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The World Is Our Oyster Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Aug 14, 2024, 09:04

The passage ‘the world is our oyster’ discusses the evolving preferences of modern travellers, particularly the increasing popularity of backpacking over traditional package holidays. It highlights the appeal of spontaneous travel, the communal nature of backpacker accommodations, and the specific attractions of destinations like Australia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The passage also emphasises the importance of staying informed about travel logistics, safety precautions, and the benefits of technology in maintaining contact with loved ones.

 

 

This passage serves as an excellent practice text for the IELTS Reading section, offering insights into various themes and vocabulary related to travel and tourism. It helps develop skills in identifying key points, understanding specific details, and summarising content—essential for answering various question types in the exam.

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1. The World Is Our Oyster Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam

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2. The World Is Our Oyster Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The World Is Our Oyster  Reading Questions & Answers 

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1.

The World Is Our Oyster Reading 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.

 

 

 

 

The World Is Our Oyster  Reading Passage

 

 

Paragraph A:

 

According to tourism analyst Thomas Cooper, while package holidays that include transportation, lodging, and sometimes even food are financially appealing to many, an increasing number of people now prefer a less-tailored vacation and the ability to make spur-of-the-moment decisions and changes to their original plan.

 

 

Paragraph B:

 

Alan Park, who has travelled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world, claims that most backpacker accommodation establishments are designed with communal kitchens, dormitories, and entertainment areas, allowing residents to socialise with ease and quickly break down barriers with strangers that may normally exist in day-to-day life.

 

 

Paragraph C:

 

Equal to Australia in popularity for the backpacking market is South East Asia. According to Rebecca Thompson, the majority of travellers on extended trips to Australasia include a visit to one or more South East Asian destinations in their itinerary. Thailand, in particular, has a long history of tourism and a thriving service industry. Because of its low prices, large number of Western visitors, and well-established backpacker trails, it is frequently regarded as one of the more accessible Asian destinations for the novice European backpacker. Brian Johnson, who works at the British Consulate in Bangkok, believes that the welcoming nature and level of English spoken by Thais involved in the tourism industry has also influenced the destination's overseas image positively. While precautions such as drinking bottled water and washing fruits and vegetables are advised, general standards of accommodation and restaurants are high. According to Thomas Cooper, Thailand's attractions are diverse, including idyllic beaches, an insight into Buddhist culture and impressive ancient temples, mountain trekking, a vibrant nightlife, and bustling night markets and bazaars for bargain hunters.

 

 

Paragraph D:

 

Many backpackers of European origin are drawn to the Southern Hemisphere, with Australia being a popular destination. Cooper attributes the high level of interest to the availability of legal working holiday visas for many nationalities, as well as the resulting short-term work opportunities that make extended travel financially feasible, as well as the appealing climate and outback appeal. