IELTS Recent Mock Tests Volume 4

Published on: 29 Nov 2017
Tests taken: 1,932,863

Answer Keys:

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Part 1: Question 1 - 10

1 Camden
2 Green
3 7434
4 1976

5 06634 982 746
6-8 A,D,F
9 free
10 $6/6 dollars/six dollars

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

11 accidents/burns
12 heart surgery/ organ transplants
13 patients with leukaemia/ cancer
14 premature babies
15 Carrying/ carry oxygen

16 immune/ defence system
17 carrying/ carry/ carries
18 Outpatients
19 4.30pm
20 17 years

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

21 staff
22 library
23 2 hours
24 in pen
25 biology

26 tray
27 nothing,free
28 A
29 B
30 C

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

31 1964
32 fastest average speed
33 12 seconds
34 most important stations
35 all stations

36 centralized/centralised power system
37 flimsy
38 brake
39 magnetic Induction
40 semiconductor technologies

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Review & Explanations:

Part 1: Questions 1-10

Questions 1-5

Complete the form below.

Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD OR A NUMBER for each answer.

WESTLEY PUBLIC LIBRARYMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
FULL NAME	Peter Adrien 1
ADDRESS	Flat 5 53 2 Street Finsbury
POSTCODE	3
DATE OF BIRTH	8th July 4
HOME TEL	none
MOBILE TEL	5
PROOF OF RESIDENCE PROVIDED	a letter

1 Answer: Camden

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q1 must be full name.
Will asked what the caller’s full name was and wanted to know how to spell his family name. The caller said his full name and then spelled the family name C-A-M-D-E-N. Since Peter Adrian had been given, you only need to type the surname.

2 Answer: Green

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q2 must be “address”, “Flat 5 53” and “Finsbury”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer concerns Peter’s address. With the available words, we can make a wild guess that the answer must be a street’s name.
By listening to the conversation, we are aware that Peter is currently living at Flat 5, 53 Green Street, Finsbury.
As “Flat 5, 53” and “Finsbury” have been filled, the answer for Q2 must be “Green Street”.

3 Answer: 7434

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q2 must be “postcode”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a series of numbers or a code.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer concerns Peter’s post code. According to Peter, his postcode is 7434. Thus, the answer for Q2 must be “7434”.

Note: Peter mistakenly believes that “7424” is his postcode. However, it turns out that his postcode is actually “7434”. Peter’s mistake can cost the inattentive students a wrong answer.

4 Answer: 1976

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q3 must be “date of birth”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a year.
Will asks Peter to inform him his date of birth, which Peter briefly replies with “8th July 1976”. Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer only concerns Peter’s year of birth. Therefore, the answer must be “1976”.

5 Answer: 06634 982 746

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q4 must be “mobile telephone”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a series of numbers.
Peter doesn’t have a home number, so he gives his mobile number instead. In fact, he offers the students a chance to answer this question correctly by repeating his mobile number twice. The correct answer to this question is 06634 982746.

Questions 6-8

Circle THREE letters A-F.

What type of books does Peter like?

A Wildlife books
B Romance books
C Travel books
D Historical novels
E Science Fiction novels
F Mystery books

6-8 Answer: A,D,F

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q6, Q7 and Q8 must be “the type of books that Peter likes”.
Firstly, Peter emphasizes that he loves mystery books. Therefore, option F is the correct answer.
Secondly, Peter also insists that he is keen on historical novels. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
It is inferred that Peter dislikes romance books and science fiction novels. Therefore, option B and option E are incorrect.
Finally, Peter expresses his interest in animal books, as known as wildlife books. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Question 9-10

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

How much does it cost to join the library? 9

How much does it cost to rent a DVD? 10

9 Answer: free

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q9 must be “how much it costs to join the library”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a number.
Peter doesn’t know how much it costs to join the library. Will said that "the library is free". Therefore, the answer for this question must be “free”.

Note: The answer doesn’t mean that every service provided in the library will be free. For example, renting out some videos or DVDs can cost you a certain amount of money. However, as the question only concerns about the fee to join the library, the answer should be “free”.

10 Answer: $6/6 dollars/six dollars

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q10 must be “costs to rent a DVD”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a number.
In order to rent a DVD, you have to pay $6 with a $60 returnable deposit. Therefore, the answer must be “$6/6 dollars/ six dollars”.

