IELTS Recent Mock Tests Volume 1

Published on: 06 Dec 2017
Tests taken: 3,337,980

Answer Keys:

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Part 1: Question 1 - 10

1 94635550
2 Clark House
3 University Drive
4 Monday
5 Thursday

6 a/one/1 month
7 A
8 C
9 B
10 C

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

11 Computer as Teacher
12 University of Melbourne
13 top floor
14 ground floor
15 3:10

16 Palm Lounge
17 C
18 B
19 B
20 A

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

21 C
22 A
23 B
24 B

25 A
26 C
27 29 C,E,F
30 textbook allowance

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

31 plastic
32 processing
33 (properly) seasoned
34 polished
35 (the) cost

36 grain pattern(s)
37 words
38 0.8
39 0.1
40 black velvet

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IELTS reading practice test

You will be allowed 1 hour to complete all 3 sections of the IELTS Academic Reading test.

7,527

11 Jun 2018

Review & Explanations:

Part 1: Questions 1-10

Questions 1-6

Complete the form below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Moving Company Service Report

Example Full Name:	Answer Jane Bond
Phone Number:	1
USA Address:	509 2 1137 3 , Seattle
Packing Day:	4
Date:	11th March
Clean-up by:	5:00 p.m.
Day:	5 14th
About the Price:	Rather expensive
Storage Time:	6

1 Answer: 94635550

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Q1: Phone Number

Clerk: what’s your work phone number? In case I have any questions about things.
WOMAN: My work phone is 94635550 .

The keyword in Q1 is “phone number” and we will fill in a line of numbers in the blank.

When we hear the clerk ask “what’s your work phone number?”, we can assume that the answer will soon appear. Then the woman clearly said that her work phone number is 94635550. Thus, the correct answer is 94635550.

2 Answer: Clark House

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Q2: USA Address:

509 ______

Clerk: And what address should we ship your things to?
WOMAN: My new company is letting me stay temporarily at 509 Clark House , that’s C-L-A-R-K, 1137 University Drive in Seattle.

The keyword in Q2 is “address”. We should focus on the numbers “509” as our answers will follow right after this numbers in the conversation.

When we hear the clerk asked “And what address should we ship your things to?”, which contains our keyword, we know that the answer will soon appear in the woman’s reply.

As we expected, she said that her temporary address is 509 Clark House. “Clark House” stands right after the number “509”, so it is the answer of Q2. We should stay focus to write down the correct spelling of Clark, which is C-L-A-R-K.

3 Answer: University Drive

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USA Address:

Q3: 1137 ______

Clerk: And what address should we ship your things to?
WOMAN: My new company is letting me stay temporarily at 509 Clark House , that’s C-L-A-R-K, 1137 University Drive in Seattle.

The keyword in Q3 is “address”. We should focus on the numbers “1137” as our answers will follow right after this numbers in the conversation.

After spelling the word “Clark”, the woman told us the rest of her address, which is “1137 University Drive in Seattle”. Similar to Q2, “University Drive” stands right after the number “1137”, so “University Drive”is the answer of Q3.

4 Answer: Monday

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Q4: Packing Day

Clerk: OK, and when should we come pack your things?
WOMAN: I guess that would be on Monday , March 11th.

The keyword in Q4 is “Packing day” and we should fill in the blank a day when the woman wants the company to come and pack her things.

So, when we hear the clerk ask “when should we come pack your things?
”, we assume that the answer may soon appear.

Then, the woman said that it would be Monday , March 11th. As the answer is no more than 2 words and we have to fill in a day, “Monday” is our correct answer.

**We should know that if the question is Packing date, “March 11th” will be the correct answer instead because Day refers to a name of a weekday while Date is more specific. It refers to a particular day of the month, sometimes in a particular year, given in numbers and words.

5 Answer: Thursday

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Q5: Clean-up by: 5.00 PM

Day: ________

Clerk: Do you want any help with an after-packing clean-up? We do that for a small additional charge.
W: Yes, that would be helpful. I promised the landlord I’d give her the keys back by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday , the 14th.

C: Great, we’ll just schedule the clean-up for that day. That way, the place will smell clean and there’ll be no dust.

The keywords in Q5 are “clean-up” and “day” and we should find out the day when the company conduct the clean-up.

When the clerk mentioned to the keyword “clean-up” in “Do you want any help with an after-packing clean-up?”, we assume that the answer may soon appear. Then she said that she would give the keys back to the landlord. Here we hear her mention to “Thursday , the 14th”. As we’re looking for a clean-up day, “Thursday” may be our answer, but we need to keep listening to be ensure it’s the correct one. Then we hear the clerk say “Great, we’ll just schedule the clean-up for that day”. It means that he will conduct the clean-up on Thursday. So, “Thursday” is the correct answer.

6 Answer: a/one/1 month

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Q6: Storage Time

W: how much is this going to cost?
…
W: Oh dear, this seems rather expensive!...

W: I don’t want my furniture shipped with me. I won't be looking for an apartment till after I arrive in America. Would it be possible to put my furniture in storage here for a month , then have it sent along later?

The keyword in Q6 is “storage time”. We should use the keywords in the sentence above Q6 (“Price”, “rather expensive”) to locate the position of our answer in the conversation (the answer will follow the part of “expensive price”).

So, when the woman said “Oh dear, this seems rather expensive!...”, we know that the answer will come out after that.

Then, she said that she didn’t want the furniture shipped with her. After this sentence, we may assume that she will ask the company to keep them. As we’ve expected, we hear “Would it be possible to put my furniture in storage here for a month , then have it sent along later?”. The woman asked if the company can keep her furniture for a month. So, “a month” is our answer.

Questions 7-10

Where does the speaker decide to put items in?

Write the correct letter, A, B, or C, next to questions 7-10.

A	in emergency pack
B	in personal package
C	in storage with the furniture

Items

7 cutlery and dishes

8 kettle

9 alarm clock

10 CD player

7 Answer: A

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Q7: cutlery and dishes

A in emergency pack

B in personal package

C in storage with the furniture

C: Oh, I don’t know... Things like dishes maybe. Not to be rude, but you look like a lady who likes to eat.
W: Ahhh! Yes, I need my dishes and things where I can find them quickly.
C: Great. We'll put those dishes and cutlery in what we call the emergency pack .

Firstly of all, we should locate keyword in each option. They are “emergency pack”, “personal package”and “in storage with the furniture”.

Now, look at Q7. The keywords in Q7 are “cutlery” and “dishes”. We should find out where cutlery and dishes will be put in.

