Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Mar 19, 2025, 11:23

The IELTS Reading section assesses your ability to understand and interpret a variety of texts within a time limit of 60 minutes. You will answer 40 questions based on three passages, which may include factual, descriptive, or analytical content. The test evaluates skills such as skimming, scanning, and identifying key details, making it essential to read efficiently.
 

The Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday reading answers passage provides information about how to book a stay at Wessex Cottages, including accommodation details, booking policies, and customer guidelines. You will need to locate specific information, understand conditions, and interpret instructions accurately.


Let’s look at the Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 14 based on Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers Passage below. 

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2. Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find the Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers!

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3. Check Out Top 30 IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

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1.

Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

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Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers Passage

                                           

 

How to book your holiday

Paragraph 1. When you have looked through our brochure and have chosen two or three alternative cottages you would like to stay in, please phone our Holiday Booking Office.

The number is: 01225 892299

 

31st March to 20th October

Paragraph 2.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

 

21st October to 30th March

Paragraph 3. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 pm.

Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Sunday Closed

 

We will check the availability of your choices, and our reservation staff will help you make your decision. Should none of your choices be available, we will do our best to suggest suitable alternatives.

 

When a provisional reservation has been made, it will be held for 7 days. We will give you a holiday reference number and ask you to complete the holiday booking form and return it, with a deposit of ONE THIRD of the cottage rental, to:

 

WESSEX COTTAGES HOLIDAY BOOKING OFFICE PO BOX 675

MELKSHAM

WILTSHIRE SN12 8SX

Deposit payments can be made by credit card at the time of booking or by cheque made payable to: Wessex Cottages Ltd.

 

IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR COMPLETED AND SIGNED BOOKING FORM WITH DEPOSIT WITHIN 7 DAYS, WE REGRET THAT YOUR RESERVATION WILL BE CANCELED.

 

When we receive your booking form and deposit, your reservation will be confirmed – we will send you a Booking Confirmation, together with advice on how to reach your holiday cottage and the telephone number or a local contact should you require further details on the cottage before leaving home. Attached to the Booking Confirmation will be a note showing the balance due on your holiday and the date by which it is payable. Outstanding balances on bookings made in the UK must be settled within 10 weeks of sending the deposit.

 

ARRIVAL

Paragraph 4. Please do not arrive at your holiday cottage before 3.30 p.m. or later than 7.00 p.m.

 

DEPARTURE

Paragraph 5. On the morning of departure, please leave your holiday property by 10 a.m. to allow caretakers sufficient time to prepare the property for the next visitors. We ask that you please leave the property as you found it. Please don’t move the furniture as this can cause damage both to the furniture and to the property.

 

OVERSEAS BOOKINGS

Paragraph 6. We are delighted to take bookings from overseas visitors either by telephone or fax +44 (0)1225890227. All payments should be made by credit card or by cheque in Pounds Sterling. Please note that provisional bookings from overseas visitors will be held for 14 DAYS. If the completed and signed booking form with the deposit is not received within that time, the reservation will be cancelled.

 

LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS

Paragraph 7. If you wish to make a last-minute booking, please telephone the Holiday Booking Office to check availability. If your reservation is made within 10 weeks of the holiday start date, full payment is due on booking.

 

ELECTRICITY

Paragraph 8. In most Wessex Cottages properties, electricity must be paid for in addition to my holiday price. You may be asked to take a meter reading at the conclusion of your holiday, or an additional fixed charge for electricity may be made. Alternatively, there may be a coin meter, in which case you will be advised when you are making your booking. In some cottages, electricity is included in the rental and in very few, there is no electricity at all.

 

LINEN

Paragraph 9. In most Wessex Cottages properties, you have the choice either of hiring linen, at a cost of £6.00 per person per week, or of bringing your own. In some cottages, linen is included, and in a very few, it is not available at all. If you choose to hire linen, it will include bed linen (i.e. sheets and/or duvet covers and pillow cases), bath and hand towels and tea cloths but will not include towels for swimming or beach use. Linen is not available for cots. If you have any queries, do ask the Holiday Booking Office.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday Reading passage.


Check out the IELTS Reading Practice Test 2025 PDFs

2.

Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find the Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.

Questions and Answers 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Booking A Wessex Cottages Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 1-7 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 about this.