Note: Will does mention the fee of renting a video, which is $4. However, as the question only concerns the fee of renting a DVD, $4 is an incorrect answer.

Part 1

Part 2: Questions 11-20

Questions 11-14

List FOUR reasons given for people needing blood transfusions.

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

Write your answers in boxes 11-14 on your answer sheet.

11 Answer: accidents/burns

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q11, Q12, Q13 and Q14 must be “reasons why people need blood transfusions”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be nouns.
According to the Matthew, victims of accidents and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants and patients receiving treatment for leukaemia or cancer are in need of blood transfusions. Therefore, those reasons will be consecutively filled in the gaps, with the final results as “accidents/burns” as the answer for Q11, “heart surgery/organ transplants” as the answer for Q12, “patients with leukaemia/cancer” as the answer for Q13.

12 Answer: heart surgery/ organ transplants

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q11, Q12, Q13 and Q14 must be “reasons why people need blood transfusions”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be nouns.
According to the Matthew, victims of accidents and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants and patients receiving treatment for leukaemia or cancer are in need of blood transfusions. Therefore, those reasons will be consecutively filled in the gaps, with the final results as “accidents/burns” as the answer for Q11, “heart surgery/organ transplants” as the answer for Q12, “patients with leukaemia/cancer” as the answer for Q13.

13 Answer: patients with leukaemia/ cancer

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q11, Q12, Q13 and Q14 must be “reasons why people need blood transfusions”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be nouns.
According to the Matthew, victims of accidents and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants and patients receiving treatment for leukaemia or cancer are in need of blood transfusions. Therefore, those reasons will be consecutively filled in the gaps, with the final results as “accidents/burns” as the answer for Q11, “heart surgery/organ transplants” as the answer for Q12, “patients with leukaemia/cancer” as the answer for Q13.

14 Answer: premature babies
Listen from here Locate Explain Report
According to Matthew, premature babies may need blood to stay alive. The fact that they are in need of blood transfusions makes them become the answer for Q14.

Questions 15-20

Complete the 2 sets of notes below.

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

Blood

Types of Blood O, A, B + AB

Component Parts
PART	USED FOR
red blood cells	15 to cells
white blood cells	help patients’ 16
platelets	blood clotting
plasma	17 the other blood parts
GIVING BLOOD DAYS	Wednesday + next 2 days
WHERE	Westley General Hospital. 18 Department
WHEN	Between 9.00am and 19

- MUST be healthy
- be 20 or over
- weigh more than 110 pounds
- have had no tattoos this year
- not have donated blood within past 56 days

15 Answer: Carrying/ carry oxygen

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q15 must be “red blood cells” and “to cells”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a phrase or a verb.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns what red blood cells do to cells. According to Matthew, red blood cells’ main function is to carry oxygen to cells. This function perfectly suits to what we are looking for. Therefore, the answer for Q15 must be “carrying/carry oxygen”.

16 Answer: immune/ defence system

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q16 must be “white blood cells” and “help patients’”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun/nouns.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns what is the thing that white blood cells are able to help/improve. According to Matthew, white blood cells play a vital role to the body’s immune system and are particularly useful to patients whose normal defense systems aren’t working properly. Therefore, we can conclude that white blood cells help patients’ immune/defence system. Thus, the answer for Q16 must be “immune/defence system”.

17 Answer: carrying/ carry/ carries

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q17 must be “plasma” and “the other blood parts”.

From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a verb or a phrase.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns the activity that plasma performs to the other blood parts. According to Matthew, plasma carries other blood parts around. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “carrying/carries/carry”.

18 Answer: Outpatients

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q18 must be “where” and “Westley General Hospital Department”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns the name of a department at Westley General Hospital where people come to donate blood. Matthew confirms that the blood donation takes place at Wesley General Hospital at the Outpatients Department. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “Outpatients”.

19 Answer: 4.30pm

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q19 must be “when” and “between 9.00 am and”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a particular time.
Matthew directly informs us that blood donors should come between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “4.30 pm”.

20 Answer: 17 years

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q20 must be “be” and “or over”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be an age.
According to Matthew, blood donors must be healthy and at least 17 years of age. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “17”.

Previous Next

Part 2

Part 3: Questions 21-30

Question 21-27

Complete the notes below.