As the keyword “dishes” is mentioned in the clerk’s saying “Oh, I don’t know... Things like dishes maybe”, we may guess that the answer will soon appear. Then we hear the clerk decide that he will put dishes in the emergency pack. “emergency pack” is the keyword of option A. So, option A is our answer.

8 Answer: C

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Q8: kettle

A in emergency pack

B in personal package

C in storage with the furniture

W: Ummm, I do have an antique tea kettle my great-grandmother gave my mother. I wouldn’t want to lose that. So I guess you’d better put that in storage with the furniture .

The keyword in Q8 is “kettle” and we should find out where the kettle will be put in.

When the woman mentioned that she had a kettle, we assume that the answer may soon appear. Then she said she wanted to put it “in storage with the furniture”. “in in storage with the furniture” is exactly the keyword in option C. So, option C is our correct answer.

9 Answer: B

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Q9: alarm clock

A in emergency pack

B in personal package

C in storage with the furniture

C: Say, how about things like your alarm clock? You don’t want to miss your plane on the big day, right?
W: Well, you certainly think of everything! Yes, that’s right. I'll also need my alarm clock where I can find it.
C: Fine, we’ll put that in your personal package .

The keyword in Q9 is “alarm clock” and we should find out where the alarm clock will be put in.

When the clerk asked “how about things like your alarm clock?”, we assume that answer will soon follow. Then as the woman said she wanted it to be in place where she could find it, the clerk decided to put it in her personal package. “personal package” is the keyword in option B. So, option B is the correct answer.

10 Answer: C

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Q10: CD player

A in emergency pack

B in personal package

C in storage with the furniture

C: Um, I couldn’t help noticing the new CD player you’re carrying. Is that a Samsung?
W: Why? Yes, it is. One of their best. Cost me nearly a hundred dollars, it did!
C: Do you want to take special care of it? I mean it’s brand new.
W: Take care of it, but nothing special. You can just put it in storage with the furniture.

The keyword in Q10 is “CD player” and we should find out where the CD player will be put in.

As the clerk mentioned to the keyword “CD player” in the conversation “ I couldn’t help noticing the new CD player you’re carrying.”, we can be sure that the answer will soon appear.

Then, we hear the woman say she wanted to put it “in storage with the furniture”. “in storage with the furniture” is exactly the keyword in option C. So, option C is our correct answer.

Part 1

Part 2: Questions 11-20

Questions 11-16

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

ANNUAL WULLABALLOO CONFERENCE
TIME	CONTENT	LOCATION
9:00 a.m.	Title of the lecture: 11 Lecturer: John Smith from the 12	Main Hall
10:30 a.m.	Presentation of papers	Garden Room on the ground floor
11:15 a.m.	Coffee break	Main Hall
1:00 p.m.	Lunch	Sea View Restaurant on the 13 The lift on the 14
2:00 p.m.	Presentation of further papers	Ballroom
15 p.m.	Afternoon tea	Ballroom
5:00 p.m.	Conference will be finished	Main Hall
5:10-6:10 p.m.	Informal reception	16

11 Answer: Computer as Teacher

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Time: 9 a.m

Q11: Title of the lecture:

At 9:00 a.m. right here in the Main Hall, we’ll be hearing a lecture from Dr John Smith about “ Computer as Teacher ’’.

The keyword in Q11 is “Title of the lecture”. We should focus on the time “9 a.m” as it is when the lecture starts. So, in the conversation, our answer will appear near the word “9 a.m”.

From the question, we can assume that the answer must be the name of the lecture.

When the speaker said “At 9:00 a.m…”, we guess that the answer will appear after it.

Then she said “we’ll be hearing a lecture from Dr John Smith about “ Computer as Teacher ’’”. “The lecture… about” is similar to “title of the lecture”. Thus, the correct answer is Computer as Teacher.

12 Answer: University of Melbourne

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Q12: Lecturer: John Smith from the ________

Professor Smith, from the University of Melbourne ,

The keyword in Q12 is “John Smith”. We should focus on the word “from” because it suggests us that the answer will be the name of the body where the lecturer is working at.

When the name of the professor is mentioned, we can assume that the place where he is working at will follow. And the speaker said “Professor Smith, from the University of Melbourne”. So, the answer is University of Melbourne.

13 Answer: top floor

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Q13: 1:00 p.m Lunch

Sea View Restaurant on the _____

The keywords in Q13 are “1:00 p.m”, “lunch” and “Sea view Restaurant”. We should focus on the word “on” as it suggests us that the answer will be a noun which indicates a place where Sea View Restaurant is located. Moreover, our answer may stand right after the word “on” in the conversation.

When we hear the speaker mentioned to the keywords “lunch” and “one o’clock” in the conversation “I strongly urge you, however, to join us at the formal lunch. That won’t be till one o’clock sharp”, we know that the answer will soon follow. Then she said that the participants will eat at Sea View Restaurant which “is located right here in the hotel, on the top floor”. “the top floor” is where Sea View Restaurant is located and follows right after the word “on”. So, it’s certain that the answer is the top floor.

14 Answer: ground floor

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Q14: The lift on the ______

It’s a good dozen flights of stairs, so I suggest you take the lift on the ground floor

The keyword in Q14 is “the lift”. We should focus on the word “on” as it suggests us that the answer will be a noun which indicates a place where the lift is located.

As Q14 is in the same section with Q13, when we hear the answer of Q13 in the conversation, we know that the speaker will soon mention to the answer of Q14.

The woman suggested the visitors to take the lift on the ground floor. So,it is clear that ground floor is our answer.

15 Answer: 3:10

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Q15: Time: _____ p.m.

Content: Afternoon tea

Location: Ballroom

Once we’ve heard the papers, we’ll break for afternoon tea at 3:10 p.m. No need to walk. The manager of the refreshment stand has graciously agreed to have tea served in the Ballroom.

The keywords in Q15 are “afternoon tea” and “Ballroom”. We should find out when the afternoon tea begins in the Ballroom.

From the question, we know that the tea will follow the presentation at 2:00 p.m. So, after we hear the speaker talk about the activity at 2:00 p.m, we know that the answer will soon appear.

Then she said “we’ll break for afternoon tea at 3:10 p.m”. “3:10” may be our answer. However, we need to make sure that it is the correct answer by checking if the tea is served in the Ballroom.

We then hear that the manager agreed to serve tea in the Ballroom. So, now it is certain that the answer is 3:10.

16 Answer: Palm Lounge

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Q16: Time: 5:10-6:10 p.m.

