Cambridge IELTS 19 General Reading Test 1 Answers & Explanation

Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading Test 1 Answers and Explanation

This article provides accurate answers and clear explanations for Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading Test 1. Whether you’re reviewing Gobridge Tramlink, How to Become a Great Leader, or Emojis, we break down each question to help you understand the logic behind the correct choices. Perfect for IELTS candidates looking to improve accuracy and grasp the reasoning required for higher band scores.

Cambridge IELTS 19 General Reading Test 1 – Practice real IELTS-style questions from the latest Cambridge IELTS 19 book to boost your exam readiness.

Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading 1 – Gobridge Tramlink Answers and Explanation

1. The city buses start operating later than the trams.
Answer: FALSE
Supporting statement: “………Our first tram from the city centre leaves from Marvin Square at 6.30 am, half an hour after the first city bus service…….”
Keywords: later, trams
Keyword Location: para 1, Line 4
Explanation: The statement claims that buses start operating later than trams, but this is incorrect. The text clearly states that the first tram leaves Marvin Square at 6:30 am, which is half an hour after the first city bus service starts.

2. You can get a tram from the airport to the city center up to midnight.
Answer: FALSE
Supporting statement: “……..Trams from the airport… end at 11.35 pm……..”
Keywords: airport, midnight
Keyword Location: para 2, Line 4
Explanation: This statement is false because the last tram from the airport to the city center runs until 11:35 pm, not midnight. The statement suggests that trams run until midnight, which contradicts the information in the text.

3. The 207 bus service stops at the main railway station.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Explanation: Although the text mentions the 207 bus service running hourly at night from the airport, it doesn’t specify whether it stops at the railway station.

4. The cost of a tram ticket varies depending on your journey.
Answer: TRUE
Supporting statement: “…….Check your route and make sure you buy the correct price ticket………”
Keywords: ticket, route
Keyword Location: para 3, Line 3
Explanation: The passage advises passengers to check their route and ensure they purchase the correct price ticket, implying that the cost of the tram ticket depends on the journey. This means that different routes may have different ticket prices.

5. Bicycles are allowed on the trams between 7.30 am and 10 am.
Answer: FALSE
Supporting statement: “……..Bicycles may only be taken on the trams during off-peak travel periods: up to 7.30 am, between 10 am and 2.30 pm, and after 7 pm……..”
Keywords: peak, allowed
Keyword Location: para 4, Lines 3-4
Explanation: This statement is false because bicycles are not allowed on trams between 7:30 am and 10:00 am. The passage clearly states that bicycles can only be taken on the trams during off-peak hours, which are before 7:30 am, between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm, and after 7:00 pm.

6. Additional trams run during the Go Bridge festival period.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Explanation: The text says bicycles may be restricted due to large events, but it does not say that additional trams will run during festivals.

7. Cyclists may be asked to leave the tram if they block the exit.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Explanation: The text advises cyclists to avoid obstructing public access areas, but it does not state that they will be asked to leave if they do.

Adorable Knitwear Answers

8. The color of the sweater did not match the website image.
Answer: B
Supporting statement: “……..The purple one is pretty, though I expected a lighter shade from the picture……..”
Keywords: color, website
Keyword Location: para B, Line 2
Explanation: Davina expected a lighter shade based on the picture, meaning the actual color was different from what she saw online. This matches the statement that the color did not match the website image.

9. The customer took some time to decide on the purchase.
Answer: A
Supporting statement: “…….I spent a while thinking about buying this sweater because of the price, but I’m glad I finally did……….”
Keywords: decide, purchase
Keyword Location: para A, Line 1
Explanation: Mary-Anne admits that she hesitated before purchasing the sweater because of its price. This confirms the statement that the customer took time to decide.

10. The customer initially bought the wrong size.
Answer: C
Supporting statement: “……..I opted for the medium, but it was too tight so I exchanged it……..”
Keywords: size, exchanged
Keyword Location: para C, Line 4
Explanation: Naga originally bought a medium-sized sweater but found it too tight. She had to exchange it, indicating that the initial purchase was the wrong size. This matches the statement perfectly.

11. The customer changed her mind about returning a sweater.
Answer: E
Supporting statement: “…….I couldn’t decide which color to get… I would say both colors match the online pictures………”
Keywords: mind, returning
Keyword Location: para E, Lines 1-2
Explanation: Laura initially planned to return one of the two sweaters she ordered, but she ended up keeping both. This confirms that she changed her mind about the return.

12. The customer bought a bigger size than she usually does.
Answer: A
Supporting statement: “……..I normally take medium but went for large, which was a wise decision……..”
Keywords: bigger, size
Keyword Location: para A, Line 3
Explanation: Mary-Anne mentions that she usually takes a medium size but chose to buy a large, confirming the statement.

