IELTS Reading Test 7 (General)

READING SECTION-2

Conditions for Renting a Property

Weekly Rent – Rent is paid on a weekly basis for most properties. Tenants are expected to pay rent in advance, and the landlord may require a bond (security deposit) equivalent to four weeks’ rent. The rent amount is generally fixed for the term of the lease unless otherwise specified.

Lease Term – Most properties are rented for a fixed term, typically 6 or 12 months, after which tenants can choose to either renew the lease or move out. If a tenant wishes to break the lease early, they may be required to pay compensation or a break fee.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities:

Repairs and Maintenance – Tenants are responsible for keeping the property clean and in good condition. Landlords must attend to any major repairs (e.g., plumbing, electrical issues) promptly.

Utility Bills – Tenants usually pay for all utility bills (such as water, electricity, and gas) unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement.

Subletting – Subletting is not allowed without the written consent of the landlord. Tenants must also inform the landlord of anyone staying in the property for more than 14 days.

Notice Period for Termination

Tenant’s notice – Tenants are required to give at least 21 days’ written notice if they wish to terminate the lease.

Landlord’s notice – Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ notice if they wish to end the lease or increase the rent during the fixed term.

Bond Refund – The bond will be refunded to the tenant at the end of the lease term, provided the property is returned in good condition with no outstanding rent or damages.

Important Note:

The conditions mentioned above may vary depending on the state or country in which the property is rented, and tenants should always review their lease agreement carefully before signing.

Questions 15–21

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? Answer True, False or Not given.

15. Tenants are required to pay rent in advance each week.

16. Rent for most properties is paid on a monthly basis.

17. If a tenant wants to break the lease early, they may have to pay a break fee.

18. Tenants must provide 21 days' notice if they wish to terminate their lease.

19. Landlords must provide 30 days' notice if they wish to increase rent during a fixed-term lease.

20. Tenants are responsible for paying all utility bills unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement.

21. The landlord must refund the bond within 7 days of lease termination.

Handling Customer Service Calls Effectively

To ensure that your interactions with customers are productive and professional, follow these important tips for handling service calls.

A) Begin by introducing yourself clearly. State your name, position, and the company you represent. This helps the customer know they are speaking with the right person and sets a professional tone for the conversation. If the call pertains to a specific issue, make sure to mention it early on to show that you understand the purpose of the call.

B) If a customer’s issue involves multiple concerns, address each point separately. This ensures the customer feels heard and allows you to provide a more thorough solution. However, if the concerns are related, you can group them together and address them in order, clearly outlining each one as you go.

C) Keep the conversation focused and concise. Avoid long-winded explanations or unrelated details that could confuse the customer. Get to the point quickly, ensuring that the main issue is addressed right away, and then provide any additional information or steps clearly and succinctly.

D) Offer solutions or next steps. If you need to take further action, such as transferring the call to another department or following up later, clearly explain what will happen next. Also, be sure to confirm the customer’s contact information for follow-up and give them your contact details in case they need to reach you.

E) In cases of quick inquiries or confirmation, sometimes it’s best to resolve everything in a single call. Use the call's conclusion to summarize the key points discussed, and confirm any action that the customer needs to take or wait for.

F) While maintaining professionalism is important, try to keep the tone friendly and polite. Avoid using jargon or technical language unless you’re sure the customer understands it. Ensure that you speak clearly and avoid speaking too fast, as this can make the call less effective.

Choose the correct heading for each section, A–F, from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i–x.

Questions 22-27

22. Section A

23. Section B

24. Section C

25. Section D

26. Section E

27. Section F

List of Headings

i. Summarize Key Points

ii. Clarity

iii. Be professional

iv. Address all concerns

v. State your name

vi. Clear Introduction

vii. Address Multiple concerns separately

viii. Get to the point quickly

ix. Do Follow up

x. Internal emails

READING SECTION-3

Stargazing: Exploring the Night Sky

The universal wonder that connects humanity across time

A)

Since the dawn of time, humans have gazed up at the stars, wondering about the mysteries scattered across the vast night sky. Long before telescopes or space exploration, early civilizations tracked the movements of celestial bodies with astonishing precision, using them to guide navigation, agriculture, and even spiritual beliefs. Stargazing fosters a deep sense of connection between humanity and the cosmos, inspiring awe and curiosity. Unlike many other sciences, it requires no advanced equipment to begin—just a clear night, an open sky, and a sense of wonder. For millennia, constellations have served as both maps and stories, guiding explorers and providing rich narratives that weave culture, mythology, and astronomy into a single shared experience.