Content: Informal reception

Location: _________

So, by 5:00 we should have the conference wrapped up. But the fun isn’t over! This is Australia mates! We’ll be flocking to the hotel’s own Palm Lounge on the east side of the foyer for an informal reception. You can relax, mingle with the other delegates, and let your hair down a bit. This will run from 5:10 to 6:10, though you’re free to stay as long as you like

The keywords in Q16 are “5:10-6:10 p.m.” and “Informal reception” and we should find out where the informal reception will be hold.

From the question, we know that the informal reception is after the conference or after 5:00 p.m.

By saying “by 5:00 we should have the conference wrapped up” (or finished). “But the fun isn’t over”, the speaker meant that after the conference, there would be other activity. And we can be sure that this activity is informal reception. We should stay focus to locate the answer.

Then the speaker said that the visitors would go to Palm Lounge for an informal reception. The word “informal reception” is mentioned in this sentence and the name of the place where informal reception is hold is also mentioned shortly before, which is Palm Lounge. So, Palm Lounge is our correct answer.

Questions 17-20

Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.

Tickets are available

A only at the reception desk.
B tomorrow evening.
C at any time before the reception.

Answer: C

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Q17: Tickets are available

only at the reception desk.
tomorrow evening.
at any time before the reception

You can have all-you-can-drink beer for $20.00 with purchase of an advance ticket.

And, yes, tickets can be purchased from any conference organiser or at the front desk anytime between now and the start of the reception.

The keyword in Q17 is “tickets”. By looking at the options, we guess that in the conversation, the speaker will mention to the place and/ or the time to get the tickets. Our task is to locate this information.

When we hear the keyword “an advance ticket” , we know that the answer will soon appear. Then she said “tickets can be purchased from any conference organizer”. This idea completely contradicts with option A, so A is not the correct answer.

After that, we hear “…or at the front desk anytime between now and the start of the reception.”. “between now and the start of the reception” means that you can buy tickets before the reception. The whole sentence means that visitors can by tickets at any time before the reception. This idea is the same with option C. So, C is the correct answer.

The delegates will be charged........

A $6.50
B $15.00
C $25.00

Answer: B

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Q18: The delegates will be charged...

$6.50
$15.00
$25.00

Speaking of paying, I see I forgot to tell you a couple of things. The first is about lunch. The charge for the lunch will be $15.00 for all you delegates. If you have guests with you, the cost is $25.00 for the general public, and $6.50 for children under the age of 10. That’s fifteen dollars each, not total for everyone

The keywords in Q18 are “the delegates” and “be charged”. “be charged” means “have to pay”. So, when we hear the word “paying” in the sentence “Speaking of paying, I see I forgot…”, we know that the answer will soon follow. Then she mentioned to a list of prices which are $15.00, $25.00 and $6.50. However, by listening carefully, we hear the keyword “delegates” right after “$15.00”, which means that the price for delegate is $15.00. So, B is the correct answer.

The restaurant is famous for

A steak.
B fish.
C barbecue.

Answer: B

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Q19: The restaurant is famous for

Steak
Fish
Barbecue

Another item is about the lunch menu. I very much urge you to try the fish. I mean, look at the restaurant’s name: Sea View. As the name suggests, it is a famous seafood restaurant . The chef is a Basque from Spain, and he really gets quite put out when people ignore his fish specialties for burgers or barbecue. If fish isn’t your thing though, try the steak - he makes an exquisite Filet mignon topped with bleu cheese and mushrooms.

The keywords in Q19 are “the restaurant” and “famous”. “restaurant” usually go with food or meal. So, when we hear the speaker mentioned to “lunch menu”, we guess that the answer will be soon come out.

Then she talked about the restaurant, which is our keyword. By the sentence “it is a famous seafood restaurant”, we can assume that B is the correct answer because in these three options, only fish is categorized as seafood. But, we need to be sure about it.

Then the speaker said “The chef is a Basque from Spain, and he really gets quite put out when people ignore his fish specialties for burgers or barbecue.”This sentence means that the chef’s specialty is fish dish and he will be upset if people order burgers or barbecue instead of fish. Thus, B still may be the correct answer while C is definitely not.

After that, we know that the chef also cooks delicious steak but the speaker didn’t say that steak is the chef’s specialty. So, A is not the correct answer.

From all above clues, it’s clear that B is the correct answer.

The trip on Sunday costs

A $35 in total.
B $35 plus entrance fees.
C $35 plus lunch.

Answer: A

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Q20: The trip on Sunday costs
1. $35 in total.
2. $35 plus entrance fees
3. $35 plus lunch

Finally, if you’d like to buy a ticket, you can have both lunch and the unlimited beer for $35.00 .I should have mentioned that earlier, but I am a bit forgetful. Maybe I should avoid the beer after the conference, eh?

The keywords in Q20 are “cost” and “The trip on Sunday”. “the trip on Sunday” here is the whole Annual Wullaballoo Conference program that we’re listening. We should find out how much the ticket to the program is.

So, when the speaker said “Finally, if you’d like to buy a ticket”, we know that the price will be heard soon. Then we hear that with $35.00, we will own a ticket, lunch and beer.
“Entrance fees” was not mentioned, so B is the wrong answer.
C is not correct because with $35.00, we can have both lunch and beer, not only beer.
From the clues above, A is the correct answer.

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Part 2

Part 3: Questions 21-30

Questions 21-26

Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.

GENERAL COURSE DETAILS

What is the defining characteristic of a specialised course?

A Taking a proficiency exam
B Attending the class frequently
C Compulsory and regular

Answer: C

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Q21: What is the defining characteristic of a specialised course?

A. Taking a proficiency exam

B. Attending the class frequently

C. Compulsory and regular

P: Like what is a “specialised course”?
Oh, easy. A specialised course is one that is compulsory, meaning it's a requirement for your major and regular, so you can’t place out by taking a proficiency exam.

First of all, we should locate the keywords in the three options as above and try to hear these keywords in the conversation.

The keywords in Q21 are “defining characteristic” and “a specialised course.

When we hear the keyword “a specialised course” in the student’s question “what is a “specialised course”?”, we can assume that the answer will soon appear.

Then we hear another important keyword “compulsory” in the professor’s answer “A specialised course is one that is compulsory,”. “compulsory” is the keyword of only option C. So, option C is our answer.

The Microbiology courses are available for

A full-time and flexible-time students.
B Microbiology students only.
C students on a flexible schedule.

Answer: A

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Q22: The Microbiology courses are available for

full-time and flexible-time students.
Microbiology students only.
students on a flexible schedule.