 

1. The office is open on Saturdays in February but closes slightly earlier than on weekdays.

2. On receipt of your deposit, Wessex Cottages will confirm your booking by telephone.

3. For UK bookings, any outstanding balance must be paid within ten weeks of sending the deposit.

4. Between the departure of one visitor and the arrival of the next, the properties are visited and made ready.

5. The cost is lower if you make a last-minute booking.

6. Electricity is included in the rental of the majority of Wessex Cottages properties.

7. Beach towels are available for hire.
 

Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday Reading Answers with Explanations (1-7)
 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(True/False/Not Given)

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.

 

1. True

 

Reference: From paragraph 3: "Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 pm. Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m."

 

Explanation:  This line confirms that the office is open on Saturdays in February but operates for fewer hours compared to weekdays, which makes "True" the correct answer.

 

2. False

 

Reference: From paragraph 3: "When we receive your booking form and deposit, your reservation will be confirmed – we will send you a Booking Confirmation."

 

Explanation: This line states that confirmation is sent via a Booking Confirmation rather than by telephone, contradicting the statement, making "False" the correct answer.
 

3. True

 

Reference: From paragraph 3: "Outstanding balances on bookings made in the UK must be settled within 10 weeks of sending the deposit."

 

Explanation:  This line clearly states that any remaining balance must be paid within ten weeks of sending the deposit, directly supporting the statement and making "True" the correct answer.

 

4. True

 

Reference: From paragraph 5: "On the morning of departure, please leave your holiday property by 10 a.m. to allow caretakers sufficient time to prepare the property for the next visitors."

 

Explanation:  This line indicates that caretakers clean and prepare the property between guest departures and arrivals, confirming the statement and making "True" the correct answer.

 

5. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “If your reservation is made within 10 weeks of the holiday start date, full payment is due on booking.''

 

Explanation: This line makes it clear that full payment is required for last-minute bookings, with no mention of a reduced price, contradicting the statement and making "False" the correct answer.

 

6. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph 8: “In most Wessex Cottages properties, electricity must be paid for in addition to my holiday price.''

 

Explanation: This line states that electricity is not included in the rental price for most properties, contradicting the statement and making "False" the correct answer.

 

7. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph 9: “If you choose to hire linen, it will include bed linen (i.e. sheets and/or duvet covers and pillowcases), bath and hand towels and tea cloths but will not include towels for swimming or beach use.''

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that beach towels are not provided for hire, contradicting the statement and making "False" the correct answer.


Also, Check out the IELTS Reading Practice Test with Sample Answers

Questions and Answers 8-14
  • Look at the twelve advertisements for local businesses A-L above.
  • Which business should be contacted in each of the following situations?
  • Write the correct letter A-L in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.

 

 

8. I have had an accident in my car. One of the rear lights is broken. I need to have it replaced.

9. I am helping to organise a wedding. The party will be at the bride’s family’s house but we are looking for someone to provide the food.

10. I have just found a house that I want to buy, and I need a lawyer to help me with all the paperwork.

11. I have just returned from a holiday in Thailand, where I bought a Thai recipe book. I want to use the recipes in my restaurant, but I need someone to help me understand them.

12. I have just got a new job. I need to find somewhere to live locally.

13. Some friends are coming to visit me for the weekend, but my house is too small to put them all up. I want to find somewhere for them to stay.

14. I work in a local firm of solicitors. It’s nearly the end of the tax year, and I am trying to find someone to help us organise our finances.
 

Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday  Reading Answers With Explanations (8-14)
 

Type of question: Matching Features Form

 

In this task, you are required to match a list of statements to a set of options provided in a box. These options often include names, dates, places, or specific characteristics mentioned in the passage.
 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Identify key features in the statements before looking at the passage.
  • Skim the passage to locate sections where different features are discussed.
  • Look for synonyms and paraphrased information instead of exact word matches.
  • Match the information logically, ensuring it fits the context of the passage.
  • Double-check your answers to avoid using the same option more than once (unless allowed).

 

8. B

 

Reference: From Advertisement Post B – "St. Paul’s Garage (Ely)"

 

Explanation: This advertisement mentions that St. Paul’s Garage provides car repair services, which includes fixing damaged parts. Since the person needs to replace a broken rear light after an accident, this makes it the correct answer.