B)

Evidence of ancient astronomical practices dates back thousands of years, with monuments like Stonehenge in England and the pyramids of Egypt aligning with celestial events. These early sky-watchers meticulously observed the stars to mark solstices, equinoxes, and lunar phases, embedding astronomical knowledge into the very architecture of their civilizations. In Mesopotamia, early astronomers developed some of the first star catalogues, while Mayan astronomers accurately predicted solar eclipses centuries before modern science could confirm their methods. Stargazing was not merely for scientific curiosity but deeply entwined with religious rituals and governance, demonstrating the profound impact that celestial observation had on early human development.

C)

Beyond practical uses, stargazing has always carried deep philosophical and spiritual significance. The night sky prompted humanity’s earliest existential questions: Where do we come from? What lies beyond our world? Ancient Greeks saw the heavens as the realm of gods and fate, crafting mythologies that gave stars personal identities and stories. In Hindu traditions, celestial bodies were considered embodiments of divine energies, influencing life on Earth. Indigenous peoples across the globe wove complex star lore into their cultural narratives, using the positions of stars to tell seasonal tales and pass wisdom through generations. Stargazing thus became a universal thread, tying humanity to the infinite and fostering a sense of belonging within the vast cosmos.

D)

Throughout the Middle Ages, stargazing was both an academic pursuit and a source of wonder for common folk. Scholars like Alhazen in the Islamic Golden Age advanced optics and deepened our understanding of the heavens, laying groundwork for future astronomical instruments. Meanwhile, stargazing remained a popular pastime for farmers and sailors alike, who relied on the stars for practical guidance. Despite restrictions imposed by dominant religious authorities wary of scientific advancement, curiosity persisted. Navigators of the Age of Exploration, including Christopher Columbus, used stellar navigation techniques refined over centuries to cross uncharted oceans. Stargazing was not only a scientific tool but a beacon leading humankind to new horizons.

E)

The Renaissance ignited a revolutionary chapter in the history of stargazing. Galileo Galilei’s pioneering use of the telescope in the early 17th century unveiled celestial wonders previously invisible to the naked eye. He discovered Jupiter’s moons, observed the phases of Venus, and revealed that the Milky Way was composed of countless stars. These revelations challenged established beliefs and redefined humanity's place in the universe. Stargazing transformed from a mystical practice to an empirical science, sparking the scientific revolution and inspiring generations of astronomers. The telescope became a symbol of human ingenuity, expanding our vision beyond Earth and unlocking the secrets of the cosmos.

F)

As science advanced, so too did the technology of stargazing. The 20th century saw the construction of massive observatories, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, which orbits beyond Earth’s atmosphere to capture breathtaking images of distant galaxies. Radio telescopes and space probes pushed the boundaries of observation, enabling astronomers to detect invisible signals and explore cosmic phenomena like black holes and quasars. Yet, even as technology soared, amateur astronomers continued to play a crucial role. Armed with modest telescopes and star charts, hobbyists discovered comets, tracked asteroids, and contributed valuable observations to the scientific community. Stargazing remained accessible to all, a shared human pursuit that bridged the gap between professionals and enthusiasts.

G)

In modern times, stargazing has found renewed popularity as people seek refuge from fast-paced, technology-saturated lives. Urban stargazing events, dark sky reserves, and mobile planetariums bring the wonders of the night sky to communities around the world. Apps and smart telescopes make it easier than ever to identify constellations and planets, connecting new generations to the cosmos. Stargazing also plays a role in education and mental well-being, offering a calming, contemplative escape. For many, laying beneath the stars provides a humbling perspective, reminding us of our place in the universe and encouraging a sense of stewardship for our fragile planet.