So can I take any Microbiology course I want?
Let’s see. Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only. The good thing is, now it’s open to students on a flexible schedule, so it’s not only for full-time students.

First of all, we should locate the keywords in the three options as above and try to hear these keywords in the conversation.

The keyword in Q22 is “The Microbiology courses” and we should find out what type of students can attend the courses.

When we hear the keyword “The Microbiology courses” in the student’s question “can I take any Microbiology course I want? “, we know that the answer we’re looking for will appear in the next sentence.

Then the professor said “those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only”. We may choose option B because of the keyword “Microbiology students only” but it is not the correct answer because this is what happened in the past (the professor used the phrase “used to be”). After that, we hear that the courses is now open to students on a flexible schedule. It means that both full-time and flexible-time students can enroll the courses. Thus, A is the correct answer.

The Biology courses are available for

A all students.
B full-time students only.
C freshmen only.

Answer: B

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Q23: The Biology courses are available for

A. all students

B. full-time students only

C. freshmen only

Could I take some Biology classes?
Well, they are open to full-time students only , which I believe is what you are.

The keyword in Q23 is “The Biology courses” and we should find out what type of students can attend the course.

When we hear the student ask “Could I take some Biology classes”, which contains our keyword, we can guess that the answer will appear soon. Then the professor answered that Biology classes are open to full-time students only. So, it’s clear that the answer is B.

Who are interested in Microbiology courses?

A People who need work experience
B People from off-campus
C People who work at hospital

Answer: B

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Q24: Who are interested in Microbiology courses?

A. People who need work experience

B. People from off-campus

C. People who work at hospital

I don’t know how a freshman would get along with Microbiology, though. I mean, most of the students presently looking into it are from off-campus .
Off-campus?
Yes, you know, people who use it in their work at hospitals, laboratories, even a police detective.

First of all, we should identify keywords in each option as above.

The keywords in Q24 are “Who”, “interested in” and “Microbiology courses”.

When we hear the professor wonder why a freshman would prefer Microbiology courses, we can assume that the answer will soon appear.

Then he said that students who are interested in this course are mostly from off-campus. So, B is the correct answer.

** We may be confused between B and C because we also hear the keyword “work at hospitals”. However, the professor gave many examples of students from off-campus: people who works at hospitals, laboratories, or even a police detective.They all are looking into Microbiology course, not only those who work at hospitals.

A Medical Science course will be opened next year because

A there are no experimental facilities.
B the lab equipment is too expensive.
C the building is damaged.

Answer: A

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Q25: A Medical Science course will be opened next year because

A. there are no experimental facilities.

B. the lab equipment is too expensive.

C. the building is damaged.

if you're thinking about being either a doctor or a vet, you should take some Medical Science classes before you even think of applying to med school.
Great! What should I take?
There is one small problem. The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, so there are no experimental facilities available until next year. I’m afraid you'll have to wait.

First of all, we should identify keywords in each option as above.

The keywords in Q25 are “Medical Science course” and “next year”.

When we hear the professor suggest Medical Science class to the student, we know that the answer may appear soon. So, we should pay more attention to get the correct answer.

Then, he continued to say “The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, so there are no experimental facilities available until next year”. In this sentence, we hear the keyword “no experimental facilities “ of option A and understand that the classes will be open next year because now there are no experimental facilities available. So, A is the correct answer.

Which is the quickest increasing subject in enrolment?

A Medical Science
B Statistics
C Environmental Science

Answer: C

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26.Which is the quickest increasing subject in enrolment?

A. Medical Science

B. Statistics

C. Environmental Science

Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me?

Have you ever thought about looking into Environmental Science?
No, I never really thought about it before. Is it worthwhile?
Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus.

The keyword in Q26 is “the quickest increasing subject”.

By taking a look at the options, we can guess that the speaker will mention to a list of courses and then tell us which one is the quickest increasing subject.

So, when we hear the student ask “Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me?”, we know that the professor is about to give her some suggestion.

As we expected, he recommend “Environmental Science”. Then he said that it is the fastest growing subject on this campus. So, C is the correct answer.

*** Although after that, we hear other keywords such as Medical Science, Statistics, they are only normal courses in the list of classes, not the the fastest growing one. So, both A and B are not the correct answer.

Questions 27-29

Choose THREE letters, A-G, and write each next to questions 27-29.

Which THREE compulsory courses must be taken?

A Medical Science
B Computing
C Mathematics
D Laboratory Techniques
E Statistics
F Medicine
G Environmental Science

27-29 Answer: C,E,F

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Q27 - Q28 – Q29. Which THREE compulsory courses must be taken?

A. Medical Science

B. Computing

C. Mathematics

D. Laboratory Techniques

E. Statistics

F. Medicine

G. Environmental Science

What I suggest is starting out by taking the compulsory courses . Like we said before, the Medical Science can wait. Consider taking that in your sophomore year. I think I’d put off Computing, too. I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible , so take that one. It’ll be one less difficult course you have to focus on when the science lab opens next year, and you have to catch up on classes like Laboratory Techniques. Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Maths classes, and no doubt you should take that . Otherwise, get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based.

The keyword in Q27,28,29 is “compulsory courses”. We need to find out which 3 courses in the list that the student must take.

When we hear the professor say “What I suggest is starting out by taking the compulsory courses”, we know that then he will talk about many compulsory classes. Then he said “Medical Science can wait. Consider taking that in your sophomore year. I think I’d put off Computing, too”. It means that the student will take Medical Science and Computing classes in year two. Thus, A and B are not correct.

Then we hear “I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible”. The professor said the student must take the Mathematics course as early as possible, so Mathematics in one of the three compulsory courses. C is the first correct answer.

After that, we know that next year, the science lab will be open and the student must take Laboratory Techniques class. This will happen in the future, not now. So, D (Laboratory Techniques) is not correct.

Then the professor said “Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Maths classes, and no doubt you should take that”. By saying that, he meant Statistics is also a compulsory course. So, E is the correct answer.

Finally, we hear “get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based”. The professor suggested that the student should finish the Medicine course as it is required (or compulsory). So, our third answer is F.

** The other classes are also mentioned “Environmental Science” and “Computing”. However, “Computing” was mentioned above as a course for sophomore. So, it is not correct. In case of Environmental Science, the professor said that the student can take it if she’s interest. It is not compulsory, so G is not the correct one, too.

Question 30

Complete the sentence below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for the answer.

There are three full scholarships that cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash as a 30

30 Answer: textbook allowance

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Q30. There are three full scholarships that cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash as a

Have you thought about applying for a scholarship?...