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

**Computer Labs**
The 4 labs below can be used by undergraduates. Other computer labs can only be used by postgraduates and 21
Lab Locations Wimborne	Johnson Building
Franklin	Computer Sciences Building
Salisbury	22
Court	Johnson Building
Reservations 23 . a day unless computers are free Write reservation in book 24 (Penalty for erasing someone else’s reservation – 1 year ban)
User Name	jamessmith2
Password	25
Printing	Pick up print outs from 26 in Franklin
Costs	27

21 Answer: staff

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q21 must be “other computer labs” and “postgraduates”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
We are looking for people who are allowed to have access to other computer labs, which can also be used by postgraduates. In general, there are 4 computer labs open to undergraduates, while others can only be used by the staff and postgraduates. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “staff”.

22 Answer: library

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q22 must be “location of Salisbury lab”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun, regarding a particular place.
According to Dave, Salisbury is situated in the library. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “library”.

23 Answer: 2 hours

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q23 must be “reservation”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a particular period of time.
According to Dave, unless computers are free, users should reserve their time on a computer for 2 hours daily. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “2 hours”.

24 Answer: in pen

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q24 must be “write reservation in book”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
Dave reminds Jim that he must use a pen to write his name in the reservation book, or else someone may erase it and replace with their name. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “in pen”.

25 Answer: biology

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q25 must be “password”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a code, a phrase or a series of numbers.
Jim selects “biology” as his password because that’s the name of the subject that he’s studying at the moment. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “biology”.

Note: Inattentive students may mistakenly believe that his girlfriend’s name, “Mary”, is the answer. However, even though Jim is aware that Mary will be mad if he’s not using her name as his password, he still insists to select “biology” as his password. Therefore, “Mary” is an incorrect answer.

26 Answer: tray

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q26 must be “pick up print outs from” and “in Franklin”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns a particular type of container where we can pick up print outs. According to Jane, print outs go into a queue and end up on a tray in Franklin. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “tray”.

27 Answer: nothing,free

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q27 must be “costs”.

From the question, we can assume that the answer can be a particular price.
Fortunately for Jim, even though it cost 3 pence per page last year, it doesn’t cost him anything this year. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “nothing”.

Questions 28-30

Choose the correct letters A-C.

The introductory computer course that James decides to take is…

A beginner
B intermediate
C advanced

Answer: A

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q28 must be “introductory computer course”.
Jim states his need to stick with beginner course before advancing. In other words, the introductory computer course that Jim decides to take is beginner. Therefore, the answer for this question must be A.

Note: Inattentive students may mistakenly believe that option B is the correct answer. However, Jim emphasizes that intermediate level could be too much for him to handle, therefore, he sticks to the beginner level. Thus, option B is an incorrect answer.

The computer laboratory for James’ introductory computer course is in…

A Wimborne
B Franklin
C Court

Answer: B

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q29 must be “computer laboratory”.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns the computer laboratory’s location for the introductory computer course that Jim is going to take. According to Jane, his course will take place in Franklin. Therefore, the answer for this question must be B.

James will take his introductory computer course…

A on Thursday at 2.00pm
B on Tuesday at 4.30pm.
C on Tuesday at 5.00pm

Answer: C

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keyword concerned in Q30 must be “introductory computer course”.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns the time when Jim’s introductory computer course is going to happen. According to Jane, the advanced course starts on Mondays, while his beginner course takes place on the day after at 5.00 pm. In other words, Jim will take his introductory computer course on Tuesday at 5.00 pm. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Note: Inattentive students may mistakenly believe that

Jim will take his course on Monday at 4.30 pm. However, this idea can be eliminated since it is not an available answer of Q30.
Jim will take his course on Thursday at 2.00 pm. However, he has a schedule conflict on that day as he can’t miss the tutorial. Therefore, he decides to rearrange the work, rather than selecting Jane’s option. Thus, option A is an incorrect answer.

Previous Next

Part 3

Part 4: Questions 31-40

Questions 31-35

Complete the notes below

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

The Shinkansen or Bullet Train
Safety	No deaths (bar 1 from passenger misadventure) since its launch in 31
Speed	Holds world train record for the 32 of 261.8 kph. 500 series Nozumi’s fastest speed is 300kph.
Punctuality	Punctual to within the second. All bullet trains for 1 year were a total of 33 late.
History	First used on Tokyo to Osaka route. Old models have now been retired. 300, 500 and 700 are recent models.
Services	Nozomi trains stop at the 34 Hikari stop more frequently. Kodama trains stop at 35

31 Answer: 1964

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q31 must be “no deaths since its launch in”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a particular time.
Hillary informs us that since the bullet train system’s inception in 1964, there has never been a single death. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “1964”.

