Reading Mock Test
BLIMEY ENGLISH
IELTS Reading Mock Test
Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7.
Community Library Late-Night Opening
Farmers' Market Information Notice
Below are some common questions about the library's new late-night opening trial.
The Riverside Farmers' Market has published the following information for visitors and stallholders.
When will the trial begin?
The late-night opening trial will begin on 15 May and continue for twelve weeks. During this period, the library's main building will remain open until 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. Normal hours will continue at weekends.
When and where does the market operate?
The market takes place every Saturday from April until the end of October. It is held in the town square between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. In wet weather, stalls are moved into the covered arcade beside the old post office.
Which services will be available?
Borrowing and returning books, study spaces, Wi-Fi access, and the reference desk will all be available during the extended hours. However, the children's room will still close at 6 p.m., and no public events will be scheduled after 7 p.m.
What can visitors buy there?
Most stalls sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, homemade bread, local cheese, and fresh flowers. A small number of craft stalls are also accepted, provided that the items are handmade within the region.
Why is the library making this change?
The trial was introduced after local students, shift workers, and small business owners asked for more evening access. The council hopes the later hours will make the library more useful to people who cannot visit during the day.
Is parking available?
Parking is free before 9 a.m. in the south car park, but spaces fill up quickly. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use the shuttle bus from the railway station, which runs every thirty minutes.
How is the trial being funded?
The additional staffing costs are being covered by a council innovation grant and support from the Friends of the Library group. If the trial is successful, a permanent plan will be considered in next year's budget.
How can someone apply for a stall?
Prospective stallholders must complete an online form and provide proof of local production. Because space is limited, applications should be submitted at least three weeks before the requested date.
1.
The trial will last for three months.
The market is open throughout the whole year.
2.
The library will close at 10 p.m. every day of the week during the trial.
Bad weather may cause the market to move indoors.
3.
Visitors will be able to use the Wi-Fi during the extended opening hours.
Every stall at the market sells food products.
4.
The children's room will stay open as late as the main building.
Parking in the south car park costs nothing before 9 a.m.
5.
The change was requested partly by people who work unusual hours.
The shuttle bus leaves the railway station every half hour.
6.
The library has already decided to make the later opening hours permanent.
People can apply for a stall by telephone or online.
7.
A local charity donated books to support the trial.
Applications must include evidence that goods are locally produced.
TravelLight Cabin Backpack
HarborSound Wireless Earbuds
Online customer reviews
A. Priya
I bought this for a weekend train trip and almost returned it when it arrived because the sand colour looked darker than it did online. Once I packed it, though, I changed my mind. The backpack fits easily under a seat, and the padded straps made it comfortable to carry across the station.
A. Nina
I almost didn't order these because the price seemed high for earbuds, but I use them every day now. The sound is clear, and the case is compact enough to fit in the small pocket of my jacket. I picked the blue pair and the colour looks exactly like the photo.
B. Marco
This is a very practical bag for work travel. I usually carry a shoulder bag, but I wanted something with better organisation. The laptop section is excellent, and I like that it looks smart enough for business meetings while still being casual enough for day trips.
B. Daniel
I bought these for commuting. They stayed in place better than I expected, but the touch controls were far too sensitive at first. I kept pausing my music by mistake. After a few days I got used to them, and now I quite like the design.
C. Helena
I hesitated for a week before ordering because I wasn't sure whether the 28-litre version would be big enough. In the end, it was exactly right. I used all the compartments, and the water-resistant fabric was useful when I got caught in light rain.
C. Farah
I wanted something for both exercise and office use, and these work surprisingly well for both. The microphone is good enough for calls, and they also handle podcasts clearly when I'm out walking. I may buy another pair for my brother.
D. Owen
The bag feels sturdy and well made, but I chose the small version first and quickly realised that my shoes would not fit. Exchanging it for the medium size solved the problem. Customer service was fast, which made the process less annoying than I expected.
D. Leo
I ordered the standard ear tips first, but they felt loose whenever I went running. Changing to the larger tips fixed the issue completely. Battery life has been excellent, and charging is faster than with my old pair.
E. Sofia
I ordered the navy model for a flight and was relieved that it matched the website photos exactly. The only downside is that the side pocket is tighter than I expected, so my larger bottle does not slide in easily. Apart from that, it is lightweight and very convenient.
E. Marta
The audio quality is lovely, but the mint colour is much paler than it appeared on my screen. That isn't a deal-breaker, though. What impressed me most was how light they felt after two hours of listening.
Questions 8-14
Look at the five online customer reviews of a backpack, A-E.
Look at the five online customer reviews of earbuds, A-E.
For which review are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
8.