In your department, there are actually three full scholarships available. They cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash. …

The money is intended more as a textbook allowance .

The keywords in Q30 are “full scholarships”, “tuition” and “$1,500 cash”.

From the question, we assume that the answer must be a noun.

When the professor asked “Have you thought about applying for a scholarship?.”, we know that the answer we’re looking for will soon appear.

Then we hear all our keywords in his statement “In your department, there are actually three full scholarships available. They cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash”, we can be sure that the answer will come out right after that.

In the next sentence, he said that the money (1,500 cash) is intended as a textbook allowance . So, textbook allowance is our answer.

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Part 3

Part 4: Questions 31-40

Questions 31-37

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

How to Choose Flooring Materials
Source There are some man-made materials like 31 Before being used, material undergoes 32 Wood should be cut and 33 Stone should be cut and 34 Selection Aside from environmental factors, one should take 35 into account during construction. Some properties of materials affect mood, such as 36 , texture, and colour. Use a mathematical formula to choose the type of wood, because 37 are subjective, which are ambiguous in verbal description.

31 Answer: plastic

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Q31. There are some man-made materials like

Some artificial materials can be used, like plastic

The keyword in Q31 is “man-made materials”.

From the question, we can assume that the answer is a noun which indicates an example of man-made material.

At the very beginning of the conversation, we hear the speaker say “Some artificial materials can be used, like plastic”. “artificial” means man-made and an example of artificial material (or man-made material) is plastic. So, plastic is the correct answer.

32 Answer: processing

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Q32. Before being used, material undergoes

Stone and wood are alike in at least one respect: both go through processing before they can be put to use

From the question, we can assume that the answer is a noun which may indicate a process that material must go through.

The keywords in Q32 are “Before being used” and “undergoes”.

After the part of advantage and disadvantage of using plastic as flooring material, the speaker said “Stone and wood are alike in at least one respect: both go through processing before they can be put to use”. (“go through” means undergo). In other word, stone and wood must undergo processing before being used. So, processing is the correct answer.

33 Answer: (properly) seasoned

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33. Wood should be cut and ________

Since few of us cut our own lumber or quarry our own stone, this is not perhaps a pressing concern. Still, do-it-yourselfers would do well to remember to buy only properly seasoned wood.

The keywords in Q33 are “Wood” and “cut”. We should focus on the word “and” as it suggests us that the answer can be an adjective or a verb in passive form which describes the standard of the wood.

When we hear “Since few of us cut our own lumber…”, which contains all our keywords “cut” and “lumber” (lumber is a type of wood”, we know that the answer will soon appear. Remember that we need an adjective or a verb in passive form for our answer.

In the next sentence, the speaker said that it is important to buy only properly seasoned wood. “seasoned” is an adjective that indicates the wood standard. So, seasoned is the correct answer.

34 Answer: polished

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34. Stone should be cut and _______

Since few of us cut our own lumber or quarry our own stone, this is not perhaps a pressing concern. … Likewise, except for dull-hued materials like slate or sandstone, most stone floors are polished before installation

The keywords in Q34 are “Stone” and “cut”.

Q34 is quite similar to Q33, except instead of wood, it asks us about stone. Therefore, the answer is also an adjective or a verb in passive form which describes a standard of stone.

As stone is an example of natural flooring material beside wood in the conversation, we guess that after talking about wood standard, the speaker will mention to stone standard.

He said “Likewise, except for dull-hued materials like slate or sandstone, most stone floors are polished before installation”. “polished” is a verb in passive form and indicates stone requirement. So, polished is the correct answer.

35 Answer: (the) cost

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35. Aside from environmental factors, one should take _____ into account during construction.

The choice goes well beyond just wood or stone - each type requires many further considerations. A few special remarks are called for when considering wood, for example. As always, aesthetics, personal taste, and layout all play roles as well as the type of house or room. Oh, and certainly don’t forget the cost.

The keywords in Q35 are “Aside from environmental factors,” and “take into account”.

From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun which indicates a factor that need to take under consideration.

When we hear “… The choice goes well beyond just wood or stone - each type requires many further considerations”, which suggests that the speaker will then talk about other factors. As we’ve expected, he listed some factors such as aesthetics, personal taste, layout and type of house or room. They are all considered environmental factors. So, what factor is mentioned next will be our answer. And the speaker said “don’t forget the cost”. Thus, it is clear that cost is another factor that people should consider. Cost is the correct answer.

36 Answer: grain pattern(s)

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36. Some properties of materials affect mood, such as ______ , texture, and colour.

one must consider the effects of each type of wood on the mood of the room. When selecting the best wood to use, particular attention needs to be paid to its grain patterns , texture, and colour.

The keywords in Q36 are “properties of materials affect mood” and “texture, and colour”.

From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun which indicates a property of material beside texture and colour that affect mood. We should pay attention to locate the word “texture” and “colour” in the conversation because the answer we are looking for will stand next to these two words.

When we hear the speaker say “one must consider the effects of each type of wood on the mood of the room”, we know that the answer will follow after this because “properties of materials affect mood” is similar to “the effects of each type of wood on the mood”. Then we hear our keywords in the next sentence “When selecting the best wood to use, particular attention needs to be paid to its grain patterns , texture, and colour”. “grain patterns” is mentioned along with texture and colour and it is one of the factors that should be considered when selecting wood because of its effect on the mood of the room. So, grain patterns is our answer.

37 Answer: words

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37. Use a mathematical formula to choose the type of wood, because _______ are subjective, which are ambiguous in verbal description.

Though some things about putting together a room are subjective and based on one’s individualtaste, materials appropriate to a room’s function are much more straightforward. A decorator takes the needs of the customer and uses a mathematical formula, rather than subjective words. Since feelings vary from person to person, verbal descriptions of wood types tend to be ambiguous.

The keywords in Q37 are “mathematical formula”, “the type of wood”, “subjective” and “ambiguous in verbal description”. We should focus on two words “subjective” and “ambiguous” because they modify our answer and chance is that they will stand next to the answer.

From the question, we can assume that the answer is a noun.

When we hear the speaker mention to “materials appropriate to a room’s function”, which also means the type of the wood appropriate to a room’s function, we know the answer will come out soon.

Then the speaker said a decorator uses a mathematical formula instead of subjective words to choose type of wood. The noun “words” is modified by the keyword “subjective” so it may be our answer. We need to make sure by checking if subjective words is ambiguous in verbal description.