 

9. D

 

Reference: From Advertisement Post D – "Melrose Buffet Catering" 

 

Explanation: The advertisement states that Melrose Buffet Catering provides catering services for events. Since the person is organising a wedding and looking for someone to provide food, this aligns with their requirements, making it the correct answer.

 

10. K

 

Reference: From Advertisement Post K – "Baker, Stewart & Young Solicitors"

 

Explanation:  The advertisement highlights that this law firm specialises in legal paperwork related to property transactions. Since the person has found a house and needs legal assistance, this confirms that it is the correct choice.

 

11. L

 

Reference: From Advertisement Post L – "Fine Line Translations LTD"

 

Explanation: This advertisement indicates that Fine Line Translations LTD offers translation services for different languages. Since the person has a Thai recipe book and needs help understanding it, this company provides the necessary expertise, making it the correct answer.

 

12. G

 

Reference: From Advertisement Post G – "Barton Hill & Knight"

 

Explanation: The advertisement specifies that Barton Hill & Knight assists people in finding suitable housing. Since the person has secured a job and needs a place to live, this agency’s services match their needs, making it the correct answer.

 

13. J

 

Reference: From Reference: Advertisement Post J – "The Parklands"

 

Explanation:  This advertisement mentions that The Parklands offers accommodation services. As the person needs a place for their visiting friends to stay due to limited space at home, this business provides the ideal solution, making it the correct choice.
 

14. A

 

Reference: From Reference: Advertisement Post A – "Steadman & Co Chartered Accountants"

 

Explanation:  The advertisement states that Steadman & Co Chartered Accountants provide financial and tax-related services. Since the person is seeking help with organising finances before the tax year ends, this company specialises in that area, making it the correct answer.


Check out the List of IELTS Reading Vocabulary 2025
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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in the Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords may include booking process, holiday cottages, availability, cancellation policy, payment options, and amenities. These words frequently appear in the passage and help in locating key details. Identifying synonyms of these terms can also be useful while answering questions. Skimming for these keywords can save time and improve accuracy in responses.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday reading passage?

Ans. Start by reading all the headings carefully to understand their meaning. Then, skim each paragraph to identify the main idea and look for synonyms of words from the headings. Focus on the first and last sentences, as they often summarise key points. Eliminate headings that don’t fit and choose the most relevant one based on the passage’s content.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday reading passage?

Ans. The passage may contain detailed terms related to booking, cancellation policies, and conditions, making it difficult to differentiate key points. Some sections may have similar information, requiring careful reading to avoid confusion. The use of synonyms and paraphrased terms can make locating answers tricky. Time management is essential to avoid spending too long on one section.

Q. Are Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. This passage is typically part of the IELTS General Reading test as it provides practical information about booking a holiday. The General Reading section includes texts like advertisements, notices, and travel guides, making this passage relevant. It is designed to test your ability to understand real-life, functional English.

Q. What is the IELTS Reading test format?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions and lasts for 60 minutes. It includes three long passages taken from books, newspapers, or magazines. The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions differ in content but follow the same question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given.

Q. What is the difference between Academic and General Training Reading?

Ans. The Academic Reading test has more complex texts taken from books, journals, and research papers. The IELTS General Training Reading test includes simpler texts from advertisements, notices, and workplace documents. The question types remain the same, but the difficulty level varies.

Q. How is the IELTS Reading test scored?

Ans. Each correct answer earns one mark, and the total raw score is converted into a band score ranging from 0 to 9. The Academic and General Training tests have different score conversion tables, as the General Training test is slightly easier.

Q. Can I write answers in capital letters in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, you can write your answers in all capital letters, and many candidates prefer this to avoid issues with handwriting. However, spelling and grammar must be correct, or the answer will be marked incorrect.

Q. Are spelling mistakes penalised in IELTS Reading?

Ans. Yes, incorrect spelling leads to a wrong answer. Ensure that you copy words correctly from the passage. American and British spellings are both accepted, but you must be consistent in their use.

Q. Can I write more than the required word limit in answers?

Ans. No, exceeding the word limit results in a wrong answer. If a question asks for "no more than two words," writing three words will make your answer incorrect. Always follow the word limit strictly.

Q. How can I improve my IELTS Reading score?

Ans. Regular practice with sample tests, improving your vocabulary, and learning skimming and scanning techniques can help. Time management is also crucial, so practise completing 40 questions within 60 minutes.