Note: “Inception” and “Launch” are interchangeable in this context.

32 Answer: fastest average speed

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q32 must be “world train record”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be nouns or a phrase.
According to Hillary, the bullet train holds the current world records for the fastest average speed of 261.8 kph. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “fastest average speed”.

33 Answer: 12 seconds

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q33 must be “1 year”, “total of” and “late”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a particular period of time.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns a total amount of time that all bullet trains combined were late for 1 year. According to Hillary, in one year, the total time that all bullet trains were late by was 12 seconds. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “12 seconds”.

34 Answer: most important stations

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q34 must be “Nozomi trains stop at”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a phrase.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer must be a particular location where Nozomi trains stop. According to Hillary, Nozomi trains stop only at the most important stations. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “most important stations”.

35 Answer: all stations

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q35 must be “Kodama trains stop at”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a phrase.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer must be a particular location where Kodama trains stop. According to Hillary, Kodama trains stop at all stations. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “all stations”.

Question 36-40

Complete the sentences below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

French TGV locomotives pull the T6V trains from both ends using a 36

Japanese ground is unsuitable for the TGV type of train because it is 37 and the tracks frequently curve horizontally and vertically.

An extra advantage of the Japanese electric car system is that it can act as a 38

Even after the power supply is cut off in the electric car system, electricity is still produced by 39

Huge improvements in power, operability and safety administration have been made possible by advances in 40

36 Answer: centralized/centralised power system

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q36 must be “French TGV”, “pull TGV trains” and “using”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a phrase.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns the tool that French TGV locomotives use to pull the TGV trains from both ends. According to Hillary, they use a centralized power system to perform the action. Therefore, the answer must be “centralized power system”.

37 Answer: flimsy

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q37 must be “Japanese ground”, “unsuitable” and “because”.
From the question,, we can assume that the answer must be an adjective.
Understanding the question, we can be assured that the answer mainly concerns the characteristic of Japanese ground which makes them unsuitable for the TGV type of train. According to Hillary, Japanese ground is flimsy, which makes it unsuitable for the TGV type of train. Therefore, the answer must be “flimsy”.

38 Answer: brake

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q38 must be “extra advantage”, “Japanese electric car system” and “act as”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a phrase.
According to Hillary, the electric car system can act as a brake to reduce the speed of the train, which makes it an extra advantage. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “brake”.

39 Answer: magnetic Induction

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q39 must be “after power supply is cut off” and “electricity is still produced by”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a phrase.
According to Hillary, when the power feed to the electric car motors is stopped, the wheels will continue to revolve, thus keep the motors rotating and result in electricity generation by magnetic induction. In other words, after the power supply is cut off in the electric car system, electricity is still produced by magnetic induction. Therefore, the answer for this question must be “magnetic induction”.

40 Answer: semiconductor technologies

Listen from here Locate Explain Report

The keywords concerned in Q40 must be “huge improvements” and “made possible by advances in”.
From the question, we can assume that the answer must be a noun or a phrase.
According to Hillary, because of the remarkable progress achieved in semiconductor technologies, huge improvements in the electric train system have been acknowledged. In other words, huge improvements in power, operability and safety administration have been made possible by advances in semiconductor technologies. Therefore, the answer for Q40 must be “semiconductor technologies”.

Part 4

Change Audio Sources

SECTION 1

Peter: Hello, I’m new in the area and I’d like to join the library please.

Will: That’s no problem. Let me get an application form. Here we are. Now all we have to do is fill this in and then I’ll get you to sign and you’ll be a member.

P: Great

W: Now then. What’s your full name?

P: Peter Adrian camden .

W: How do you spell Camden?

P: C-A-M-D-E-N

W: C-A-M-D-E-N

P: Yes, that’s right.

W: Right, and what’s your address?

P: flat 553 Green street , Finsbury.

W: Ok. Got that. That’s near here isn’t it?

P: Yes, just 5 minutes walk.

W: What’s the post code?

P: 7424.. I..I mean, sorry, 7 4 3 4 .

W: Got that now. Now, can you tell me your date of birth?

P: 8th of July, 1976

W: And, what’s your telephone number?

P: Well, I don’t have a home number but I’ve got a mobile.

