STUDENT LIFE AT CANTERBURY COLLEGE & CANTERBURY COLLEGE LIST OF COURSES - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 04 General Training Reading Test 1 · Part 2 · Questions 15–27
Reading Passage
Read the passage below and answer Questions 15-20.
STUDENT LIFE AT CANTERBURY COLLEGE
Most of the courses at Canterbury College only take up four days of the week, leaving one day free for independent study.
The atmosphere at the College is that of an adult environment where a relationship of mutual respect is encouraged between students and tutors.
Canterbury is a student city with several institutes of Further and Higher Education. The city centre is just a five-minute walk from the College, easily accessible in lunch or study breaks.
Canterbury College has developed strong international links over the years and, as a result, many students have the opportunity of visiting and working in a European country in the course of their studies.
Students' Union and SRC
All students are automatically members of the Canterbury College Students' Union (CCSU) and can attend meetings. The Union is very active and is run by an Executive Committee elected by students in the Autumn Term. The President is elected every Summer Term to provide continuity for the next academic year. Representatives from each area of study form the Student Representative Council (SRC) which allows every student a say in Union affairs. In addition to representing students internally in the College on the Academic Board and with a sub-committee of the College Corporation, the CCSU also belongs to the National Union of Students which represents the interests of students nationally. The Union also arranges and supports entertainments, sporting activities and trips.
STUDENT FACILITIES
Learning Resources Centre (LRC)
The Carey Learning Resources Centre provides easy access to a wide range of printed and audio-visual learning materials which can help students with coursework. There is ample space for quiet independent study and there are also areas for group work. Resources provided include books, journals, audio and video cassettes and CD-ROMs. Inter-library loans are available locally and nationally via the British Library. All students are encouraged to use the Open Access Information Technology Centre situated on the first floor. This has a variety of computing, word processing and desktop publishing software.
Bookshop
A branch of Waterstone's bookshops is located on campus, where you can buy a range of stationery, drawing equipment, artists' materials and books, as well as many other useful items you may need.
Children's Centre
The College Children's Centre has places for under 5s with some subsidised places being available to students. Places are limited, so, if you are interested, apply early to reserve a place by contacting Linda Baker on the College telephone number.
Refectory
This provides refreshments between 08.30 and 19.00 with hot meals served three times a day. Healthy eating options are available.
Coffee Shop
This is open during normal College hours and serves light snacks and drinks. Proceeds from the Coffee Shop go to the Students' Union.
Crypt Restaurant
This is a training restaurant which offers good quality cuisine in pleasant surroundings. Meals are very reasonably priced and you are invited to sample the students' highly skilled dishes when the restaurant is open to the public during the week. Reservations can be made on 01227 511244.
Chapel View Restaurant
This is another training restaurant and is set up as a quick-service facility which offers a selection of snacks and main courses at a modest price.
______________
Read the passage below and answer Questions 21-27.
CANTERBURY COLLEGE LIST OF COURSES
COURSE A
This course will enable students to experience performing arts and the media at a basic level. It will give them the experience to decide if they wish to pursue an interest in this field and to develop their potential and adaptability for working in a performance company in either a performing or a technical role.
COURSE B
The aim of this course is to provide a thorough grounding in business-related skills and a comprehensive knowledge of business practice. It is for students with a business studies background who can manage a heavy workload that will contain a greater degree of academic study.
COURSE C
This course provides progression to a range of higher levels. Units will include maintaining employment standards, salon management duties, providing facial massage and skin care, instruction on make-up, lash and brow treatments, artificial nail structures and ear piercing.
COURSE D
This course is designed to develop skills used in leisure operations. It covers preparing for and conducting physical activities, maintenance of facility areas, building relationships with participants and colleagues, handling sports equipment and health and safety issues.
COURSE E
This course gives a foundation for a career in caring for children, the elderly or people with special needs. Core units are Numeracy, Communication and Information Technology. Work placements are an important part of the course.
COURSE F
This course is designed to provide a foundation in graphic and visual communication skills. Students complete units in picture composition and photographic processing alongside elements of graphic design, and gain hands-on experience of desktop publishing and presentations.