In the next sentence, we hear “Since feelings vary from person to person, verbal descriptions of wood types tend to be ambiguous”. Since it’s clear that subjective words is ambiguous in verbal description, “words” is our correct answer.

Questions 38-40

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

MATERIAL	REFLECTANCE RATE
Polished silver	Almost 1.0
White-painted plastic	Approximately 38
Quarry tile	Approximately 39
40	Almost 0.0

38 Answer: 0.8

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Polished silver Reflectance rate: almost 1.0

Q38: White-painted plastic: ___

This is called the “reflectance rate”…

At one end of the scale is polished silver. At a rating of 1.0…

we see the plastic that has been painted white has a rate of 0.8

By taking a look at the table, we know that we have to fill in names of material and their reflectance rates. In Q38, a number which indicates white-painted plastic’s reflectance rate is needed.

The keywords in Q38 are “Reflectance rate” and “. White-painted plastic”.

When we hear the speaker mention to the keyword “reflectance rate” in “This is called the “reflectance rate”, we know that the part containing the answer for Q38-40 begins. Then we hear him talking about polished silver and its rate, we can be sure that he’s gonna talk about white-painted plastic.

Since he said “we see the plastic that has been painted white has a rate of 0.8“, which means white-painted plastic’s rate is 0.8, the correct answer is 0.8.

39 Answer: 0.1

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Q39. Quarry tile: ________

The quarry tile I mentioned a while ago has a rate of 0.1 .

The keyword in Q39 is “Quarry tile”.

Similar to Q38, what we need to fill in is a number which indicates quarry tile’s reflectance rate.

In this part of the conversation, the speaker is listing some material and their reflectance rates one by one. So, right after he finished with white-painted plastic and seems to move to the next material by saying “Materials that are denser and darker have reflectance rates much closer to zero”, we guess that it’s “quarry tile” turn. Then he said “The quarry tile I mentioned a while ago has a rate of 0.1”. So, it’s clear that the answer is 0.1.

40 Answer: black velvet

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Q40. ________: Almost 0.0

Does anyone have any guesses as to what materials may have a rate of almost 0.0? We can guess most of these materials are black in colour, but plastic, wood, and even stone reflect some light. One material with a rate of almost 0.0 is black velvet .

The keyword in Q40 is “Almost 0.0” and we need a name of material that has the rate of almost 0.0 for the answer.

When we hear the speaker ask “One material with a rate of almost 0.0 is black velvet .”Does anyone have any guesses as to what materials may have a rate of almost 0.0”, which contains our important answer, we know that the answer will soon appear.

Then he said “One material with a rate of almost 0.0 is black velvet”. So, it is clear that the answer is black velvet.

Part 4

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SECTION 1

CLERK: Good morning, ma’am, and welcome to “Australia’s Moving Experience”! How can I help you?

WOMAN: Well, I... I hope you can help me. I’m so up in the air right now... I...

CLERK: Just calm down, now. Let me guess: you’re moving and it has you a little confused.

WOMAN: That’s it exactly. You see, I’m relocating to the United States next month and I’m having a hard time getting organised.

CLERK: Here, fill out your name and address, and let me ask you a few questions. Oh, what should I call you?

WOMAN: My name is Jane, Jane Bond.

CLERK: OK, Jane, first of all, what’s your work phone number? In case I have any questions about things.

WOMAN: My work phone is 94635550. But please try not to call me too often there. My boss hates personal calls.

CLERK: So does mine, ma’am, so does mine. And what address should we ship your things to?

WOMAN: My new company is letting me stay temporarily at 509 Clark House, that’s C-L-A-R-K, 1137 University Drive in Seattle.

CLERK: Seattle? Beautiful city, I hear. Mountains right beside the ocean, almost. Cooler than Australia, too. OK, and when should we come pack your things?

WOMAN: I guess that would be on Monday, March 11th.

Do you want any help with an after-packing clean-up? We do that for a small additional charge.

Yes, that would be helpful. I promised the landlord I’d give her the keys back by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, the 14th.

Great, we’ll just schedule the clean-up for that day. That way, the place will smell clean and there’ll be no dust.

Well, you do think of everything! Oh, how much is this going to cost?

Here is a list of our basic prices.

Oh dear, this seems rather expensive!

Yes ma’am, but you’re paying for the best. We’re careful and we’re fast. Like we say, the only thing we break are speed records getting you moved.

Well... maybe that’s so... Oh, I nearly forgot to tell you. I don’t want my furniture shipped with me. I won't be looking for an apartment till after I arrive in America. Would it be possible to put my furniture in storage here for a month, then have it sent along later?

Of course, we do that all the time. A couple of other things.

Here at "A Moving Experience”, we try to pack your things logically. We don’t just throw stuff in boxes.

Do you have any special requests? You know, things you want packed in some special place, so you know where to find them?

Like what?

Oh, I don’t know... Things like dishes maybe. Not to be rude, but you look like a lady who likes to eat.

Ahhh! Yes, I need my dishes and things where I can find them quickly.

Great. We'll put those dishes and cutlery in what we call the emergency pack. Can you think of anything else?

Ummm, I do have an antique tea kettle my great-grandmother gave my mother. I wouldn’t want to lose that. So I guess you’d better put that in storage with the furniture.

Grandma’s tea kettle with the furniture, got it! Say, how about things like your alarm clock? You don’t want to miss your plane on the big day, right?

Well, you certainly think of everything! Yes, that’s right. I'll also need my alarm clock where I can find it.

Fine, we’ll put that in your personal package. And of course, we'll give you a list of where we pack everything. So, all you’ll have to do on Thursday, the 14th is grab your luggage on your way out the door. Um, I couldn’t help noticing the new CD player you’re carrying. Is that a Samsung?

Why? Yes, it is. One of their best. Cost me nearly a hundred dollars, it did!

Do you want to take special care of it? I mean it’s brand new.

Take care of it, but nothing special. You can just put it in storage with the furniture.

That looks like everything we need here. I guess you’re all set.

That was certainly quick. Thank you, young man. This has been a most moving experience!

SECTION 2

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the 2nd Annual Wullaballoo Conference on Mastering Computer Languages. I hope you all had a good trip. Before we get underway with today’s programme, let me fill you in as to what’s on tap for tomorrow, Sunday, February 19th.

At 9:00 a.m. right here in the Main Hall, we’ll be hearing a lecture from Dr John Smith about “Computer as Teacher’’. Professor Smith, from the University of Melbourne, is a world-class expert in the field of computer-assisted education, and his talk promises to be both stimulating and informative.