The customer thought about the purchase for several days.
The customer originally thought the product was expensive.
9.
The bag can suit both professional and casual situations.
The item is suitable in both formal and active situations.
10.
The customer first bought a size that was too small.
The customer needed a different size accessory to make the product fit properly.
11.
The product looked different from the picture on the website.
The customer found one feature difficult to use at the beginning.
12.
The customer almost sent the item back but decided not to.
The item's colour did not match the online image.
13.
Rain proved that one feature of the bag was useful.
The customer mentions the compact size of the storage case.
14.
One part of the bag was less spacious than expected.
The customer was impressed by how comfortable the product remained over time.
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-21.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview
How to Organise a Successful Group Presentation
Performing well in an interview requires more than simply arriving on time. Careful preparation can improve confidence and help candidates give clearer answers.
Working with others on a presentation can be rewarding, but it requires planning and communication. Groups that prepare carefully are more likely to give clear and confident presentations.
Research the company.
Learn about the organisation's products, values, and recent achievements. This will help you show genuine interest and tailor your answers to the employer's priorities.
Agree on the purpose.
Before creating slides, the group should decide exactly what message it wants the audience to remember. A clear purpose makes it easier to choose relevant material and avoid unnecessary detail.
Review the job description.
Study the duties and required skills listed in the advertisement. Think of specific examples from your own experience that demonstrate how you meet those requirements.
Divide responsibilities fairly.
Each member should have a specific role, such as research, design, speaking, or timekeeping. When tasks are shared fairly, the workload feels manageable and deadlines are easier to meet.
Practise your responses.
Rehearse common interview questions aloud. Focus on speaking clearly and briefly rather than memorising long speeches. Practising with a friend can make the exercise more realistic.
Use a consistent structure.
The presentation should have a logical beginning, middle, and end. Similar slide layouts and matching fonts help the whole presentation look professional, even when several people create the material.
Prepare questions of your own.
Good candidates ask thoughtful questions about training, team structure, and expectations in the role. This shows preparation and can help you decide whether the position suits you.
Rehearse together.
Practising as a group helps speakers manage transitions smoothly and identify sections that are too long. Rehearsal also reduces nerves and improves timing.
Plan the practical details.
Choose your clothes in advance, confirm the interview location or video link, and allow extra travel time. Being organised reduces stress on the day.
Prepare for questions.
Audience questions are easier to answer when the group has discussed possible topics in advance. Brief notes can help, but reading full scripts should be avoided.
15.
Learning about a company's recent achievements can show genuine A clear message helps presenters avoid unnecessary .
16.
Candidates should examine the job Assigning specific roles makes the workload more carefully. .
17.
It is better to avoid memorising long Matching fonts can make a presentation look more .
18.
Asking about team structure and training shows Group rehearsal can improve transitions and reduce .
19.
Preparing your clothes early can reduce Rehearsal can help the group control its .
20.
Practising with a friend may make the exercise more Thinking about possible audience topics in advance helps with .
21.
Candidates should allow extra travel Presenters should avoid reading full before the interview. .
Ways to Save Household Energy
Simple Ways to Improve Sleep Quality
Reducing energy use at home can lower bills and decrease environmental impact. A few simple habits can make a noticeable difference over time.
Many people sleep badly because of habits that can be changed. Small improvements to routine and environment often lead to better rest.
Improve insulation.
Good insulation in walls and roofs helps homes stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Sealing gaps around doors and windows can also prevent heat loss.
Keep a regular schedule.
Going to bed and getting up at similar times each day helps the body develop a stable rhythm. This matters even on weekends.
Use appliances wisely.
Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full. Choosing efficient settings and cleaning filters regularly can improve performance while using less electricity.
Limit evening stimulation.
Bright screens, caffeine, and heavy meals late in the day can all delay sleep. Reducing these before bedtime can make it easier to relax.
Switch to efficient lighting.
LED bulbs use far less energy than older types and last much longer. Replacing the most frequently used lights first is often the most cost-effective approach.
Create a restful environment.
A cool, dark, and quiet bedroom is usually best for sleep. Blackout curtains, comfortable bedding, and low noise levels can all help.
Control heating carefully.
Lowering the thermostat by even one degree can cut energy use. Programmable timers allow heating systems to operate only when needed.
Build a calming routine.
Reading, stretching, or taking a warm shower may signal to the body that it is time to rest. The routine does not need to be long, but it should be consistent.
Monitor your usage.
Checking meter readings or smart-energy apps can reveal patterns in consumption. Once people understand when they use the most power, they can adjust their habits more effectively.
Notice patterns.
