IELTS Reading Test 6 (General)

READING SECTION-2

This is the second section of the IELTS General Training Reading test. It contains two pieces of writing. Read each piece and answer the questions.

Questions 15-21

Read the text below and answer questions 15-21.

A.) In an ODI, each team is allowed a maximum of 50 overs. This format ensures that matches are relatively shorter than Test matches, but still provide a balanced opportunity for both teams. In the event of interruptions like rain, the number of overs may be reduced, but the game must still consist of at least 20 overs per side to be considered a legitimate match. The DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method is used to adjust targets when overs are reduced, maintaining fairness.

B.) Each team is allowed to field 11 players at a time, including the bowler and 10 fielders. Teams may have specialized roles like batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders, depending on their strategy. While fielding, the team must follow fielding restrictions, such as powerplay rules for limited overs matches. Substitutes are only allowed for injured players, and they cannot be used for tactical reasons. Teams must maintain a balance of offensive and defensive field placements during the match.

C.) In a T20 match, the minimum number of overs a team must bowl is 5 overs per side for the game to be considered valid. If the match is interrupted, the DLS method is used to adjust the target. A match with fewer than 5 overs bowled by each side typically results in a no-result decision. This rule ensures that there is enough time for both teams to have a fair chance, even when faced with disruptions like rain.

D.) In Test cricket, a team must dismiss the opposition twice to win. If a team is chasing a target in the fourth innings, they need to score more than the target runs, and if they lose all 10 wickets, the opposition wins. Test matches have no time limit, so the game may end in a draw if weather or other interruptions prevent a result. However, a team chasing a target can win if they reach it before losing all wickets.

E.) A bowler in ODIs can bowl a maximum of 10 overs, while in T20 matches, they can bowl 4 overs. In Test matches, there is no fixed limit on the number of overs a bowler can bowl, but they must rest between spells. These regulations ensure that bowlers do not overexert themselves and that there is fairness in match strategy, with captains having to manage their resources carefully.

F.) A "no-ball" is called if the bowler oversteps the crease, i.e., their front foot crosses the line before releasing the ball. The batting team receives one extra run, and the next ball is a free-hit, where the batsman cannot be dismissed, except for a run-out or other rare exceptions. This rule ensures fairness and helps prevent bowlers from gaining an unfair advantage by stepping over the line.

G.) The third umpire assists the on-field umpires by reviewing certain decisions using technology like replays and Hawk-Eye. The third umpire is called upon for decisions such as run-outs, stumpings, and boundary reviews. They can also review dismissals that are unclear, ensuring accuracy and fairness. Technology has significantly improved decision-making and minimized errors in modern cricket.

Questions 15–21

The text above has seven sections, A–G. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

Select the correct number, i–x for questions 15–21.

i. How many wickets are required for a team to win in a Test match if they are chasing a target in the fourth innings?

ii. How is a "wide" delivery defined in cricket, and what consequences does it have for the bowler?

iii. How is the "no-ball" rule enforced when a bowler oversteps the crease in international cricket?

iv. What is the "bouncer limit" for a bowler in an ODI or T20 match?

v. What is the maximum number of overs allowed in a One Day International (ODI) match?

vi. What is the required minimum number of overs a team must bowl in a T20 match to constitute a complete game?

vii. What is the regulation for a player’s eligibility to bowl in a match based on their overs bowled?

viii. How many players are allowed on the field for each team during a cricket match?

ix. What is the maximum number of fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle during the powerplay in an ODI match?

x. What is the role of the third umpire in international cricket tournaments, and when is their assistance called upon?

15. Paragraph A

16. Paragraph B

17. Paragraph C

18. Paragraph D

19. Paragraph E

20. Paragraph F

21. Paragraph G

Questions 22–28

Health and Safety Procedures in the Workplace

Before an Incident

Health and safety protocols are essential for maintaining a safe working environment. Before any workplace incident occurs, employers are required to implement preventive measures to minimize the risks to employees. This typically begins with a risk assessment. Employers must identify potential hazards and assess the level of risk each one poses to their workers. Following this, the necessary controls should be put in place, which could include training programs, the installation of safety equipment, or altering work processes to avoid accidents. Employees should also be provided with clear guidelines and instructions on how to avoid these hazards.

After the risk assessment, employees may undergo regular safety training, ensuring they understand the procedures to follow in case of an emergency. This includes learning how to use protective gear, evacuate the building in case of fire, and report any unsafe conditions. Furthermore, employees should be encouraged to communicate any safety concerns they may have, ensuring the work environment remains as safe as possible.

