Leisure Time Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 07, 2025, 07:33

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand, interpret, and analyse written texts. You will answer 40 questions based on three passages covering a range of academic or general interest topics. This section is designed to assess skills such as reading for gist, detail, logical argument, and recognising writers’ opinions.
 

In the Leisure Time Reading passage, you’ll explore how people from different cultures and age groups spend their free time. It highlights trends, preferences, and the impact of modern lifestyles on leisure activities.
 

Let’s look at the Leisure Time reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Leisure Time Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 12 based on Leisure Time Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Leisure Time Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Leisure Time.

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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.

Leisure Time Reading Answer 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.

 

 

Leisure Time Reading Answer Passage

 

 

Paragraph A. A raft of forecasts has been made in the recent decade, predicting the decline in the number of working hours coupled with a consequent increase in leisure time. It was estimated that the leisure revolution would take place by the turn of the last cent my with hours devoted to work railing to 25-30 per week, This reduction hits failed to materialise, but the revolu­tion has, nonetheless, arrived.

 

Paragraph B. Over the past 30 to 41 years, spending on leisure has witnessed a strong increase, Accord­ing to the annual family expenditure survey published in 1935 by the Office for National Statistics, the average household in the United Kingdom spent more on leisure than food, housing and transport for the very first time, and the trend is also set to continue up­wards well into the present century.

 

Paragraph C. The survey, based on a sample of 6,500 households showed, that the days are long gone when the average family struggled to buy basic foods. As recently as 1969, family spending on food was approximately one third compared to 17% now. Twelve years later, there was a noticeable shift towards leisure with the percentage of household spending on leisure increasing to 9%, and that on food declining to 26%.

 

Paragraph D. The average household income in the UK in 1999 was £460 per week before tax, and average spending was £352.20. Of the latter sum, £59.70 was spent on leisure and £58.90 on food. On holidays alone, family expenditure was 6%, while in 1969 the proportion spent on holidays was just 2%. And whereas the richest 10% lashed out 20% of their income in 1999 on leisure, the poorest spent 12%.

 

Paragraph E. Among the professional and managerial classes, working hours have increased and, overall in the economy, record numbers of people are in employment. As people work more, the appetite for leisure activities has grown to compensate for the greater stress in life. The past 5 years alone have seen the leisure business expand by 25% with a change in emphasis to short domestic weekend breaks and long-haul short breaks to exotic destinations in place of long holidays. In the future, it is expected that people will jump from one leisure activity to another in complexes catering for everyone’s needs with gyms, cinemas, cafes, restaurants, bars and internet facilities all under one roof. The leisure complexes of today will expand to house all the leisure facilities required for the leisure age.

 

Paragraph F. Other factors fueling demand for leisure activities are rising prosperity, increasing longevity and a more active elderly population. Hence, at the forefront of leisure spending are not just young or professional classes. The 1999 family expenditure survey showed that the 64 to 75-year-old group spend a higher proportion of their income on leisure than any other age group. The strength of the “grey pound” now means that elderly people are able to command more respect and, thus, attention in the leisure market.

 

Paragraph G. And the future? It is anticipated that, in the years to come, leisure spending will account for between a third to a half of all household spending. Whilst it is difficult to give exact figures, the leisure industry will certainly experience a long period of sustained growth. Working hours are not expected to decrease, partly because the 24-hour society will need to be serviced; and secondly, because more people will be needed to keep the service/leisure industries running.

 

Paragraph H. In the coming decades, the pace of change will accelerate, generating greater wealth at a faster rate than ever before. Surveys show that this is already happening in many parts of Europe. The south-east of England, for example, is now supposedly the richest area in the EEC. The “leisure pound” is one of the driving forces behind this surge. But, sadly, it does not look as if we will have the long leisure hours that we had all been promised.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Leisure Time Reading answer passage.

2.

Leisure Time Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-7
  • Reading Passage has 8 paragraphs A-H.
  • Choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
  • Write the appropriate numbers i-xiv in Boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
Note: You may use any heading more than once.