Immediately afterwards, at 10:30, there will be a presentation of papers by various delegates. That, however, will take place in the Garden Room on the ground floor. If you don’t yet know, the Garden Room is also called the Ballroom, and we’ll be gathering at the west end, the slightly raised area called Level 2. Just look for the crowd. If you get lost, there are signs in the foyer.

After all that thinking, talking, and listening, I expect everyone will be a bit weary. So at 11:15, there will be a break for coffee, cookies, and other light refreshments. These will be available at the aptly named Refreshment Stand, placed by the door back here in the Main Hall. Also, if you choose to skip the formal lunch, you can buy a packed lunch at the stand for a reasonable price.

I strongly urge you, however, to join us at the formal lunch. That won’t be till one o’clock sharp, so you have time to stroll about town a bit. We’ll be eating at the Sea View Restaurant. The restaurant is located right here in the hotel, on the top floor. It’s a good dozen flights of stairs, so I suggest you take the lift on the ground floor, eh? If you’re not fond of fish, there is an all-you-can-eat barbecue available as well. They even offer wallaby meat!
After lunch, we’ll troop back downstairs to Level 2 in the Ballroom for the presentation of further papers, which will begin at 2:00 p.m. Please try to be on time. I know you’ll be a bit tired after lunch, but the Ballroom echoes so with people coming in late. Thank you in advance.

Once we’ve heard the papers, we’ll break for afternoon tea at 3:10 p.m. No need to walk. The manager of the refreshment stand has graciously agreed to have tea served in the Ballroom. He’s even promised us some special scones, baked from a recipe of his dear old Scottish grandmother.

Then, tea being drunk and scones munched, we’ll retire here to the Main Hall for some closing remarks and questions. So, by 5:00 we should have the conference wrapped up. But the fun isn’t over! This is Australia mates! We’ll be flocking to the hotel’s own Palm Lounge on the east side of the foyer for an informal reception. You can relax, mingle with the other delegates, and let your hair down a bit. This will run from 5:10 to 6:10, though you’re free to stay as long as you like. The lounge manager has informed me that, for the duration of the actual reception, you can have all-you-can-drink beer for $20.00 with purchase of an advance ticket.

And, yes, tickets can be purchased from any conference organiser or at the front desk anytime between now and the start of the reception.

I suggest you come by tomorrow evening to pick up the tickets since the conference hall only holds 800 people. That way, you can also get your journey planned ahead of time and be sure not to miss this truly memorable conference. If you want cocktails, however, I’m sorry. You’ll have to pay for those at the regular price.

Oh my goodness! Speaking of paying, I see I forgot to tell you a couple of things. The first is about lunch. The charge for the lunch will be $15.00 for all you delegates. If you have guests with you, the cost is $25.00 for the general public, and $6.50 for children under the age of 10. That’s fifteen dollars each, not total for everyone! Another item is about the lunch menu. I very much urge you to try the fish. I mean, look at the restaurant’s name: Sea View. As the name suggests, it is a famous seafood restaurant. The chef is a Basque from Spain, and he really gets quite put out when people ignore his fish specialties for burgers or barbecue. If fish isn’t your thing though, try the steak - he makes an exquisite Filet mignon topped with bleu cheese and mushrooms.

Finally, if you’d like to buy a ticket, you can have both lunch and the unlimited beer for $35.00.I should have mentioned that earlier, but I am a bit forgetful. Maybe I should avoid the beer after the conference, eh?

Well, I’ve said my bit. Are there any questions?

SECTION 3

Hello... are you Professor Van Diezen?
Yes, I am. And who might you be?
Oh! Sorry, my name is Tina. I’m a freshman here. They told me I should ask you for advice in choosing courses.
Well, that’s part of what I’m here for. Please come in and sit down. Now, what are your questions?
I, I almost don’t know! Everything is so confusing! Like what is a “specialised course”?
Oh, easy. A specialised course is one that is compulsory, meaning it's a requirement for your major and regular, so you can’t place out by taking a proficiency exam.

That sounds pretty strict. Then what are all these general courses? I seem to have to take so many.
Nothing to be alarmed over. These are courses open to all students and not directly related to your major. The university offers these general courses to choose so that you can become more well-rounded individuals. For example, I see you’re a Microbiology major. So it might be a good idea to take some literature or history courses so that you can know something besides all science.
You mean these courses are, like, for fun?
That might be one way to look at it, but don’t tell the literature professor such a thing. Think of a general course as the opposite of a specified course. A specified course is one that pertains directly to your major.
So can I take any Microbiology course I want?
Let’s see. Oh, those courses used to be open to Microbiology students only. The good thing is, now it’s open to students on a flexible schedule, so it’s not only for full-time students. So the answer is yes, if you have the instructor’s permission. May I ask you why you chose Microbiology?

Well, I also like plain old Biology, too. You know, fullsized animals. I might even become a veterinarian. Could I take some Biology classes?
Well, they are open to full-time students only, which I believe is what you are. I don’t know how a freshman would get along with Microbiology, though. I mean, most of the students presently looking into it are from off-campus.
Off-campus?
Yes, you know, people who use it in their work at hospitals, laboratories, even a police detective. Why did you choose Microbiology, if I may ask? I don’t think you quite answered that.
Well, eventually I want to be a doctor. At least my dad tells me so.
If I may say so, young lady, you seem a little uncertain.

Still, I think that might be a good idea for a career. Of course, if you're thinking about being either a doctor or a vet, you should take some Medical Science classes before you even think of applying to med school.
Great! What should I take?
There is one small problem. The new Medical Sciences building is under construction, so there are no experimental facilities available until next year. I’m afraid you'll have to wait. But don’t forget to take those courses at the first opportunity!
Oh, bummer. Is there any other course you'd recommend for someone like me?
Well, since you seem to like animals, have you ever thought about looking into Environmental Science?
No, I never really thought about it before. Is it worthwhile?
Quite! In fact, it's the fastest growing subject on this campus.

I’m sorry, I couldn’t help noticing the long list of classes you’ve written out there. May I have a look?
Oh, sure.
Medical Science, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Medicine, Mathematics, Computing. My, my, a bit of everything here.
Is it too much?
For your first semester, yes. What I suggest is starting out by taking the compulsory courses. Like we said before, the Medical Science can wait. Consider taking that in your sophomore year. I think I’d put off Computing, too. I recommend to all freshmen that I talk to to get the compulsory Mathematics out of the way as early as possible, so take that one. It’ll be one less difficult course you have to focus on when the science lab opens next year, and you have to catch up on classes like Laboratory Techniques. Your major also requires Statistics so you have to balance two Maths classes, and no doubt you should take that. Otherwise, get your required Medicine course out of the way by taking something theory-based.