Handling Workplace Accidents

If an accident does occur, the employer is required to follow a series of steps to address the situation. The first priority is the immediate medical care of the injured employee. Once the situation is under control, an investigation should be launched to determine the cause of the accident. This investigation must include gathering witness statements, reviewing safety protocols, and checking if any equipment malfunctioned.

Afterward, the employer must determine whether any safety violations occurred. If they did, the company may need to revise its safety procedures or introduce new safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Employees involved in accidents should be given the necessary support, such as workers' compensation if required, and the employer may need to cooperate with relevant regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety laws.

Health and Safety Violations

There are various consequences for health and safety violations in the workplace. A minor violation could lead to a verbal warning or additional training, whereas more serious violations might result in formal disciplinary action or even termination. In cases of negligence or failure to implement safety procedures, the employer could face legal action or hefty fines from regulatory bodies, particularly if the violation leads to significant harm or injury.

In extreme cases, where negligence or intentional disregard for safety leads to severe accidents, the employer may be held criminally liable. On the other hand, employees who intentionally ignore safety protocols or engage in unsafe practices can face disciplinary action, including dismissal, if their actions are found to endanger others. Ensuring a safe workplace is a shared responsibility between the employer and employees, and proper protocols must be followed to minimize risks and maintain a secure working environment.

Look at the following descriptions (Questions 22-27) and the list of terms in the box below.

Match each description with the correct term A–E. Choose the appropriate letter A–E for questions 22–27.

22. The process of identifying potential hazards in the workplace and evaluating the level of risk they pose to employees.

23. Programs designed to educate employees on safety protocols, ensuring they understand how to avoid hazards and respond to emergencies.

24. A procedure carried out after an incident to determine its cause by gathering witness statements, reviewing safety measures, and inspecting any malfunctioning equipment.

25. A form of support provided to employees injured at work, covering medical treatment and lost wages during their recovery.

26. Breaches of workplace safety procedures that can result in disciplinary actions, legal penalties, or fines imposed on the employer.

27. The shared duty of both employers and employees to ensure the workplace remains safe by following protocols and addressing safety concerns.

A. Workers' compensation

B. Safety training

C. Risk assessment

D. Accident investigation

E. Employer, employee responsibility

F. Health and safety violations

Complete the sentences below. Choose no more than two words from the text for answer.

28. If an employer conducts a thorough ……………….., implements proper safety training, and follows all necessary health and safety procedures, then the likelihood of workplace accidents will be significantly reduced

READING SECTION-3

Questions 29-40

Read the text below and answer the questions.

Archery: The Ancient Art of Precision

The timeless skill that shaped civilizations

A)

From the earliest hunters scanning open plains for prey to legendary warriors defending ancient fortresses, archery has remained a fundamental part of human history. Long before the invention of firearms or the mechanization of warfare, the simple bow and arrow allowed humans to hunt more efficiently and defend themselves from distant threats. Unlike modern weapons, archery requires not only physical skill but also mental discipline and remarkable patience. The beauty of the practice lies in its elegant simplicity—a flexible bow, a sharpened arrow, and the archer’s determination to strike true. Over millennia, archery has evolved beyond mere survival, becoming a respected art form, an Olympic sport, and even a form of meditation for those seeking focus in a chaotic world.

B)

The origins of archery stretch back an astonishing 12,000 years, with archaeological discoveries of ancient arrowheads across Africa and Eurasia. Among the many tales of archery’s historic prowess, the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 stands as one of the most iconic. During this pivotal clash of the Hundred Years' War, English longbowmen faced a formidable and well-equipped French force. Despite being outnumbered, the English archers unleashed thousands of arrows in coordinated volleys, breaking the momentum of the advancing French cavalry and infantry. The muddy battlefield compounded the devastation, turning the rain of arrows into a massacre. Archery's combination of precision, training, and tactical deployment demonstrated how a smaller, disciplined force could overcome a numerically superior foe, securing a legendary victory that still echoes through history books.

C)

Far from being just a tool of war, archery has long been revered as an artistic and even spiritual practice in many cultures. In Japan, the ancient discipline of Kyudo—literally "The Way of the Bow"—is practiced not merely to hit targets but to cultivate the harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Practitioners follow meticulous rituals in drawing the bow and releasing the arrow, believing that the true target lies within oneself. Similarly, ancient Egyptian frescoes depict noble archers engaged in ceremonial shooting, highlighting the bow’s cultural and religious significance. Among the Mongol Empire’s famed horse archers, mastery of the bow symbolized power and skill, as they dominated vast territories with their deadly accuracy. Across the globe, archery consistently represented more than physical ability; it was a path to self-mastery and respect.