H)

Today, as space exploration accelerates and humanity sets its sights on Mars and beyond, stargazing continues to inspire dreams of cosmic discovery. Private space companies and international space agencies fuel public fascination with the stars, while astronomers unravel cosmic mysteries at an unprecedented pace. Yet, the essence of stargazing remains unchanged: the simple, profound joy of looking up and wondering what lies beyond. Whether through sophisticated telescopes or the naked eye, stargazing invites us to embrace curiosity, expand our horizons, and remember that we are all part of an ever-expanding universe. In every glimmering star, we find both our past and our future.

Questions 28-31

Look at the following descriptions (Questions 28–31) and the list of terms below.

Match each description with the correct term, A–F.

28. The act of observing stars and other celestial objects in the night sky

29. A group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern in the sky

30. A facility equipped with telescopes and other instruments for observing celestial events and bodies

31. A theater built to project images of stars, planets, and other celestial objects onto a domed ceiling, used for educational presentations and public outreach in astronomy

   A. Planetarium

    B. Stargazing

    C. Lookout

    D. Dark Sky Reserve

    E. Constellation

    F. Observatory

Questions 32-36

The text has eight paragraphs, A–H. Which paragraph contains the following information? Choose the correct letter for questions 32-36.

32. The Scientific Impact of Stargazing

33. The Evolution of Stargazing Tools and Techniques

34. Ancient Civilizations and Their Celestial Maps

35. Stargazing in the Modern World

36. The Bright Future of Stargazing

Questions 37-40

Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

Since the dawn of time, humans have gazed at the stars, pondering the vast night sky. Early civilizations tracked celestial bodies for navigation, 37……………., and spiritual beliefs, fostering a connection to the cosmos and inspiring awe. Ancient practices, evident in monuments like Stonehenge and Egyptian pyramids, aligned with celestial events.

Stargazing held philosophical and spiritual significance, prompting existential questions. Ancient Greeks saw gods in the heavens, while Hindu traditions viewed celestial bodies as 38…………. Indigenous cultures wove star lore into their narratives.

The Renaissance, marked by Galileo's telescope, revolutionized understanding, transforming stargazing into 39………….. As space exploration accelerates, stargazing continues to inspire 40……………., retaining its essence: the profound joy of looking up and wondering.

Answers

Section-1

1. a runner

2. rapid alarm sounds (or several alarm sounds / rapid alarm rings — acceptable)

3. closest staircase

4. assembly area (sports field next to the main car park) (“sports field” or "assembly area" is fine)

5. Administrative and maintenance

6. attendance sheet (or "register" — both acceptable)

7. All Clear

8. designated home-room (or "home-room" is acceptable)

9. True — The course is described as suitable for those with little or no experience.

10. False — It is not stated that it is only for advanced learners; no prerequisites are mentioned.

11. True — It mentions topics like password protection and recognising scams.

12. False — The course teaches basic website creation, but no mention of creating an online store.

13. Not Given — The passage mentions "email campaigns, analytics tools", but does not specify analysing customer data directly.

14. True — It provides an overview of different social media platforms.

Section-2

15. True — Tenants are required to pay rent in advance on a weekly basis.

16. False — The passage states that rent is generally paid weekly, not monthly.

17. True — The passage mentions that tenants may be required to pay a break fee if they wish to break the lease early.

18. True — Tenants are required to provide 21 days' notice if they wish to terminate the lease.

19. True — Landlords must provide at least 30 days' notice if they wish to end the lease or increase the rent during the fixed term.

20. True — Tenants are responsible for paying all utility bills unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement.

21. Not Given — The passage does not specify the exact number of days within which the bond must be refunded.

22. Vi

23. Vii

24. Viii

25. Ix

26. I

27. iii

Section-3

28.B

29.E

30.F

31.A

32.F

33.D

34.B

35.E

36.H

37.agriculture

38.divine

39.empirical science

40.cosmic discovery