Keeping a sleep diary can reveal whether certain foods, stress, or exercise habits are affecting rest. Once patterns are clear, people can make better decisions.
Questions 22-27
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet.
How to reduce energy use at home
Advice for better sleep
Install good 22 A regular sleep schedule helps the body develop a stable 22 in walls and roofs. .
Seal gaps around doors and 23 Avoid too much caffeine and heavy 23 . before bed.
Clean appliance 24 A bedroom should ideally be cool, dark, and 24 regularly. .
Replace commonly used lights with 25 A bedtime 25 bulbs. should be consistent.
Use programmable 26 Keeping a sleep 26 to control heating. can reveal useful information.
Smart-energy apps can show patterns in energy 27 Once patterns are clear, people can make better 27 .
Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40.
The Development of Public Museums
The History of Urban Cycling
A
Collections of unusual objects have existed for centuries, but early collections were usually private. Wealthy families and scholars gathered fossils, artworks, coins, and scientific instruments in rooms sometimes known as "cabinets of curiosity". These collections were intended mainly for invited guests rather than the general public.
Bicycles first became popular in the late 19th century, when improvements in design made them safer and more practical. For many people, especially those without access to horses or carriages, the bicycle offered a cheap and independent means of travel. In rapidly growing towns, it also provided a faster alternative to walking.
B
During the 18th century, attitudes began to change. Enlightenment thinkers argued that knowledge should be organised and shared more widely. As a result, some collections were opened to the public, and institutions such as the British Museum, founded in 1753, were established to support education as well as preservation.
By the early 20th century, cycling had become a routine part of daily life in many cities. Workers used bicycles to commute, and businesses relied on them for deliveries. However, as motor vehicles became more common, urban planners increasingly designed streets to accommodate cars rather than cyclists.
C
In the 19th century, industrialisation and urban growth increased the number of museums. City governments saw museums as places that could improve public taste, provide moral instruction, and display national achievements. Many new museum buildings were designed to impress visitors with grand entrances and large galleries.
In the decades after the Second World War, private car ownership grew sharply in many countries. As a result, cycling declined in numerous cities, where roads became busier and more dangerous. In some places, bicycles came to be seen mainly as children's toys or leisure equipment rather than serious transport.
D
By the 20th century, museums had begun to reconsider their relationship with visitors. Curators introduced clearer labels, audio guides, and educational programmes for schools. Instead of simply presenting objects in cases, museums increasingly tried to explain their historical and cultural context.
From the 1970s onward, a number of cities began to rethink this pattern. Concerns about traffic congestion, oil shortages, and air pollution encouraged investment in cycle lanes and traffic-calming measures. Some governments also launched campaigns to promote cycling as a healthy and affordable option.
E
Today, museums are expanding beyond their physical walls. Digital collections, virtual tours, and interactive online exhibitions allow people to explore artefacts from anywhere. At the same time, many museums are working with local communities to present a wider range of voices and experiences.
Today, urban cycling is being shaped by new technology and changing attitudes. Electric bicycles have made it easier for people to travel longer distances, while app-based bike-sharing systems offer short-term access without ownership. Even so, the success of cycling still depends heavily on safe infrastructure and public support.
Questions 28-32
Write the correct number, i-viii, in boxes 28-32 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
i. Museums become more visitor-focused
ii. The rise of online access and community involvement
iii. Private collections before public museums
iv. Architecture as the main purpose of museums
v. The influence of Enlightenment ideas
vi. Why schools built their own museums
vii. Expansion during industrial growth
viii. Scientific discoveries in early galleries
i. The effect of post-war car ownership
ii. Cycling's early appeal in growing towns
iii. New tools and continuing challenges
iv. Why bicycles replaced all other transport
v. Campaigns against urban pollution
vi. When city streets served daily cyclists
vii. Attempts to revive cycling in cities
viii. The decline of public transport
Choose ONE WORD ONLY OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 33-37 on your answer sheet.
The changing role of museums
The changing role of bicycles in cities
Early collections were usually In the late 19th century, better design made bicycles safer and more 33 and aimed at invited guests. In the 18th century, Enlightenment thinkers believed knowledge should be more widely . In the early 20th century, businesses used them for 34 . The British Museum was founded in . After the Second World War, cycling declined as roads became busier and more 35 . In the 20th century, museums offered clearer labels and . From the 1970s, cities invested in cycle lanes and 36 guides. Today, many museums provide virtual tours and online -calming measures. Today, app-based bike-sharing systems provide short-term 37 .
38. What does the writer say about 19th-century museums?
38. What does the writer say about early urban bicycles?
39. According to the writer, museums in the 20th century increasingly tried to
39. Why did some cities begin supporting cycling again from the 1970s?
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?