Oh, of course and your Environmental Science class if you’re interested. The others can wait, though I think Computing is definitely a good idea, even though it’s not required. I see too, on your paper there, you seem to have had high marks on the entrance exam.
Uhhh, yeah. I guess so.
Don’t be shy! Have you thought about applying for a scholarship?
Do they have any? I mean, my dad is always complaining about how much money it costs him.
In your department, there are actually three full scholarships available. They cover tuition and provide $1,500 cash.
$1,500 cash?! Party!
Please, Miss. The money is intended more as a textbook allowance, not party money. If you promise to behave,

I’ll show you how to apply.

Great, and thanks!

SECTION 4

We’ve been talking about choosing building materials in the last week. Now, a great many factors influence the choice of building materials. You can’t make a house of cards, right? And “people who live in glass houses...” and all that... Anyhow, today I’d like to say a few words about flooring.

Some artificial materials can be used, like plastic for instance, which offer mixed blessings when used as a flooring surface. On the one hand, plastic is cheaper than nearly any other alternative, short of bare ground. Plastic also does not warp like wood. On the other hand, the best that can be said about plastic is that it “looks like” wood or stone. However, it cannot replace the real materials. As I have mentioned, I’m fixing up a new house. The decorator my wife hired told me, “Plastic does a great job of looking exactly like plastic.” Besides, it scratches easily, fades or discolours, and starts cracking within a year or two. So, if you’re fitting out a sleazy hotel or plan to live in a trailer park, go with the plastic. Really, though, for all intents and purposes, this leaves us with wood or stone as choices for flooring.

Stone and wood are alike in at least one respect: both go through processing before they can be put to use. Since few of us cut our own lumber or quarry our own stone, this is not perhaps a pressing concern. Still, do-it-yourselfers would do well to remember to buy only properly seasoned wood. Unseasoned wood warps and a warped floor quickly becomes firewood (and its owner quickly becomes poorer). Likewise, except for dull-hued materials like slate or sandstone, most stone floors are polished before installation. The choice goes well beyond just wood or stone - each type requires many further considerations. A few special remarks are called for when considering wood, for example. As always, aesthetics, personal taste, and layout all play roles as well as the type of house or room. Oh, and certainly don’t forget the cost. When it comes to cost, a rule of thumb is that the softer and less exotic the wood, the lower the cost. In the US, for instance, pine is both ubiquitous and cheap. Mahogany is imported and exorbitantly expensive. If you’re on any kind of budget when remodeling, it’s really helpful to remember to go for the softer woods.
Aside from cost, there are still lots of different factors that are important in choosing the best flooring for the job. Continuing with the example of wood, one must consider the effects of each type of wood on the mood of the room. When selecting the best wood to use, particular attention needs to be paid to its grain patterns, texture, and colour. In rooms where relaxation or deep thought is the aim - say bedrooms or the study - dark, strong grained woods are the rule.

Here the grain ought to match the furniture for a feeling of homogeneity. In rooms where activity and motion are typical - the dining room or living room - lighter, finer-grained lumber is more suitable.

In such a setting, the wood grain might be useful in offering a contrast to the furniture. This leads to a feel of subconscious excitement, in keeping with the room’s function.

In either case, though, consult a decorator. It is a decorator’s job to know what materials to use to fit the function of the room. Though some things about putting together a room are subjective and based on one’s individual taste, materials appropriate to a room’s function are much more straightforward. A decorator takes the needs of the customer and uses a mathematical formula, rather than subjective words. Since feelings vary from person to person, verbal descriptions of wood types tend to be ambiguous. You want the wood you select, not something approximate! And if you do decide to do it yourself, remember that all wood must be treated with preservatives to enhance its appearance and preserve its natural beauty.

In the case of stone, or “quarry tile” as flat-cut flooring stone is properly called, a new set of considerations must be weighed up. Simple colour aside, the degree of reflection must be kept in mind. This is called the “reflectance rate”, which is expressed in a number between 0.0 and 1.0, depending on the amount of light it reflects.

At one end of the scale is polished silver. At a rating of 1.0, this shiny surface reflects nearly all of the light directed at it. Numbers closer to zero describe materials that absorb more light. Moving down the scale a bit, we see the plastic that has been painted white has a rate of 0.8, which makes sense. We know that the colour white reflects all other colours while black absorbs all colours, and plastic itself is a relatively reflective material.

Materials that are denser and darker have reflectance rates much closer to zero. The quarry tile I mentioned a while ago has a rate of 0.1. As you may know, quarry tile is generally dark brown and made from clay so it is quite dense. Of course, there is considerable variation among types of quarry tile because of the hue or treatment of the clay during its creation.

Carrara marble, despite its white hue, is actually lower in reflectivity than black onyx! In any case, the fact that tiles vary somewhat should not be forgotten. A highly reflective floor would not be suitable in a library; it would be indispensable in a ballroom (should your home be large enough to feature one). Again, a rule of thumb is that “light means lively”. Since form and material follow function, one should only use the more reflective materials in rooms where the cultivation and expression of energy is important. Bear in mind too that most types of stone cost more than all but the rarest of woods.

Of course, there is no reason why some rooms of a house should not feature wood floors or other stone tiles. You can even mix the two. A room with wood panels on the walls can have a beautiful stone floor. My bedroom has white birch walls and a light blue slate floor. The place looks like a Russian hunting lodge. Remember, though, go with what feels right for you. Good taste and the “laws” of interior design are the homeowner’s servants, not his master. It’s only beautiful when you decide it is. I mean, you’re the one who lives there, not the decorator, right? OK, are there any questions?

IELTS Recent Mock Tests Volume 1

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Tips for improving your ielts score

IELTS reading practice test

Questions 1-6

Moving Company Service Report

Questions 7-10

Questions 11-16

ANNUAL WULLABALLOO CONFERENCE

Questions 17-20

Questions 21-26

Questions 27-29

Question 30

Questions 31-37

How to Choose Flooring Materials

Questions 38-40

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

Comments:

About us

Our mission

IELTS Recent Mock Tests Volume 1

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Share your score

Tips for improving your ielts score

IELTS reading practice test

Questions 1-6

Moving Company Service Report

Questions 7-10

Questions 11-16

ANNUAL WULLABALLOO CONFERENCE

Questions 17-20

Questions 21-26

Questions 27-29

Question 30

Questions 31-37

How to Choose Flooring Materials

Questions 38-40

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

Comments:

About us

Our mission