Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 549
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 549 – PASSAGE – 1

IELTS GENERAL READING TEST -549
READING PASSAGE – 1
Visit these fascinating castles in Sussex!
Arundel
Built in the 11th century overlooking the river Arun and the stunning Sussex countryside is this remarkable castle, seat of the Dukes of Norfolk. The castle was fully restored in the 18th Century and hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Medieval encampments give visitors a chance to feel what it was like to live in that period of history by learning about the music, costumes and sports of the time. A highlight of the summer months is watching iconic Shakesperean drama in the grounds of this atmospheric castle.
Hastings
This castle may be in ruins, but it is still a fascinating place to experience history. Overlooking the English Channel, visitors can imagine ancient battles against ‘William the Conqueror’. A film about the events of the best-known year in English history. The 1066 story plays on a loop in a mini cinema in the grounds. There are several picnic areas in the grounds and close by.
IELTS General Reading Test
Rye
The castle at Rye was built in the 13th century and has been used as a prison at different times in its history. Part of the castle now houses a museum, displaying medieval pottery and artefacts, antique toys and games, and items showcasing the area’s history of sailing.
Herstmonceux
This castle is a late example of a castle, not built until the mid-15th century. By this time, the owners of castles were less concerned with defence and more concerned with comfort and appearance. There are walking trails through the grounds and visitors can interact with birds of prey, such as falcons, owls and hawks.
IELTS General Reading Test
Knepp
This castle has been owned by the same family for over 220 years. The family has been rewilding the land since 2001. Introducing cattle and deer and restoring natural water courses, they have encouraged an increase in wildlife, including several rare species. Visitors can choose from a range of guided safaris, including bats and moths, butterflies and wild horses. There are also shepherd’s huts and a campsite in the grounds for those who wish to stay the night.
Bodiam
Unlike most other castles, the entire castle was built at the same time, so has a consistent architectural style. It is most famous for its wide moat which encircles the castle. While the interior is now in ruins, the outer structure remains. Visitors can visit the well-stocked gift shop and have a drink and snack at the tearoom.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 1-8
Look at the following statements (Questions 1-8) and the list of castles below
Match each statement with the correct castle A-F.
Write the correct letter A-F.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
1. Visitors can see and learn about a wide range of animals.
2. Objects connected to the sea can be viewed here.
3. Plays are put on here at certain times of the year.
4. The builders of this castle wanted it to look good.
5. A movie is played constantly to teach visitors about the past.
6. Accommodation is available at this location.
7. Visitors can buy refreshments here.
8. Visitors can experience life in the Middle Ages.
IELTS General Reading Test
List of castles
A. Arundel
B. Hastings
C. Rye
D. Herstmonceux
E. Knepp
F. Bodiam
IELTS General Reading Test
Read the text below and answer Questions 9-14.
East Coast Electricity
Why should you get a smart meter?
Save money
With the cost of electricity soaring, it is vital for households to keep track of how much electricity they are using and how much it is costing them. Smart meters allow consumers to understand which appliances use the most power and use them sparingly.
Save work
With a smart meter, there is no need to take regular meter readings and upload them to your supplier’s website. Smart meters do the work for you by automatically sending regular readings to your supplier.
Save the planet
Smart meters help you reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy you use at home or at work. Your smart meter will let you know if any of your appliances are on stand-by, using up energy while not in use.
IELTS General Reading Test
Help your country
The energy saved through the use of smart meters will help the UK become less reliant on energy from overseas. The rollout of smart meters is predicted to save £6 billion for the country, money which can be used to develop sustainable energy sources.
So how can I get one?
Go to your energy supplier’s website. Locate the ‘contact us’ section and send a message directly from the website. You will also find an email address and phone number for your supplier here.
Arrange an appointment to have the smart meter installed. Most suppliers are flexible about times and have some evening and weekend appointments. However, some energy providers have waiting lists of up to two months, so you may need to be patient.
Make sure you are home to let the engineer in. The installation process takes about two hours and you will need to be at home during the entire period.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 9-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE – if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE – if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN – if there is no information on this
9. Installation of a smart meter is free of charge.
10. Customers with a smart meter submit readings on the website.
11. Smart meters may be good for the environment.
12. At present, the UK imports energy from other countries.
13. All suppliers will install a smart meter soon.
14. It is easier to get appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.

IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
1. E
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. B
6. E
7. F
8. A
9. NOT GIVEN
10. FALSE
11. TRUE
12. TRUE
13. FALSE
14. NOT GIVEN
IELTS General Reading Test