Local Campsites & Durridge Heights (OH) Newsletter - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading Test 2 · Part 1 · Questions 1–14
Reading Passage
==== Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7. ====
Local campsites
A Prettycoat Farm
This well-known campsite in the wild near Browbourne is a winner with campers who are looking for time out from their fast-paced jobs in the capital. Despite its limited facilities, the site, with its large tent pitches, is an ideal base for exploring the area and driving to the rock museum, the craft workshops or Gaydon Castle. Just follow the signs.
B Newgammon Wild
This campsite looks like it’s going to be a winner. It only opened last year, but already the website has some very positive reviews from the handful of campers who know about it so far. It offers splendid views over some of the country’s most attractive beaches, which can be accessed by steep, narrow cliff steps. You need a good level of fitness for these, and don’t forget to leave some energy for the return trip at the end of the day.
C Oakerly Estate
You won’t be disappointed when you reach Oakerly, despite the problems of getting there by car on such narrow roads. You’ll see quite a lot of motorhomes when you hit the clifftop, but there’s still plenty of room for tents on the spacious lawn that also offers a camp kitchen, restaurant and bar. Make sure you stay safe and pitch your tent within the white line around the cliff edge, though.
D South Turnbull
The emphasis at this site is on back-to-basics camping. It’s advisable to come in a group as there are few facilities and you need to do all your own cooking. The area is rather exposed, and in periods of bad weather it can’t be reached at all so check on the website before you go.
E Boxer Trepis
The 20-metre high rockfaces that surround this site are especially attractive to rock climbers, who come here to camp from hundreds of miles away so that they can attempt the climb – and not always with success, according to the website! It’s not compulsory, of course, and there are plenty of other activities for campers to get involved in, such as birdwatching and bathing in the sea.
==== Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. ====
Durridge Heights (OH) Newsletter
Newsletter for people living in the seven-storey block of flats at Durridge Heights
Dear Residents
Water penetration
As a result of the recent heavy rains, water has seeped through the walls of some flats and reached a critical level. A decision has been taken to deal with this immediately. Scaffolding will be put up on the middle section of the southern wall, and the brickwork there will be sealed temporarily with a waterproof covering to prevent any further water getting in until the major building works take place next year.
Fire safety
Following our fire safety inspection, the front doors of individual flats were upgraded or replaced in order to satisfy fire safety regulations. As advised in the previous Newsletter, the decoration of the hall side of the front doors will be incorporated into the Fire Safety Project and will be carried out in due course by the company PRO Builders.
Internal redecorations
The corridor walls on the inside of the building are redecorated every three years on a rolling basis and are being done this year. Please look out for signs indicating where the paint is wet. If you have children, make sure they keep away from the walls. DH cannot be held responsible for any spoilt clothing.
Air fresheners
We have received a small number of complaints about smells in the corridors. DH installed air fresheners some years ago. However, they were costly and the liquid in their spray stained the carpets. At present, we would prefer to ask residents to make sure smells cannot escape their front door and to seal rubbish bags when they put them in the corridor for collection and disposal by the caretaker.
Noise and DIY
While most leaseholders observe the regulations on noise, we have received complaints from others about out-of-hours drilling. Please note that any work involving hammers or electrical tools can only take place between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm on weekdays and between 9.00 am and 12.30 pm on a Saturday. There can be no exceptions to this rule. If you are planning to undertake such work during these hours, it is still polite to inform your neighbours of this so that they can make any necessary arrangements.
Questions
Questions 1–7 Matching Headings
Look at the five descriptions of campsites, A-E.