13. The sweater can be worn for smart or casual occasions.
Answer: E
Supporting statement: “……..These sweaters are lovely to wear with jeans but also stylish enough to wear to work………”
Keywords: casual, work
Keyword Location: para E, Line 5
Explanation: Laura points out that the sweaters are suitable for both casual wear and work, confirming that they can be used for different occasions.

14. The customer was worried that the sweater wouldn’t suit her.
Answer: C
Supporting statement: “………I wasn’t sure it was going to look right on me, but I was pleasantly surprised…….”
Keywords: worried, suit
Keyword Location: para C, Line 3
Explanation: Naga expresses uncertainty about whether the sweater would suit her. However, she was pleased with the outcome. This aligns with the statement that the customer was initially concerned about the fit or style.

Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading 1 – How to Become a Great Leader

Answers and Explanation

15. Initially, a leader needs to focus on gaining the ………. of the staff.
Answer: TRUST
Supporting statement: “……..The first few weeks is when people develop their perceptions of you, so work hard to earn their trust. This will be key to effective change and progress……..”
Keywords: weeks, earn
Keyword Location: para 1, Lines 5-6
Explanation: The passage emphasizes the importance of gaining trust from staff during the early stages of leadership. Trust is identified as the foundation for effective progress and change.

16. A leader should decide on what their staff are happy to fulfill.
Answer: GOALS
Supporting statement: “…….Part of a leader’s brief is to set bold goals… They need to be specific enough that everyone in the organization understands them, buys into them, and is willing to work together to achieve them…….”
Keywords: goals, buy
Keyword Location: para 2, Lines 1-3
Explanation: The leader must set clear, bold goals that staff understand and are motivated to achieve. The phrase “buy into them” means that the staff are willing and happy to work toward these objectives.

17. Leaders should involve their staff in the process of producing a different
Answer: STRATEGY
Supporting statement: “……..If things need changing, tell people and involve them in making the changes by participating in the design of a new strategy………”
Keywords: design, strategy
Keyword Location: para 2, Lines 5-6
Explanation: The passage emphasizes the importance of involving staff in developing new strategies, making them part of the change process.

18. If tricky issues arise, leaders should give staff the space to find to them.
Answer: SOLUTIONS
Supporting statement: “………It’s important to give staff time to come up with new ideas and solutions that will fix new problems…….”
Keywords: solutions, fix
Keyword Location: para 3, Lines 1-2
Explanation: Leaders should allow their staff the opportunity and time to develop solutions to challenges that arise, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

19. Leaders need to encourage their staff to feel ………. in the past achievements of the company.
Answer: PRIDE
Supporting statement: “……..Honor those early pioneers and instill a sense of pride across the organization……..”
Keywords: pride, early
Keyword Location: para 3, Line 5
Explanation: The text advises leaders to honor the company’s history and inspire pride in their employees, helping them feel connected to the organization’s achievements.

20. It is important for leaders to agree to a certain degree when necessary.
Answer: RISK
Supporting statement: “…….Leaders need to accept that some risk may be required if the situation calls for it………”
Keywords: risk, required
Keyword Location: para 4, Line 1
Explanation: The text mentions that leaders must be prepared to take risks when needed, ensuring that the company remains competitive and proactive.

21. If leaders find the – of the company exciting, their staff will be more motivated to work hard.
Answer: FUTURE
Supporting statement: “……..Having a leader who is genuinely thrilled about its future is hugely inspiring……..”
Keywords: future, inspiring
Keyword Location: para 4, Line 5
Explanation: The passage emphasizes the importance of leaders being enthusiastic about the company’s future, as this enthusiasm inspires and motivates staff to work harder.

22. Avoid all ………. to resign in an angry way.
Answer: TEMPTATIONS
Supporting statement: “…….But you need to resist these temptations because in future you might find you’re working with your ex-line manager or other colleagues in a different company……….”
Keywords: resist, temptation
Keyword Location: para 1, Line 2
Explanation: The text advises readers to resist temptations to act impulsively, such as venting anger or being critical. Acting professionally will help maintain good relations for future professional interactions.

23. Mention any projects which are underway and give ideas for their ……….
Answer: COMPLETION
Supporting statement: “………Before the meeting with your boss, write a list of ongoing tasks along with status updates and suggestions concerning completion…….”
Keywords: tasks, completion
Keyword Location: para 2, Line 4
Explanation: During the meeting, employees are encouraged to provide their boss with updates and suggestions on how to complete ongoing tasks to ensure a smooth transition.

24. Request information on the type of ………. you will receive.
Answer: REFERENCE
Supporting statement: “……..Ask about a reference too; your employer may only supply the most basic type but your line manager might also give you a more personal one……..”
Keywords: reference, ask
Keyword Location: para 2, Line 6
Explanation: The text suggests requesting information about the type of reference that will be provided, as references can be helpful for future job applications.