W: That’ll do fine.

P: It’s o six six three four nine eight two seven four six . Did you get that?

W: Some of it. Can you say it again?

P: The code’s 06634 and the number’s then 982 746

W: Right. That’s almost it. Now I need some kind of identification to prove where you live. Do you have a driving license or a passport or anything like that?

P: I’m afraid that everything I have, has got my old address on it. Do you need it now?

W: No, not now, but you won’t be able to take anything out until we see that.

P: Wait a minute. I’ve got a letter addressed to me here that arrived this morning. Will that do?

W: Oh yes. That’s a good idea. That will be fine. Let’s look. Ok. Well, that’s that finished.

W: Could I ask you a few questions? The Council that runs the library is running a survey to find out what kind of books people prefer so that they can direct their buying.

P: Yeah, no problem.

W: OK. So, what type of books do you like?

P: Well, I’m very keen on mysteries . You know, when a detective is trying to find out who did the murder . Historical novels interest me too. Romance never! My sister loves them but they bore me to tears. I quite like books on animals too. I get them out sometimes. Not science fiction either. Too weird.

W: Well, I think that’s it then.

P: Good. Oh, do you charge anything?

W: The library is free unless you want to rent out some of our videos or DVDs. {EXPLAIN_9}

P: How much is that?

W: Well, we rent videos out for four dollars each and DVDs are six dollars . You must leave us a deposit for $60 of$60 as well. That’s returnable of course.

P: I don’t think I’ll get any of those just yet. Can I pay later?

W: Sure, just give the money in when you’re ready to rent them out.

P: Well thanks very much. You’ve been very helpful. I might take a book out now for the weekend, if that’s OK?

W: Go ahead.

M: Well, goodbye.

SECTION 2

Interviewer: Hello everyone. I’ve just been joined in the studio by Dr. Matthew Johnson. Dr. Johnson works at Westley General hospital and he is here today to tell us all about giving blood. Good morning Matthew.

Matthew: Good morning.

Interviewer: So, Matthew. Why is it important for us to give blood ?

Matthew: Donating blood is not important. It’s actually vital that people do this. Without donated blood, thousands of people would die every year and it’s something that could affect everyone.

We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give, do. Yet sooner or later, virtually all of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will need blood. And that time is all too often unexpected . The need for blood is great. On any given day, an average of 38 thousand units of red blood cells are needed. Blood transfusions are often needed for victims of things such as accidents and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants, and patients receiving treatment for leukaemia, cancer or other diseases . In 2002, nearly 29 million units of blood components were transfused. And with an aging population and advances in medical treatments and procedures requiring blood transfusions, the demand for blood continues to increase.

Interviewer: We really need that much?

Matthew: Yes. And we need it now. Blood supplies nationwide have reached critically low levels, with less than one day’s supply of several blood types. Thousands of accident victims , cancer patients, premature babies and countless others who need blood to stay alive are hoping you’ll care enough to help them. All blood types are needed.

Interviewer: What are the different types?

Matthew: It’s a bit more complicated than that. First we collect the whole blood from donors and then it’s sorted into the different types which are basically O, A, B or AB though there are also divisions here. Then the blood is split into its constituent parts. We divide it into 4 basic parts. First there are the red blood cells, then the white blood cells, then things called platelets and finally plasma. This is shipped off to hospitals where they use the blood parts that the patients need.

Interviewer: What are the different parts used for?

Matthew: Well, as I said before the whole blood is your blood in its natural state and something we rarely use. It’s much more useful to us to have it separated into its component parts. Red blood cells are what everyone associates with blood, i.e.: it’s red. It’s widely used to replace lost blood during surgery or when people hemorrhage . Its main function is to carry oxygen to cells. White blood cells are the most important part of the body’s immune system and they’re used for patients whose normal defense systems aren’t working properly. Platelets are crucial for making your blood clot and we need to give them to patients who suffer from illnesses that deplete their natural levels of platelets or they will bleed to death. Finally, plasma is what carries the other parts of blood around and needs to be administered with any of the other components . Take away the red blood cells and this is actually yellow.

Interviewer: So, that’s what blood is all about. Now, you’re here in Westley today to collect blood. Can you tell us where and when we can donate?

