Smoke Alarms In The Home & Sydney Opera House Tours - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 10 General Training Reading Test 1 · Part 1 · Questions 1–14
Reading Passage
==== Read the text below and answer questions 1-7. ====
Smoke Alarms in the Home
Smoke alarms are now a standard feature in Australian homes and are required by the National Building Code in any recently built properties. They are installed to detect the presence of smoke and emit a clear sound to alert you in the event of fire to give you time to escape.
There are two principal types of smoke alarms. Ionization alarms are the cheapest and most readily available smoke alarms. They are also very sensitive to ‘flaming fires’ – fires that burn fiercely – and will detect them before the smoke gets too thick. However, photoelectric alarms are more effective at detecting slow-burning fires. They are less likely to go off accidentally and so are best for homes with one floor. For the best protection, you should install one of each.
Most battery-powered smoke alarms can be installed by the home owner and do not require professional installation. For the installation of hard-wired smoke alarms, powered from the mains electricity supply, however, you will need the services of a licensed professional. Smoke alarms are usually most effective when located on the ceiling, near or in the middle of the room or hall.
Photoelectric smoke alarms in any quantity may be disposed of in domestic waste. If you have fewer than ten ionization alarms to get rid of, you may put them in your domestic waste. If you have more than ten to dispose of, you should contact your local council.
Your battery-powered smoke alarm will produce a short beep every 60 second to alert you when the battery is running out and needs replacing. Nevertheless, it should be tested every month to ensure that the battery and the alarm sounder are working. Note that the sensitivity in all smoke alarms will reduce over time.
==== Read the text below and answer questions 8-14. ====
Sydney Opera House Tours
A The Essential Tour brings to life the story behind the design and construction of one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Using interactive audio-visual technology, your guide will take you on a memorable journey inside the youngest building ever to be World Heritage listed.
B Afterwards, why not stay around and eat at the Studio Cafe, with its modern Australian menu? Not only can you enjoy the best views in Sydney, you can claim a 20% reduction on the total cost of your meal. (Don’t forget to show your ticket in order to claim your discount.)
C Languages: English, French, German
Takes place: Daily between 9am and 5pm
Prices: Adults $35 / Online $29.75
Concessions: Australian seniors and pensioners; students and children of 16 and under $24.50.
Prior bookings are not essential.
D The Backstage Tour gives you backstage access to the Sydney Opera House. It is a unique opportunity to experience the real-life dramas behind the stage! You might even get to stand on the concert hall stage, take up a conductor’s baton in the orchestra pit and imagine you are leading the performance. You will also get to see inside the stars’ dressing rooms. The tour concludes with a complimentary breakfast in the Green Room, the private dining area of performers past and present.
E Takes place: Daily at 7am
Prices: $155-No concessions.
To purchase: Bookings are essential.
Limited to 8 people per tour.
Online sales expire at 4.30pm two days prior.
Notes:
The tour includes up to 300 steps.
Flat, rubber-soled shoes must be worn.
For safety reasons, children of 12 years old and under are not permitted.
F Opera High Tea consists of a tour where you will walk in the footsteps of world- class singers, dancers and musicians, followed by fine food and music in the spectacular surroundings of the Bennelong Dining Room. What could be better than a treat of delicious light snacks and soft drinks followed by a live recital by a leading Australian singer? An unforgettable treat for young and old!
G Takes place: Every second Wednesday, 2pm
Duration: 1.5 hours
Prices: $145 per person
Book online or visit the Guided Tours Desk.