COURSE G
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the construction industry. Units covered include Heat, Light and Sound, Introduction to the Urban Environment, Communication Processes and Techniques and Properties of Materials. All students complete vocational assignments which are integrated with work experience with reputable companies.
COURSE H
The qualifications gained and the skills developed on this course will provide a good basis for gaining employment in office work. In addition to word processing, the course also covers spreadsheets, computerised accounting, databases and desktop publishing. All students are given chances to develop their confidence, and advice and information is given on job search skills, presentation techniques and personal appearance.
Questions
Questions 15–20 True / False / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Questions 21–27 Matching Information
Which course would you recommend for people with the following career interests?
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q15 | TRUE | Canterbury College has developed strong international links over the years and, as a result, many students have the opportunity of visiting and working in a European country in the course of their studies | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that many students have the chance to work in a different country in Europe as part of their education because the college has good relationships with international groups. Answer Explanation: The answer TRUE means that the statement correctly reflects what is written in the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the passage mentions that the college has strong connections with other countries. This allows many students to visit and work in a European country while they are studying. The text uses the phrase 'working in a European country,' which matches the idea of getting 'job experience' 'abroad' (in a different country). |
| Q16 | FALSE | The Union is very active and is run by an Executive Committee elected by students in the Autumn Term. The President is elected every Summer Term to provide continuity for the next academic year | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that students vote for the Executive Committee during the Autumn (fall). However, they vote for the President during the Summer. This proves that the elections occur at separate times of the year. Answer Explanation: The answer is False because the statement is not correct according to the information in the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is False because the passage explains that the two groups are elected at different times of the year. The Executive Committee is chosen in the Autumn Term, whereas the President is chosen in the Summer Term. Because they happen in different seasons, they are not held together. |
| Q17 | NOT GIVEN | The Carey Learning Resources Centre provides easy access to a wide range of printed and audio-visual learning materials which can help students with coursework. There is ample space for quiet independent study and there are also areas for group work. Resources provided include books, journals, audio and video cassettes and CD-ROMs | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage lists the types of learning materials and the types of rooms available for students in the LRC, but it does not mention anything about people working there to offer assistance. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the reading passage does not provide any information about whether there are workers or staff available to help students in the LRC. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because while the text describes the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) and what it contains, it never mentions staff members or employees who help the students. The passage lists materials like books, journals, and videos, and it mentions areas for quiet study or group work, but the presence of assistants or helpers is not discussed at all. Since we cannot find this information, we cannot say if the statement is true or false. |
| Q18 | TRUE | Places are limited, so, if you are interested, apply early to reserve a place by contacting Linda Baker on the College telephone number | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that there are only a few spots available for children, so students must sign up quickly to make sure they get one. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the statement is correct; children's care is given to those who sign up earliest because there are not many spots. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is TRUE because the passage mentions that the Children's Centre has a 'limited' number of places. It tells students to 'apply early' if they want to 'reserve a place.' This instruction to apply early because of limited space matches the meaning of 'first-come, first-served,' which means the people who ask first get the service. |
| Q19 | NOT GIVEN | This provides refreshments between 08.30 and 19.00 with hot meals served three times a day. Healthy eating options are available | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage describes what the Refectory offers, such as drinks, snacks, warm meals, and healthy food, but it does not mention fast food. Answer Explanation: The answer is NOT GIVEN because the text does not say if the Refectory has fast food or not. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because the passage mentions "hot meals" and "healthy eating options," but it never says anything about "fast-food." Since the text does not provide information about fast food one way or the other, we cannot say if the statement is true or false. |
| Q20 | NOT GIVEN | This is another training restaurant and is set up as a quick-service facility which offers a selection of snacks and main courses at a modest price | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that this restaurant is a place where students learn, it is fast, and the food is not expensive. However, it does not say if the restaurant is only for students or also for people from outside the college. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the passage does not provide enough information to know if the Chapel View Restaurant is only for students or if other people can eat there too. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because the text describes the Chapel View Restaurant as a training facility that serves snacks and main courses at low prices, but it never mentions who is allowed to eat there. While it mentions the Crypt Restaurant is open to the public, it remains silent on whether the Chapel View Restaurant is restricted to students or open to everyone. |
