on your talent but also to build a network of useful people. |