 

1. Paragraph A

2. Paragraph B

3. Paragraph C

4. Paragraph E

5. Paragraph F

6. Paragraph G

7. Paragraph H

 

List of headings

 

i. Leisure spending goes up strongly

ii. Decreasing unemployment

iii. False forecasts

iv. Spending trends – leisure v food

v. More affordable food

vi. Leisure as an answer to stress

vii. Looking forward

viii. The leisure revolution – working hours reduced to 25

ix. The “grey pound” soars

x. Rising expenditure

xi. The elderly leisure market

xii. National Statisticians

xiii. Work, stress, and leisure all on the up

xiv. Money yes, leisure time no
 

Leisure Time  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-7)
 

Type of question: Matching Headings

 

In this question type, you will be asked to choose the correct heading for each paragraph from a list of headings provided. This type of question assesses your ability to understand the main idea or theme of each paragraph.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Familiarise yourself with the list of headings before reading the paragraphs. This helps you know what to look for.
  • Identify the main idea or theme of each paragraph by looking for topic sentences or recurring themes.
  • Find keywords or phrases that are similar to those in the headings. This can help you make connections.
  • Eliminate incorrect options that don't match any paragraphs to narrow down your choices.
  • Skim and Scan each paragraph efficiently to get a context about the content.
     
1. iii - False forecasts

 

Reference: From paragraph A: "It was estimated that the leisure revolution would take place by the turn of the last cent my with hours devoted to work railing to 25-30 per week. This reduction hits failed to materialise, but the revolu­tion has, nonetheless, arrived."

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that earlier predictions about reduced working hours and increased leisure time did not happen. It indicates that the expected "leisure revolution" was forecast incorrectly. Therefore, "false forecasts" is the most suitable heading.

 

2. i - Leisure spending goes up strongly

 

Reference: From paragraph B: "Over the past 30 to 40 years, spending on leisure has witnessed a strong increase"

 

Explanation: This line highlights the significant growth in leisure spending over recent decades. It shows that people have started spending more on leisure than on necessities. Therefore, the heading "leisure spending goes up strongly" is appropriate.

 

3. iv - Spending trends – leisure v food

 

Reference: From paragraph C: "The percentage of household spending on leisure increasing to 9%, and that on food declining to 26%."

 

Explanation: This line clearly compares the increase in leisure spending with the decrease in food expenditure. It shows a shift in how people prioritise their spending. So, "spending trends – leisure v food" is the correct heading.

 

4. xiii - Work, stress, and leisure all on the up

 

Reference: From paragraph E: "As people work more, the appetite for leisure activities has grown to compensate for the greater stress in life."

 

Explanation: This line connects increased working hours with rising demand for leisure to manage stress. It shows a direct link between work, stress, and leisure. Hence, "work, stress, and leisure all on the up" is the right heading.

 

5. xi - The elderly leisure market

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: "The 64 to 75-year-old group spend a higher proportion of their income on leisure than any other age group."

 

Explanation: This line mentions that elderly people are now spending more of their income on leisure than any other age group. It highlights the growing importance of the elderly leisure market. So, "the elderly leisure market" is the correct answer.

 

6. vii - Looking forward

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: "It is anticipated that, in the years to come, leisure spending will account for between a third to a half of all household spending."

 

Explanation: This line focuses on future predictions about increasing household spending on leisure. It clearly indicates a forward-looking statement about the leisure industry. Therefore, "looking forward" is the correct heading.

 

7. xiv - Money yes, leisure time no

 

Reference: From Paragraph H: "It does not look as if we will have the long leisure hours that we had all been promised."

 

Explanation: This line highlights that although wealth is growing, the expected increase in leisure time is not happening. It shows a gap between financial prosperity and free time. Thus, "money yes, leisure time no" is the most suitable heading.

 

Also Read: IELTS Reading Band Score 2025

Questions and Answers 8-12
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Leisure Time Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 8-12 on your answer sheet, write
  • YES if the statement agrees with the information.
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

8. At the turn of the last century, weekly work hours dropped to 25.

9. Spending on leisure has gone up over the past three decades.

10. Long holidays have taken the place of long-haul short breaks.

11. In future, people will pay less for the leisure facilities they use than they do today.

12. 24-hour society will have a negative effect on people’s attitudes to work.