Questions
Questions 1–7 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
Questions 8–14 Matching Information
The text has seven sections A-G. Which section mentions the following? Write the correct letter A-G in boxes on your answer sheet. NB You may use any letter more than once.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | True | Smoke alarms are now a standard feature in Australian homes and are required by the National Building Code in any recently built properties | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that smoke alarms are normal in Australian homes and that new houses must have them according to the rules. Answer Explanation: The answer means that all new houses in Australia must have smoke alarms. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the passage states that smoke alarms are a standard feature in Australian homes and are required by the National Building Code for any recently built properties. This means that all new houses must have smoke alarms. |
| Q2 | False | Ionization alarms are the cheapest and most readily available smoke alarms | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that ionization alarms are the least expensive and easy to find, which means they cost less than photoelectric smoke alarms. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'False'. This means the statement that photoelectric smoke alarms cost less than ionization smoke alarms is not correct. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'False' because the passage states that ionization alarms are the cheapest type of smoke alarms available. It does not say that photoelectric alarms are cheaper. It highlights that ionization alarms are the least expensive option compared to photoelectric alarms. |
| Q3 | Not given | Most battery-powered smoke alarms can be installed by the home owner and do not require professional installation | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that many smoke alarms can be put in place by the person who owns the home, and they do not need a professional to help. However, it does not say how fast or slow it is to do this. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the text does not provide any information about how long it takes to fit most smoke alarms. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Not given' because the passage does not specify how much time it takes to install most smoke alarms. It only mentions that most battery-powered smoke alarms can be installed by the homeowner, but it does not say how long this process takes. |
| Q4 | True | you will need the services of a licensed professional | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says you must get help from a trained expert to install hard-wired smoke alarms. Answer Explanation: The answer means that a hard-wired smoke alarm must be installed by a professional who is specially trained. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'True' because the passage explains that hard-wired smoke alarms require a licensed professional for installation. It emphasizes that these are powered by the mains electricity supply and therefore should not be installed by just anyone. |
| Q5 | False | If you have fewer than ten ionization alarms to get rid of, you may put them in your domestic waste. If you have more than ten to dispose of, you should contact your local council | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that you can throw away fewer than ten ionization alarms in your regular waste. You only need to talk to the local council if you have more than ten. Answer Explanation: The answer is False. This means that it is not true that you must contact your local council before throwing away ionization smoke alarms. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is False because the passage says you should contact your local council only if you have more than ten ionization alarms to dispose of. If you have fewer than ten, you can put them in your household rubbish without contacting the council. |
| Q6 | True | Your battery-powered smoke alarm will produce a short beep every 60 second to alert you when the battery is running out and needs replacing | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the battery smoke alarm will beep every 60 seconds when the battery is low. This means it helps you know when to change the battery. Answer Explanation: The answer is True. This means that smoke alarms make a sound when the battery is low. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is True because the passage says that a battery-powered smoke alarm will make a short beep every 60 seconds to alert you when the battery is running out. So, smoke alarms do warn you if the battery power is low. |
| Q7 | Not given | it should be tested every month to ensure that the battery and the alarm sounder are working | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you must test smoke alarms every month to make sure they work, but it does not say to check them more than once. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the text does not say anything about checking old smoke alarms more than once a month. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Not given' because the passage only mentions testing smoke alarms every month but does not say anything about checking them more than once a month. |
| Q8 | C | Concessions: Australian seniors and pensioners; students and children of 16 and under $24.50 | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that older people and certain younger people can pay less money for the tour. Students and children who are 16 years old or younger have a special lower price. Answer Explanation: The answer is C. This means that in section C, there is information about discounts for younger people. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because section C specifically talks about prices and mentions that there are lower prices for students and children aged 16 and under. This shows that there is a discount available for younger visitors. |
| Q9 | E | Flat, rubber-soled shoes must be worn | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says you need to wear shoes that are flat and have rubber soles. This is important for safety. Answer Explanation: The answer is E. This means that in section E, they talk about the type of shoes you need to wear. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because this section explains that you must wear flat, rubber-soled shoes for safety. It says this is a requirement, which shows the need for suitable footwear. |
| Q10 | D | You might even get to stand on the concert hall stage, take up a conductor's baton in the orchestra pit and imagine you are leading the performance | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you can stand on the concert hall stage and pretend to be a conductor, which means you can act like you are in a concert. Answer Explanation: The answer is D. This means that in section D, it talks about pretending to be part of a concert. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because section D describes a tour where you get to stand on the concert hall stage and imagine that you are leading the performance. This gives you a chance to pretend you are taking part in a concert. |
| Q11 | E | Limited to 8 people per tour | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that only 8 people can join each tour, which shows there is a restriction on the number of participants. Answer Explanation: The answer is E, which means there is a limit on how many people can join the tour. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because it clearly states that the Backstage Tour has a limit of 8 people per tour. This means only a small group can participate. |
| Q12 | C | Not only can you enjoy the best views in Sydney, you can claim a 20% reduction on the total cost of your meal. (Don't forget to show your ticket in order to claim your discount.) | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says you can save 20% on your meal cost if you show your ticket. This is for people who buy online. Answer Explanation: The answer means that section C talks about a discount you can get if you buy online. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because this section mentions a '20% reduction on the total cost of your meal' if you show your ticket. It's about a discount when you make a purchase on the internet. |
| Q13 | E | To purchase: Bookings are essential | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage tells us that you must make a reservation to buy tickets. Answer Explanation: The answer is E. This means that in section E, it talks about needing to book your ticket ahead of time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because this section says 'To purchase: Bookings are essential,' which means you have to book in advance to get your ticket. |
| Q14 | G | Duration: 1.5 hours | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the tour lasts for 1.5 hours. This means if you go on this tour, it will take one hour and thirty minutes. Answer Explanation: The answer is G. This means that section G tells us how long one of the tours lasts. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is G because section G specifically says that the tour there lasts for 1.5 hours. This information directly answers the question about the length of one of the tours. |