Marxland Sculpture Garden: Information For Visitors & Cookbooks - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Trainer 2 General Training Reading Test 1 · Part 1 · Questions 1–14
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-14, which are based on the two reading passages below. Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7.
Marxland Sculpture Garden: Information for Visitors
A brief history
The Marxland Sculpture Garden occupies 30 hectares of land to the north of the historical town of Coppard. A former golf course, the land was bought by the Coppard Council in 1971 and, thanks to a generous donation by the Marxland family, opened to the public as a sculpture garden in 1975.
What to see
The Garden features more than 120 outdoor sculptures, though areas of the grounds themselves are also works of art, thanks to the efforts of landscape designer Hugh O'Connor. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits, many of which were created by artists from the region, most notably renowned bronze sculptor, Nerida Graham. As you wander through the grounds, don't miss Shackle of Time, the colossal mechanical sculpture in the Succulent Garden, or Figurine near the pond.
Your visit
The main car park is at the North Street entrance – open 9:00 to 17:00.
If approaching from the east, we also have a smaller parking area available at the Gray Street entrance.
The Marxland Sculpture Garden is open seven days a week 10:00–16:30, excluding 25 and 26 December.
Winter months: The Garden closes at 20:30 for 'Marxland at Night'.
Entry: $15 per adult, $10 per child (under 14); $40 for a family day pass.
The Marxland Sculpture Garden is a hands-on experience so don't be afraid to get up close and feel the surface of the works. We just ask that visitors don't climb on any of the exhibits.
Extra events
There's always something happening at the Garden.
The Jazz in the Garden festival is held in the second week of April, boasting world-class musicians and fantastic food stalls. This is the first time it has been held over two days. The festival has increased in popularity every year since it began in the early 1980s, so get your tickets early!
The Garden has recently started its 'Marxland at Night' program, featuring magical illuminated sculptures. Take an organised tour with one of the Garden staff or try your luck with a map and torch! This event takes place throughout winter.
______________
Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14.
Cookbooks
A
My Petite Kitchen Cookbook
Eleanor Ozich
Petite Kitchen blogger Eleanor Ozich has produced this collection of over 100 simple, wholesome recipes to nourish you and your family. With a focus on wholefoods, Ozich uses unprocessed alternatives to the usual sugar, milk and processed grains to create more nutritionally-balanced meals. This book contains achievable recipes for home cooks.
B
Ottolenghi: The Cookbook
Sami Tamimi, Yotam Ottolenghi
The iconic restaurant Ottolenghi is known for its exquisite, fresh food that has impacted diners' palettes across the country. Much of the intriguing yet simple fare in the book is taken from recipes that featured in chef Yotam Ottolenghi's childhood in Jerusalem, but other recipes come from different culinary traditions, from North African to Californian. If you enjoy top-notch photos of exotic delicacies, this is for you.
C
Crunch Time Cookbook
Michelle Bridges
In the Crunch Time Cookbook, celebrity trainer Bridges arms readers with simple, delicious recipes to help shed kilos and keep them off. There's a 12-week menu plan (also available as an e-book) that shows how quick and cheap it can be to prepare your own meals, and all the recipes are family-friendly.
D
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
Deb Perelman
This award-winning cookbook is brought to you by celebrated food blogger Deb Perelman. While not an experienced chef or restaurant owner, Perelman is a home cook who was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of recipes on the internet, sometimes giving conflicting advice. If this sounds like you, this book will give you confidence. Each recipe comes with a photograph, so you can see what you're aiming for.
E
The Classic Slow Cooker
Judy Hannemann
This beautifully-presented collection of tried-and-tested recipes was gathered by Hannemann over the years. Apparently, kids love these simple but tasty ideas. From fresh nutritious appetizers to delicious desserts, here are recipes you'll want to cook again and again.
F
The Wagamama Cookbook
Hugo Arnold
The distinctive taste of the Wagamama restaurant chain originates from the traditional ramen (noodle) shops of Japan. This cookbook contains the key to achieving the Wagamama flavour, from appetisers to hearty soups to stir-fries, and even exotic juice-based beverages. There are also helpful hints on sourcing ingredients, techniques for food preparation and creating a meal.