For which campsite are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 8–14 True / False / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | D | The area is rather exposed, and in periods of bad weather it can't be reached at all so check on the website before you go | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says this campsite is in an open area with no protection. Because of this, when the weather is bad, you cannot get to the site. It is a good idea to check the website for information before you leave your home. Answer Explanation: The answer is D. This means that the South Turnbull campsite is sometimes not possible to visit. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the text about South Turnbull clearly states that the campsite is impossible to get to during certain times. The passage mentions that 'in periods of bad weather it can't be reached at all'. The phrase 'can't be reached at all' means the same as 'impossible to get to', and 'in periods of bad weather' refers to 'certain times'. |
| Q2 | A | Despite its limited facilities, the site, with its large tent pitches, is an ideal base for exploring the area and driving to the rock museum, the craft workshops or Gaydon Castle | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the campsite is a perfect starting point ('ideal base') for seeing what is in the area. From there, you can easily drive to different interesting places ('tourist spots') like a museum, workshops, and a castle. Answer Explanation: The answer means that campsite A, called Prettycoat Farm, is a good location for people who want to drive to see different interesting places. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the description for Prettycoat Farm states that it is an 'ideal base for exploring the area'. It also specifically mentions 'driving to' several tourist spots, such as 'the rock museum, the craft workshops or Gaydon Castle'. This matches the question about being a 'convenient place' for visiting 'various tourist spots' by 'car'. |
| Q3 | C | Make sure you stay safe and pitch your tent within the white line around the cliff edge, though | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that to be safe, you need to put your tent inside the area that is marked with a white line. This is an important rule because the campsite is very close to the edge of a cliff. Answer Explanation: The answer means that at campsite C, there is a special, marked area where you must set up your tent for safety. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the description for Oakerly Estate gives a specific safety rule. It mentions a 'white line' that marks a safe area for tents. The phrase 'within the white line' is another way of saying 'inside the marked zone'. This rule is in place because the campsite is on a 'cliff edge'. |
| Q4 | E | The 20-metre high rockfaces that surround this site are especially attractive to rock climbers, who come here to camp from hundreds of miles away so that they can attempt the climb - and not always with success, according to the website | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the tall stone walls, called 'rockfaces', at this campsite are very popular with 'rock climbers'. These are people who climb rocks as a sport. They travel long distances to this campsite so they can try to climb these rocks, which is very difficult. Answer Explanation: The answer is E, which refers to the Boxer Trepis campsite. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the passage states this campsite is popular with 'rock climbers'. Rock climbing is a specific, difficult sport, which the question calls a 'particular physical challenge'. The text mentions that people travel a long way just to 'attempt the climb' on the high 'rockfaces', showing that it is a special challenge. |
| Q5 | C | You won't be disappointed when you reach Oakerly, despite the problems of getting there by car on such narrow roads | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you will feel happy when you arrive at the Oakerly campsite. This is true even though getting there is difficult because of the very 'narrow roads'. Answer Explanation: The answer is C. This means that even though it is hard to travel to the Oakerly Estate campsite, you will be happy and satisfied once you get there. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the description for Oakerly Estate directly addresses the two parts of the question. It mentions a 'difficult journey' by stating there are 'problems of getting there by car on such narrow roads'. It also says the journey is 'worth the effort' because 'You won't be disappointed when you reach Oakerly'. |
| Q6 | B | It only opened last year, but already the website has some very positive reviews from the handful of campers who know about it so far | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this campsite is new, starting just one year ago. It also says that only a very small number of people ('a handful of campers') know about this place right now. Answer Explanation: The answer means that campsite B, called Newgammon Wild, is a place that not many people know about. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the passage describes the campsite as very new, saying it 'only opened last year'. It also mentions that reviews come from 'the handful of campers who know about it so far'. The phrase 'a handful' means a very small number of people, which has the same meaning as 'few' in the question. |
| Q7 | B | It offers splendid views over some of the country's most attractive beaches, which can be accessed by steep, narrow cliff steps. You need a good level of fitness for these, and don't forget to leave some energy for the return trip at the end of the day | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this campsite is near beautiful beaches. To go to these beaches, you must use steps on the side of a cliff that are difficult to climb. The passage says you must be in good physical shape (fit) to use these steps, both going down and coming back up. Answer Explanation: The answer is B. This means that at campsite B, you need to be strong and use your body to get to the beach area. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the description for the Newgammon Wild campsite says that to get to the beautiful beaches nearby, you have to use 'steep, narrow cliff steps'. The text also clearly states that 'You need a good level of fitness for these'. This need for fitness is the same as the 'physical effort' mentioned in the question. |