Matthew: Of course! We’re set up here today, that’s wednesday , and for the next two days at Westley General Hospital at the Outpatients Department. Come along between 9am and 4.30pm and we’ll be able to deal with you within one hour. And let me tell you a few things that will calm your fears about giving blood. Aside from a brief needle prick, it doesn’t hurt to give blood. Your body will replace the blood you donate within days of your donation . And finally you can’t catch AIDS, hepatitis or any other disease by giving blood. And of course, you get a cup of tea and a biscuit afterward .

Interviewer: And can anyone give blood?

Matthew: Almost everyone. Donors must be in generally good health, be at least 17 years of age, weigh no less than 110 pounds , have not received a tattoo within the past year and not have donated whole blood within the past 56 days . We screen donors with a series of questions before we take the blood so, if you’re unsure , come down and we’ll let you know. Please come down and see us. Remember, if you can donate one pint of blood, this can save up to three lives.

Interviewer: Well, thanks Matthew. I for one will definitely be going down to Westley General to donate.

SECTION 3

Jim      Hello there. Do you work in the computer room?

Yes, I do. Can I help you?

Jim      Well, I’m a first year and I know that I’ll need to use the computer room for my work as I don’t have a computer of my own. So, I thought I’d get down here and see what I have to do in order to get time on one of the university's computers.

Dave   OK. There are 4 computer labs open to undergraduates . The others can only be used by the staff and postgraduates . The names of the 4 labs that you can use are Wimborne, Franklin, Salisbury and Court. wimborne and Court are in this building, the Johnson building,

Franklin is in the Computer Sciences building and Salisbury is in the library.

Jim      So I can use them whenever I like?

Dave   Well, you can use them but not whenever you like. As you can imagine they’re in quite a lot of demand so you have to reserve your time on a computer. In each of the labs there is a reservation book and you can reserve your time on a computer in that for 2 hours daily. If a computer is free though you can go on it straight away. It’s quite straightforward but be sure to always write your name in the reservation book in pen or someone can rub it out and put their name in instead

Jim   Oh my God! Does that really happen?

Dave   I’m afraid so. And far more often than you would think. When people are stressed about their assignments they'd , they’ll do anything to get some time on the computers. Better not try it yourself though or you’ll be banned from the computers for the rest of the academic year and your password and user name will be taken away.

Jim      That reminds me. I’ve got to get a user name and password . How do I go about that then?

Dave   Well, what I’ll do is pass you over to my colleague , Jane, as she’s in charge of all that. Jane!

Jane    Yes Dave.

Dave   I’ve got a new student here wanting to find out about user names and passwords. Can you help him out with that?

Jane    Yeah sure. Hi there.

Jim      Hi.

Jane    Well, it’s a straightforward process . First of all tell me your name and I’ll type it into the system.

Jim      James Smith.

Jane    Right, let me do that. You see all students are automatically given a user name and then they just choose a password themselves . OK. So, your user name is james smith - – that’s all small case. That means there must be more than one of you at the university at the moment. Well, what do you want your password to be?

Jim      I think I’ll choose biology , as that’s the subject that I’m studying though my girlfriend Mary will be upset that it’s not her name I’m using.

Jane    Well, that’s all done. You can now use any of the four undergraduate computer labs.

Jim      By the way, can I print out stuff at the labs?

Jane    Yes you can but sometimes it’s not quick. When you print it goes into a queue and it will be left in a tray in Franklin, as that’s where all the main printers are. The good bit is that, although last year it cost 3 pence per page, now it doesn’t cost you anything.

Jim      I don’t really know much about computing. Is there any training available?

Jane    Yes. We have introductory courses for all new students. There is beginner, intermediate and advanced. Which would you like to go for?

Jim      Well, I have done some but I don’t know if I’m up to anything more than beginner. I’d better stick with that. intermediate could be too tough.

Jane    Well your course is in Franklin then. We’re in Court now. You know where that is?

Jim      That’s in this building too, isn’t it?

Jane    No that’s Wimborne you’re thinking about. Franklin’s over in the Computer Sciences Building. Anything else?

Jim      I don’t know what time the course starts.

Jane    Let’s have a look then. Advanced starts at 4:30 in the afternoon on Mondays but yours is the day after at 5 in the afternoon.
Jim      Are there any other times as I’ve got a part time job then.

Jane    Yes. You could try thursday at 2.00 pm. How’s that?

Jim      Even worse as I’ve a tutorial then. Anything else?

Jane    No. That’s it.