25. Work to cause as little ………. as possible to the organisation.
Answer: DISRUPTION
Supporting statement: “…….Work out how you can ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption to your employer………”
Keywords: minimise, disruption
Keyword Location: para 3, Line 1
Explanation: Minimizing disruption ensures that the resignation process is handled professionally, helping the organization manage the transition effectively.

26. In the resignation letter: avoid mentioning any ……….
Answer: FAILINGS
Supporting statement: “…….Don’t be tempted to address the failings of the company or your boss, either……….”
Keywords: failings, avoid
Keyword Location: para 4, Line 2
Explanation: Employees are advised not to mention the company’s or the boss’s shortcomings in their resignation letter, maintaining a positive tone.

27. Show appreciation for aspects of the job, e.g., the chance to improve your ……….
Answer: SKILLS
Supporting statement: “……..Mention any particular career-building projects you worked on or opportunities to develop skills………”
Keywords: develop, skills
Keyword Location: para 5, Line 3
Explanation: Showing gratitude for the opportunities to build skills helps end the employment on good terms, contributing to a positive professional reputation.

Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading 1 –Emojis Answers and Explanation

28. Section A – vi (the rapid spread of a new way of interacting)
Reference: Paragraph A – 2nd part, first five lines.
Explanation: These lines show how quickly emojis became widespread. Their usage surged around 2011, and in just four years, about 90% of online users were using them, with over six billion sent daily. This clearly demonstrates how emojis became a popular way to communicate.

29. Section B – iii (How words and emojis both fulfil new needs in our society)
Reference: Whole of Paragraph B
Explanation: This paragraph highlights how language evolves as social relationships and generational identities shift. While new words are often formed to reflect these changes, emojis offer an entirely new form of expression. Together, they cater to society’s changing communication needs.

30. Section C – viii (The value of emojis for making feelings clear)
Reference: Whole of Paragraph C
Explanation: Paragraph C explains that digital communication lacks the emotional cues of face-to-face or voice interactions. Emojis help fill this gap by conveying emotions that text alone struggles to express, making messages feel more personal and emotionally clear.

31. Section D – i (Why emojis may have a short life)
Reference: Whole of Paragraph D
Explanation: This section notes that emojis are frequently updated and redesigned, especially with tech advancements like new smartphones or operating systems. This constant evolution can lead to older emojis becoming outdated, showing why their lifespan is often short.

32. Section E – v (the use of emojis in different fields and what this means for us)
Reference: Whole of Paragraph E
Explanation: Paragraph E points out that emojis are used in various domains like politics, art, marketing, music, and film. They not only mirror the evolution of language but also reveal how we connect with technology and express ourselves in modern society.

33. It is probable that before long, an emoji such as the ‘face with tears of joy’ will seem dated.
Reference: Paragraph A – 3rd part, first two lines.
Explanation: There’s a high chance that this emoji, once picked as Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year, will eventually feel outdated or old-fashioned.

34. This is of interest as it tells us about developments in society.
Reference: Paragraph A – 3rd part, 2nd & 3rd lines.
Explanation: The reasoning behind the emoji’s rise and possible decline provides insights into how society is changing over time.

35. Providing an effective way to focus on both the history and the future of human communication.
Reference: Paragraph A – 3rd part, last two lines.
Explanation: Emojis, like the ‘face with tears of joy’, offer a unique lens to look back at how human communication evolved and to anticipate its future direction.

36. They reflect the ways in which the identity of groups and generations changes over time.
Reference: Paragraph B – 2nd to 4th lines.
Explanation: Different groups and generations adapt language to express their own identity, and emojis are part of that adaptation.

37 (continued). And they allow new concepts to be included.
Reference: Paragraph B – 4th & 5th lines.
Explanation: Language and emojis continue to evolve to include fresh ideas and concepts as society progresses.

38. What does the write say about ‘Words of the Year’?
B (They are soon forgotten by the public):- A paragraph’s 2
They’re very much of their time. And often, once that time has passed, they fade from people’s consciousness almost as quickly as they arose.
Explanation: The meaning of these sentences is that emojis become popular quickly, but they are just as quickly forgotten by people.

39. The write says that the usefulness of emojis is limited because.
A (they are constantly being changed):- D paragraph, 2nd to 5th Line
Just as smartphones and their operating systems have a frequent refresh rate, emojis also get routine enhancements. The emojis you have on your phone now will undergo subtle redesign over the course of time, and extra characters will be added. Because of this, their usefulness is artificially limited.
Explanation: These lines from paragraph D explain that emojis are constantly upgraded and redesigned over time, with new ones being added. As a result, their constant changes limit their usefulness.

40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?
D (What do emojis tell us about the world we live in):-
Explanation: It is better to answer this question using the elimination technique. Options A, B, and C either contradict the information in the paragraph or are not discussed. However, Option D is explained in several sentences. Emojis reflect the technological world we live in, as technology is transforming how we interact and reshaping our language. They provide a solution for quick and efficient mobile communication, highlighting technology’s influence on our modern, connected world.