| Q8 | TRUE | As a result of the recent heavy rains, water has seeped through the walls of some flats and reached a critical level. A decision has been taken to deal with this immediately | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that because of heavy rain, a lot of water has come through the walls into some apartments. The amount of water is at a 'critical level', which is a dangerous or serious point. Because of this, it was decided to fix the problem 'immediately', which means right away. Answer Explanation: The answer is TRUE. This means the statement that the water problem in some apartments is being treated as an urgent issue is correct. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE. The passage mentions that the water has reached a 'critical level', which means it is a very serious problem. It also states that a decision has been made to 'deal with this immediately'. The word 'immediately' means 'right now' or 'without delay', which shows that the situation is being treated as an emergency. |
| Q9 | FALSE | Scaffolding will be put up on the middle section of the southern wall, and the brickwork there will be sealed temporarily with a waterproof covering to prevent any further water getting in until the major building works take place next year | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the wall will be covered for a short time ('temporarily') to stop more water from coming inside. The big repair work ('major building works') will happen 'next year', not this year. Answer Explanation: The answer is FALSE. This means the statement that the southern wall will be permanently fixed this year is incorrect. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the passage says that the repair this year is a 'temporary' fix. The main, permanent repair, described as 'major building works', is planned for 'next year'. |
| Q10 | NOT GIVEN | Please look out for signs indicating where the paint is wet. If you have children, make sure they keep away from the walls. DH cannot be held responsible for any spoilt clothing | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage tells people to be careful and notice the signs about wet paint. It also warns that the building's management will not pay for any clothes that get ruined by the paint. This is a rule and a warning, but it doesn't say if people have followed it or not. Answer Explanation: The answer means the text does not say if people have ignored the 'wet paint' signs or not. We cannot find this information in the passage. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because the passage warns residents to 'look out for signs' and says that the management is not 'responsible for any spoilt clothing'. This is a warning for the future. The text does not say whether anyone has already ignored the signs or got their clothes dirty with paint. |
| Q11 | TRUE | However, they were costly and the liquid in their spray stained the carpets | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the air fresheners cost a lot of money. It also says that the liquid that sprayed out of them made marks, or stains, on the carpets, which were difficult to remove. Answer Explanation: The answer is TRUE. This means the statement, 'Air fresheners have caused some damage in the past,' is correct. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the passage explains that the air fresheners used before had a problem. The text says the liquid from the spray 'stained the carpets.' A stain is a type of damage. Therefore, the air fresheners did cause damage. |
| Q12 | FALSE | seal rubbish bags when they put them in the corridor for collection and disposal by the caretaker | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that residents should close their trash bags and place them in the hallway. A person called a 'caretaker' will then come to pick up the bags and get rid of them. Answer Explanation: The answer is FALSE. This means the statement that people living in the building must take their own trash out of the building is not correct. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE. The passage states that residents should put their sealed 'rubbish bags' in the corridor. It then says these bags are for 'collection and disposal by the caretaker'. This means that a caretaker, who is like a building manager, is the one who collects the trash and removes it from the building, not the residents. |
| Q13 | TRUE | While most leaseholders observe the regulations on noise, we have received complaints from others about out-of-hours drilling | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that even though most residents are not noisy, the building management has received complaints from some residents about loud drilling happening at unapproved times. This confirms that residents have reported noise problems. Answer Explanation: The answer is TRUE. This means the statement that some residents have reported problems with their neighbors making too much noise is correct. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE. The passage has a section called 'Noise and DIY'. In this section, it says that the management has 'received complaints from others about out-of-hours drilling'. This means some people living in the building have told the management about problems with noise from their neighbours. |
| Q14 | FALSE | Please note that any work involving hammers or electrical tools can only take place between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm on weekdays and between 9.00 am and 12.30 pm on a Saturday. There can be no exceptions to this rule | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that noisy work is only allowed during certain hours on weekdays and Saturday. It clearly states that this rule cannot be changed for anyone or any reason. The phrase 'no exceptions' means the rule must always be followed. Answer Explanation: The answer 'FALSE' means that the statement is incorrect. You cannot do noisy DIY work outside of the specific times allowed, even if your neighbor says it's okay. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the passage sets strict times for noisy work like using hammers or electrical tools. It then says that there can be 'no exceptions to this rule'. This means the times cannot be changed for any reason, including getting permission from a neighbor. |