Jim      I’ll have to rearrange work then. I can’t miss the tutorial.

SECTION 4

Tutor

Good afternoon everyone. In today’s seminar we are going to continue listening to different students giving us a presentation on the subject of their term paper. Now today is Hillary’s turn. So, what are you going to talk about today
Hillary?

Hillary

Well, some of you will know that I was brought up when I was young in Japan and I’m going to do my term paper on Japan’s bullet trains, which have revolutionized their rail industry. Japan’s main island Honshu is covered by a network of high speed train lines that connect Tokyo with most of the island’s major cities and Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. Japan’s high-speed trains are called shinkansen but are known to us bullet trains. The Japanese bullettrain system is credited with being the world’s first purpose-built high-speed railway, and the model and inspiration for all other similar type systems running today such as the French TGV. The reputation it has earned for safety, speed and punctuality is unsurpassed . I’d like to give you some figures about that. As regards safety, there has never been a death on the bullet train system since it’s inception in 1964, other than that caused by deliberate passenger misadventure. As far as speed is concerned the bullet train holds the current world records for the fastest average speed between two station stops, which was 260 1.8 kph between Hiroshima and Kokura. The train travelled 192 kilometers in 44 minutes. This record is from the 500 series “Nozomi” trains running at a maximum speed of 300 kilometers an hour between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. I’ll talk more about them later. The punctuality puts European train services to shame. Most trains arrive at their destination, after several hours, to within the second!

In one year, the total time that all bullets trains were late by was 12 seconds! This statistic is hard to believe but it would be difficult to prove otherwise and that’s what the rail authorities in Japan have told us.

Now I’d like to tell you a bit about their history. The first bullet train was introduced in 1964 by Central & West Japan Railways for the Tokyo to Osaka route. Most of these old trains have now been discontinued . There have been several bullet train models since then. The most recent ones have been the 300, 500 and 700 series and it’s the 500 series one that can travel at 300 kph. The bullet trains operating in Japan today are of the three following categories: Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi trains stop only at the most important stations, and reach Osaka from Tokyo in only about two and a half hours and it’s the most modern of bullet trains that serve as Nozomi. Hikari trains stop a little bit more frequently than Nozomi trains, and need roughly three hours to reach Osaka from Tokyo. Kodama trains stop at all stations and they are the local trains among bullet trains. Older models of bullet trains serve as Kodama.

I’d like now to talk a little bit about the technology involved in bullet trains. The Shinkansen bullet trains consist of electrically powered cars. That means basically all individual cars are equippedwith electric motor driving systems. This is in contrast to locomotive trains in which the locomotive pulls the passenger coaches . The realization of the high-speed Shinkansen with the electric train system had a great significance . The French “Train a Grande Vitesse” or TGV runs on a centralised power system, in which the heavyweight, high-output locomotives at both ends pull the passenger coaches. It’s a system suitable to European railways , which run basically on straight tracks in wide plains with solid foundations. However it is unsuitable in Japan where the ground is flimsy and the tracks full of curves and undulations and inter-city distances are short, making it necessary for the trains to accelerate and decelerate frequently. One of the advantages of the electric car system is that the motor functions as a brake to reduce the speed of the train. When the power feed to the electric car motors is stopped, the wheels continue revolving , keeping the motors rotating, resulting in electricity generation by magnetic induction. As the force acts in the direction opposite to the axles motion , it functions as a brake to the train. All the motors equipped on each coach can be utilized effectively to reduce the speed, making the electric train system advantageous on Japanese railways, which involve frequent deceleration and acceleration. In addition, by virtue of the remarkable progress achieved recently in semiconductor technologies, the electric train system has undergone tremendous improvements in power, operability and safety administration, so the system is becoming increasingly advantageous .

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IELTS Recent Mock Tests Volume 4

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The Shinkansen or Bullet Train

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IELTS Recent Mock Tests Volume 4

Part 1: Question 1 - 10

Part 2: Question 11 - 20

Part 3: Question 21 - 30

Part 4: Question 31 - 40

Share your score

What are the steps to solve IELTS Reading True/False/Not given questions?

Questions 1-5

WESTLEY PUBLIC LIBRARYMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

Questions 6-8

Question 9-10

Questions 11-14

Questions 15-20

Component Parts

Question 21-27

Computer Labs

Questions 28-30

Questions 31-35

The Shinkansen or Bullet Train

Question 36-40

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

Comments:

About us

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