| Q21 | F | This course is designed to provide a foundation in graphic and visual communication skills. Students complete units in picture composition and photographic processing alongside elements of graphic design, and gain hands-on experience of desktop publishing and presentations | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that this course focuses on basic skills for using graphics (art/images) and visuals (things people see) to talk to an audience. It includes learning about how to put pictures together and how to use computer programs to design and present ideas. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course F, which teaches students how to use pictures and designs to send messages to people. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is F because advertising is a job where you use pictures and design to get people to buy things. This course teaches 'graphic design' and 'visual communication,' which are the most important tools for making advertisements. It also covers 'presentations' and 'desktop publishing,' which are skills needed to show and create ads. |
| Q22 | A | This course will enable students to experience performing arts and the media at a basic level | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that Course A gives students a chance to try out activities related to the arts and media. Because television is a type of media, this course is the right fit for that interest. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course A, which is the best choice for someone interested in working in television. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the description for Course A specifically mentions both 'performing arts' and 'the media'. Work in TV production is a career within the media industry. This course allows people to learn about the basics of these fields and prepare for jobs in performance or technical roles. |
| Q23 | G | COURSE G This course is designed to provide an introduction to the construction industry. Units covered include Heat, Light and Sound, Introduction to the Urban Environment, Communication Processes and Techniques and Properties of Materials | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that Course G teaches students about the building business and how cities are designed (the urban environment). These are the main things an architect needs to know. Answer Explanation: The answer G is the specific course recommended for students who want to study architecture. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is G because this course focus on the 'construction industry,' which is the business of building things like houses and offices. It also teaches about the 'Urban Environment' and 'Properties of Materials.' Architecture is the practice of designing and building structures in cities, so these subjects are perfect for someone with that career interest. |
| Q24 | B | The aim of this course is to provide a thorough grounding in business-related skills and a comprehensive knowledge of business practice | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that Course B's goal is to give students a strong start in learning skills and how-to knowledge for working in business. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course B, which is for people who want to learn about how businesses work. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the description for Course B says it teaches 'business-related skills' and 'business practice.' Since managing a company is a business job, this course is the best choice for someone interested in company management. This course also expects students to have some 'business studies background,' meaning they already know a little about the subject. |
| Q25 | E | This course gives a foundation for a career in caring for children, the elderly or people with special needs | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this specific course helps people prepare for a job where they look after children, old people, or people who have special requirements, such as those with disabilities. Answer Explanation: The answer E refers to Course E, which is the class you should take if you want to work with people who have disabilities. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the description for Course E specifically mentions that it prepares students for jobs in "caring for" people with "special needs." In many contexts, including job descriptions for education and health, "special needs" is a common term used to describe people with physical or mental disabilities. The course provides the basic knowledge needed to start a career in this field. |
| Q26 | H | The qualifications gained and the skills developed on this course will provide a good basis for gaining employment in office work. In addition to word processing, the course also covers spreadsheets, computerised accounting, databases and desktop publishing | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that this course gives students the knowledge they need to get a job in an office. It lists several computer skills that students will learn, which are all useful for secretarial work. Answer Explanation: The answer Course H is the best choice for students who want to learn how to work in an office doing tasks like typing and organizing information. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is H because the description for Course H says it helps people get 'employment in office work.' Secretarial tasks are the main activities done in an office. The course teaches important skills for a secretary, such as 'word processing' (using a computer to write letters or reports), 'spreadsheets' and 'databases' (used for keeping lists and data), and 'computerised accounting' (managing money on a computer). |
| Q27 | C | Units will include maintaining employment standards, salon management duties, providing facial massage and skin care, instruction on make-up, lash and brow treatments, artificial nail structures and ear piercing | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage lists the different things students will learn in Course C, such as how to run a salon, give massages, and provide skin and nail treatments. Answer Explanation: The answer is Course C, which is the best choice for someone wanting to learn about beauty therapy. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because this course teaches many skills that are used in beauty salons. It includes topics like skin care, using make-up, and taking care of nails and eyelashes. These activities are all part of beauty therapy, which focuses on help people look and feel better through specialized treatments. |
