BEST IELTS General Reading Test 313

Table of Contents

IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – PASSAGE – 2

IELTS GENERAL READING TEST

READING PASSAGE – 2

A HIGHER EDUCATION

Australia’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) sector is a nationally recognized government system of vocational education and training and is the major provider of the skills required by the Australian workforce.

TAFE is the largest of the tertiary education sectors in Australia. It accounts for approximately 70 per cent of post-secondary education enrolments. There are 232 major TAFE colleges in Australia.

IELTS General Reading Test

Although each state and territory administers its own system of TAFE. the qualifications they award are transferable throughout Australia. Although TAFE colleges cannot award tertiary-level degrees, some TAFE courses permit TAFE graduates to be admitted with advanced standing into degree courses offered by universities.

IELTS General Reading Test

TAFE courses provide initial and further education at professional, para-professional, post-trade, trade and operative level. TAFE courses are developed in collaboration with industry and the community to ensure the most up-to-date education and training is provided.

IELTS General Reading Test

Private Post-secondary Institutions

These private institutions are like TAFE colleges because they teach special skills for jobs but each one of them usually specializes in courses for one industry.

There are many private institutions in Australia offering a wide range of courses: English language (ELICOS, see Chapter 6). secretarial studies, data processing, pilot training, business and management, recreational courses and religious studies. (Other courses offered by private post-secondary institutions are listed in Chapter 7, Special Studies.)

If you successfully complete these courses you receive a qualification called a ‘certificate’ or ‘diploma’. These are widely recognized by professional associations and industries in Australia, and are sometimes recognized by higher education institutions for credit. Before you undertake a course at a private post-secondary institution you should check that the certificate or diploma offered is appropriate for your particular purpose because some private institutions offer courses which are not recognized.

If you want to enter a higher education institution from a private post-secondary institution, you should ask the higher education institution whether they accept the qualification before you start your course.

IELTS General Reading Test

Questions 13-18

The reading passage “Vocational Training” comes from a book about studying in Australia.

Do the following statements correspond to the information given in the passage?

TRUE if the statement is true

FALSE if the statement is false

NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage

13. There are more people studying in TAFE colleges than in any other kind of higher education institution.

14. TAFE qualifications arc accepted anywhere in Australia.

15. Some TAFE colleges offer university degrees.

16. Each TAFE college specializes in teaching skills for working within one specific industry.

17. The next chapter deals with English language courses.

18. Certificates or diplomas from all private post-secondary institutions are recognized everywhere in Australia.

IELTS General Reading Test

SCHOOL EXCURSIONS

A. Ancient and Modern Museum:

This is a museum with a difference. Along with the usual historical exhibits, this museum features an up-to-date display of hands-on information technology.

B. Shortlands Wildlife Park:

This is not the usual “animal gaol”. Here exotic animals wander free in large compounds, separated in such a way that they can’t harm one another.

C. Botanical Gardens:

Besides the many exotic plants one expects to see in a botanical garden, these gardens feature an array of native birds and other wildlife.

IELTS General Reading Test

D. Wax World:

If you’re interested in seeing how people used to live and dress, Wax World is the place for you. Featuring over 100 wax models of famous people, this venue is well – suited to anyone interested in changing trends in clothing.

E. The Central Art Gallery:

The art gallery has six chambers each exhibiting paintings from different periods, from the Middle Ages to the present. The walking tour, recorded on tape, is designed for visitors interested in art history and criticism.

IELTS General Reading Test

F. Technology Park:

In the planetarium, you can observe features of the night sky, and learn about such historical events as the origin of the crab nebula. This excursion also includes a visit to the Satellite Mapping Centre.

G. Parliament:

Students are met at the entrance by ushers who show them around the Houses. The tour includes the Hansard library, the grand lounge, government and opposition offices and the public gallery.

H. St. Cedric’s Cathedral:

With the Bishops’ Throne as its central feature, this building is a classic example of the excesses of architecture. This excursion is a must for any student interested in sculpture and stained glass as art forms.

IELTS General Reading Test

I. The Light Fantastic:

Find out about the fascinating process of candle making. This factory also holds the additional attraction of illustrating the diverse uses that candles and other wax products can have – from the projection of film, to their use in the art of sculpture and decoration.

J. Trolland’s Caves:

These caves, situated below the hills to the north of the city, are entered via the Widmore River. The caves are home to colonies of glow worms that shine like stars on the ceilings and walls of the caves, casting an eerie light on the many stalagmites and stalactites.

IELTS General Reading Test