 

Leisure Time Reading Answers With Explanations (8-12)

 

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.

 

8. No

 

Reference: From paragraph A:  "This reduction has failed to materialise, but the revolution has, nonetheless, arrived."

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that the expected decrease in working hours to 25-30 per week never actually happened. The reduction was predicted but did not materialise, which makes the statement incorrect.
 

9. Yes

 

Reference: From paragraph B: "Over the past 30 to 41 years, spending on leisure has witnessed a strong increase."

 

Explanation: This line confirms that there has been a noticeable rise in leisure spending over the past few decades. It supports the statement that people are spending more money on leisure activities than before.

 

10. No

 

Reference: From paragraph E:  "The past 5 years alone have seen the leisure business expand by 25% with a change in emphasis to short domestic weekend breaks and long-haul short breaks to exotic destinations in place of long holidays."


Explanation:  This line indicates that long holidays have been replaced by short domestic breaks and long-haul short vacations. Therefore, the statement that long holidays have taken the place of short breaks is incorrect.

 

11. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not provide any information about whether the cost of leisure facilities will decrease in the future. Since there is no mention of future pricing trends, the answer is marked as Not Given.

 

12. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does mention the 24-hour society but does not explain its effect on people's attitudes towards work. Since no clear information is provided on this point, the answer is Not Given.
3.

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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in the Leisure Time reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords in the Leisure Time passage include words like leisure, free time, hobbies, entertainment, relaxation, and activities. You may also find terms related to time management, physical or mental well-being, and social interaction. Always look for names, dates, places, and numbers, too, as they help locate answers quickly.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the Leisure Time reading passage?

Ans. To answer matching headings questions, read the headings first and underline keywords. Then, read the first and last sentences of each paragraph to understand the main idea. Match the heading that best summarises the paragraph’s content. Avoid matching based on similar words; focus on the overall meaning.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of Leisure Time reading passage?

Ans. A challenging aspect of the Leisure Time passage is identifying specific details among lots of information. The passage may include complex vocabulary or examples that can confuse you. Also, the writer’s opinion or implied meaning may not be direct, making it tricky to find the correct answers.

Q. Are Leisure Time passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. The Leisure Time passage is generally found in the IELTS Academic Reading test. Academic passages are longer and more factual, often taken from journals, books, or magazines. General Training passages focus more on everyday situations, advertisements, or notices.

Q. Can I skip the IELTS Reading Module for my IELTS exam?

Ans. No, you cannot skip the IELTS Reading Module as it is a compulsory part of the exam. Whether you are taking the Academic or General Training test, the Reading section is essential. Your overall band score will include your performance in Reading, so skipping it is not an option.

Q. Does the IELTS Reading module have more weightage?

Ans. The IELTS Reading module has equal weightage as the Listening, Writing, and Speaking modules. Each section carries 25% of the total score. So, your performance in Reading is equally important in determining your overall band score.

Q. Does the IELTS Reading Module have a negative marking?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS Reading module. You will not lose marks for wrong answers. It is always better to attempt all questions, even if you are unsure, as you may still score if your guess is correct.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. You will get three reading passages and a total of 40 questions to answer. You do not get extra time to transfer your answers, so you must manage your time carefully within one hour.

Q. How many passages are there in the Reading section?

Ans. There are three reading passages in the IELTS Academic Reading section. In the General Training test, there are three sections, but the first two may contain multiple short texts. Overall, you will answer 40 questions based on these passages.

Q. Are the Academic and General Training Reading tests the same?

Ans. No, the Academic and General Training Reading tests are different. The Academic test includes complex and academic-level texts, while the General Training test uses everyday English from advertisements, notices, and workplace documents. However, the question types and total number of questions are the same.

Q. What types of texts are used in the Academic Reading test?

Ans. The Academic Reading test includes texts taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. These texts are factual, analytical, or descriptive and written for a non-specialist audience. You may also find diagrams, graphs, or illustrations with the passages.