D)

Throughout the Middle Ages, archery was not only vital for warfare but also deeply embedded in social life. Medieval towns and villages regularly hosted archery contests to maintain their militias' readiness and entertain the masses. In England, laws required able-bodied men to practice archery on Sundays, ensuring a steady supply of skilled archers. Tales of legendary figures such as Robin Hood captured imaginations, celebrating not just rebellious heroism but the technical marvel of splitting an opponent’s arrow mid-flight. These stories, part history and part folklore, kept the art of archery alive in popular culture. Meanwhile, kings and nobles sponsored elaborate tournaments, with lavish prizes awarded to those demonstrating extraordinary precision and control.

E)

The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a romantic revival of archery, as people sought to reconnect with traditional skills in an increasingly industrialized world. Queen Victoria’s personal enthusiasm for the sport sparked a surge of popularity among the British upper class. Archery clubs flourished, evolving into spaces of social interaction, competition, and even courtship. Gentlemen and ladies alike participated in target shooting at meticulously arranged events, complete with ceremonial dress and strict etiquette. Rulebooks were written, scoring systems established, and the foundations of modern competitive archery were laid. This period helped transform archery from a historical curiosity into a respected recreational pursuit, cherished by communities far beyond the battlefield.

F)

Despite its cultural renaissance, archery's prominence began to fade with the rise of firearms and other modern weapons. Gunpowder arms provided greater range and power with less physical effort, and their ease of use eventually rendered bows obsolete in combat. Civilian interest also waned as new sports and pastimes captured public attention. The once-essential skill of archery risked becoming little more than a relic of bygone eras, preserved primarily in historical reenactments, museums, and among a few dedicated enthusiasts. Yet, even during this decline, the spirit of archery endured, quietly maintained by hobbyists and educators who recognized its enduring value.

G)

Through the 20th century, archery found new life in education and therapy. Schools, scouting programs, and rehabilitation centers embraced archery for its accessible, low-impact benefits. For young learners, archery became a lesson in patience, coordination, and focus. For those recovering from injuries, it offered gentle physical engagement and a way to rebuild confidence. Military veterans and others dealing with stress or trauma also found solace in the meditative rhythm of drawing the bowstring and releasing an arrow. Despite being overshadowed by more modern sports, archery retained its quiet dignity, a discipline waiting to be rediscovered.

H)

Today, archery is enjoying a vibrant resurgence worldwide. Pop culture icons like The Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen and The Lord of the Rings’ Legolas have sparked renewed interest, inspiring new generations to pick up the bow. Archery ranges are thriving, offering urban dwellers a chance to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with primal skills. The sport has also embraced technology, with advanced bows and precision-engineered arrows elevating performance to new heights. Yet, at its core, the heart of archery remains unchanged: the timeless union of focus, strength, and discipline. Whether practiced for competition, recreation, or personal growth, archery continues to embody the enduring human quest for precision, balance, and mastery.

Questions 29–35

The text has eight paragraphs, A–H. Which paragraph contains the following information? Choose the correct letter for questions 29–35.

29. The 19th Century Revival of Archery

30. The Decline of Archery in the Modern Age

31. Archery in Medieval Society and Legend

32. Archery in Historic Battles: The Victory at Agincourt

33. The Modern Resurgence of Archery

34. Archery’s Role in Education and Rehabilitation

35. Archery as Art and Spiritual Practice Across Cultures

Questions 36-40

Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

Archery is an ancient skill, valued for its 36………..and utility. From early hunters to medieval warriors, it relied on human strength and precision. In famous battles like Agincourt, skilled 37…………. used rapid volleys to overcome larger forces, showing how archery’s tactical application could shift outcomes dramatically.

Beyond warfare, archery held cultural and spiritual meaning. In Japan’s Kyudo and the English longbow tradition, it symbolized focus and inner calm. Stories of 38………….. kept its legend alive, highlighting the archer as a heroic figure.

The invention of 39……………. led to archery’s decline in combat, but it survived in education, therapy, and recreation. Today, archery enjoys a global 40……………, blending tradition with modern technology. People turn to it for sport, meditation, and the timeless connection of mind and body. This enduring appeal ensures that archery, like the archer’s arrow, continues to reach its target across centuries.

Answer

Section-01

1. Full-time

2. medical records

3. health insurance

4. 23-August-2025

5. health camps

6. Experience

7. Housing Allowance

8. hr@ladybird.com

9. Not Given

10. False

11. False

12. True

13. False

14. True

Section-02

14. V

15. Viii

16. Vi

17. I

18. Vii

19. Iii

20. X

21. C

22. B

23. D

24. A

25. F

26. E

27. Risk assessment

Section-03

29.E

30.F

31.D

32.B

33.H

34.G

35.C

36.simplicity

37.longbowmen

38.Robin Hood

39.firearms

40.resurgence