Questions
Questions 1–7 True / False / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
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
Questions 8–14 Matching Information
Look at the six reviews of cookbooks, A-F.
For which are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-F.
NB You may use any letter more than once
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | TRUE | A former golf course, the land was bought by the Coppard Council in 1971 | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that before the local government purchased the land in 1971, it was used as a place to play golf. Answer Explanation: The answer 'TRUE' means it is correct that the area was used for playing sports in the past. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the text describes the garden's area as a 'former golf course'. Since golf is an outdoor sport, we know that people played sport there before the council bought the land. The word 'former' means that it was a golf course in the past but is not one anymore. |
| Q2 | TRUE | There are both permanent and temporary exhibits, many of which were created by artists from the region, most notably renowned bronze sculptor, Nerida Graham | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the garden has art shows that stay forever (permanent) and art shows that stay for a short time (temporary). Answer Explanation: The answer means that the statement is correct according to the text; some art pieces are in the park for only a short period. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the passage mentions that the garden contains "temporary exhibits." In English, the word "temporary" means that something lasts for a limited time and is not permanent. Therefore, these items will eventually be removed from the park. |
| Q3 | NOT GIVEN | There are both permanent and temporary exhibits, many of which were created by artists from the region, most notably renowned bronze sculptor, Nerida Graham. As you wander through the grounds, don't miss Shackle of Time, the colossal mechanical sculpture in the Succulent Garden | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage talks about a famous artist and a specific sculpture in the same section, but it does not state that they are connected or that the artist made that specific piece. Answer Explanation: The answer is NOT GIVEN because the text does not say who made the artwork called Shackle of Time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because while the text introduces Nerida Graham as a famous sculptor whose work is in the garden, and then mentions Shackle of Time as a sculpture people should see, it never actually says that she made it. Nerida Graham is described as a bronze sculptor, while Shackle of Time is described as a mechanical sculpture, but the text provides no information about the creator of Shackle of Time. |
| Q4 | NOT GIVEN | The main car park is at the North Street entrance – open 9:00 to 17:00 | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage provides the location of the car park and the times it is open, but it does not mention anything about food, fees, or if the parking is free. Answer Explanation: The answer is NOT GIVEN because the text does not say whether visitors have to pay a fee to park or if it is free. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because the passage mentions the location and opening hours of the car parks, but it does not provide any information about the price. While it lists the 'Entry' prices for adults and children to get into the garden itself, it is silent about whether there is a cost for using the car park. Because this information is missing, we cannot say the statement is true or false. |
| Q5 | FALSE | The Marxland Sculpture Garden is a hands-on experience so don't be afraid to get up close and feel the surface of the works | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that visitors are allowed and even encouraged to get near the art and touch it with their hands. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the statement is not true because the garden actually allows and encourages people to touch the art. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the passage describes the garden as a 'hands-on experience.' This means visitors are invited to interact physically with the art. The text explicitly tells visitors not to be afraid to 'feel the surface' of the sculptures. The only restriction mentioned is that visitors should not 'climb' on them, which is different from touching them. |
| Q6 | TRUE | The festival has increased in popularity every year since it began in the early 1980s, so get your tickets early | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the event started a long time ago, specifically in the early 1980s, and has continued to happen every year since then. Answer Explanation: The answer means it is correct that the music event called Jazz in the Garden has happened many times over many years. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the text explicitly states that the festival has improved and grown in popularity every year since it started in the early 1980s. Because the 1980s were many years ago, this confirms the statement that it has been running for several years. |
| Q7 | FALSE | Take an organised tour with one of the Garden staff or try your luck with a map and torch | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that visitors have two options: they can go with a garden worker or they can try to find their way alone using a map and a light. Answer Explanation: The answer means that you do not have to go with a staff member if you visit the garden at night. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is FALSE because the text lists two different ways to experience the 'Marxland at Night' program. While you can take a tour with a staff member (an employee), you also have the choice to explore on your own using a map and a torch (flashlight). Because there is a choice, the statement that you 'must' go with an employee is incorrect. |
