Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Practice Test 242
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST
READING PASSAGE – 2
West Thames College
West Thames College (initially known as Hounslow Borough College) came into existence in 1976 following the merger of Isleworth Polytechnic with part of Chiswick Polytechnic. Both parent colleges, in various guises, enjoyed a long tradition of service to the community dating back to the 1890s.
The college is located at London Road, Isleworth, on a site occupied by the Victorian house of the Pears family, Spring Grove House. An earlier house of the same name on this site had been the home of Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist who named Botany Bay with Captain Cook in 1770. Later he founded Kew Gardens.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
Situated at the heart of West London, West Thames College is ideally placed to serve the training and education needs of local industry and local people. But its influence reaches much further than the immediate locality.
Under its former name, Hounslow Borough College, it had already established a regional, national and international reputation for excellence. In fact, about eight per cent of its students come from continental Europe and further afield, whilst a further 52 per cent are from outside the immediate area. Since 1 April 1993, when it became independent of the local authority and adopted its new title, West Thames College has continued to build on that first-class reputation.
These days there is no such thing as a typical student. More than half of West Thames college’s 6000 students are over 19 years old. Some of these will be attending college part-time under their employers training schemes. Others will want to learn new skills purely out of interest, or out of a desire to improve their promotion chances, or they may want a change in career.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
The college is also very popular with 16-18-year-olds, who see it as a practical alternative to a further two years at school. They want to study in the more adult atmosphere the college provides. They can choose from a far wider range of subjects than it would be practical for a sixth form to offer. If they want to go straight into employment they can still study at college to gain qualifications relevant to the job, either on a day-release basis or through Network or the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
Questions 15-21
After reading the paragraph, answer the questions by
True – if the information is given in the paragraph
False – if the information is not given in the paragraph
Not Given – if the information is not given in the paragraph
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
15Chiswick Polytechnic was closed at the same time West Thames College was opened.
16Most of the students at the college come from outside the local area.
17The college changed its name to West Thames College in 1993.
18There are currently 6000 students over the age of 19 attending the college.
19Students under the age of 16 cannot attend any of the courses offered by the college.
20The college offers a more mature environment in which to learn than a school.
21There are fewer subjects to study in the sixth form of a school than at college.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
READ THE TEXT BELOW AND QUESTION 22-27
West Thames College Services for Students
As a full-time student at West Thames College, you will have your own personal mentor who will see you each week to guide you through your studies, and discuss any problems which may arise. We take a cooperative approach to the assessment of your work and encourage you to contribute to the discussion.
This service provides specialist assistance and courses for those who need help to improve their writing, oral and numeracy skills for the successful completion of their college course. Help with basic skills is also available.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
This service is available to anyone who is undecided as to which course to follow. It is very much a service for the individual, whatever your age, helping you to select the best option to suit your circumstances. The service includes educational advice, guidance and support, including a facility for accrediting your previous experience – the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). The Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. All interviews are confidential and conducted in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Evening appointments are available on request.
The College Bookshop stocks a wide range of books, covering aspects of all courses, together with a good selection of stationery. It also supplies stamps, phone cards, blank videos and computer disks. The shop is open at times specified In the Student Handbook in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.
When students are weary from study and want the chance to relax and enjoy themselves with friends, they can participate in a number of recreational activities. Depending on demand, we offer a range of sporting activities including football, badminton, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, weight training and aerobics. For the non-sporting students, we offer a debating society, video club, hair and beauty sessions, as well as a range of creative activities. Suggestions for activities from students are always welcome.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
This confidential service is available if you have practical or personal difficulties during your course of study, whether of a financial or personal nature. Our Student Advisors can help you directly or put you in touch with someone else who can give you the help you need.
The College Nurses are there for general medical advice and for treatment of illness or injury. All visits are confidential. First aid boxes and fully-trained First Aiders are also on hand at various locations around the college.
West London employers have a permanent base in the centre of the college, with access to a database of more than 24,000 jobs available locally and in Central London. They will also help you with job applications and interview techniques.
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
QUESTION 22-27
Look at the West Thames College’s Services for Students on the following page. Each paragraph A-H describes a different service provided by the college.
From the list below (i-xi) choose the most suitable summaries for paragraphs A, C and E-H.
Note: there are more summaries than paragraphs, so you will not use them all
i A shop for the books and stationery needed to study
ii Counseling and welfare willing to listen, offer advice or arrange a referral
iii An Examinations Office arranging exams and issuing certificates
iv A Registrar’s Office handling all fee payments and related enquiries
v A Medical service offering on-site assistance with health-related problems
vi A tutorial system for regular one-to-one guidance, support and feedback
vii Careers Advice helping students into employment
viii An admissions Service providing assistance in choosing and applying for higher education courses
ix A Student Union representing students on college committees
x Clubs and societies for students free-time
xi A Learning Support Service supporting students in studying, presenting information and handling numbers.
Example:
22Paragraph A
Answer: Paragraph B xi
23Paragraph C
Answer: Paragraph D i
24Paragraph E
25Paragraph F
26Paragraph G
27Paragraph H
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
ANSWERS ARE BELOW’
IELTS General Reading Practice Test
ANSWERS
15. NOT GIVEN
16. TRUE
17. TRUE
18. FALSE
19. NOT GIVEN
20. TRUE
21. TRUE
22. vi
23. viii
24. x
25. ii
26. v
27. vii
IELTS General Reading Practice Test