| Q8 | F | There are also helpful hints on sourcing ingredients, techniques for food preparation and creating a meal | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the book includes useful advice about finding food items, ways to get food ready for cooking, and how to put a meal together. Answer Explanation: The answer is cookbook F, called The Wagamama Cookbook. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is F because the description for this book specifically says it provides advice on techniques for food preparation and how to create a meal. These are general cooking tips that help a reader learn how to cook rather than just following a single recipe. The words 'techniques' and 'hints' are synonyms for 'tips' or ways of doing things. |
| Q9 | D | While not an experienced chef or restaurant owner, Perelman is a home cook who was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of recipes on the internet, sometimes giving conflicting advice. If this sounds like you, this book will give you confidence | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the author was a normal person cooking at home who found too many recipes on the web. Because these recipes sometimes said different things, she felt confused. The text tells readers that if they feel this way too, this book will help them feel sure about their cooking. Answer Explanation: The answer is the letter D, which refers to the book 'The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook'. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the text mentions that the author, Deb Perelman, felt 'overwhelmed' (stressed or confused) by the 'volume' (large amount) of recipes found on the internet. It also says these online recipes often gave 'conflicting advice' (different ideas that do not agree). The book is designed to help readers who feel the same confusion when looking for food ideas online. |
| Q10 | C | In the Crunch Time Cookbook, celebrity trainer Bridges arms readers with simple, delicious recipes to help shed kilos and keep them off | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that the recipes in this particular book are designed to help people lose weight (shed kilos) and stay at that lower weight. Answer Explanation: The answer C refers to the 'Crunch Time Cookbook,' which has recipes for people who want to get thinner or reduce their body weight. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the description for this book specifically mentions that it helps readers 'shed kilos.' In English, 'shedding kilos' is an idiom or expression that means to lose weight. The text also mentions a 12-week plan to help people keep the weight off once they have lost it. |
| Q11 | A | With a focus on wholefoods, Ozich uses unprocessed alternatives to the usual sugar, milk and processed grains to create more nutritionally-balanced meals | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the author replaces common ingredients (like normal sugar or milk) with natural, healthy substitutes to make food that is better for the body. Answer Explanation: The answer is cookbook A, titled My Petite Kitchen Cookbook. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the description of this book specifically mentions that the author uses 'unprocessed alternatives' instead of 'the usual' ingredients like sugar and milk. The goal of using these different options is to make 'more nutritionally-balanced meals,' which is another way of saying they are healthier choices than standard ingredients. |
| Q12 | B | Much of the intriguing yet simple fare in the book is taken from recipes that featured in chef Yotam Ottolenghi's childhood in Jerusalem, but other recipes come from different culinary traditions, from North African to Californian | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that many of the food ideas in the book are based on what the chef ate during his time as a child living in Jerusalem. Answer Explanation: The answer is option B, which refers to the book 'Ottolenghi: The Cookbook'. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the text explains that many of the recipes in the book come from the chef's 'childhood'. In English, childhood is the word used for the period when a person is growing up. This means the chef ate these dishes when he was young. |
| Q13 | F | This cookbook contains the key to achieving the Wagamama flavour, from appetisers to hearty soups to stir-fries, and even exotic juice-based beverages | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this book teaches you how to cook many different things, including special drinks made from juice. Answer Explanation: The answer, which is option F, refers to 'The Wagamama Cookbook' by Hugo Arnold. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is F because the text description for 'The Wagamama Cookbook' explicitly mentions that it contains recipes for 'exotic juice-based beverages'. In English, the word 'beverages' is a synonym for 'drinks'. Since the question asks for a book that includes recipes for drinks, this cookbook fits perfectly. |
| Q14 | D | Each recipe comes with a photograph, so you can see what you're aiming for | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that every set of instructions for cooking a meal in this book includes a picture. These pictures help the cook see what the food should look like when it is finished. Answer Explanation: The answer is book D, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the description of The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook explicitly mentions that every single recipe includes a photo. The phrase "Each recipe comes with a photograph" tells the reader that they will see a picture of every dish they try to make. While other books might mention photos, this is the only one that uses the word "each" to indicate that a picture is provided for every recipe. |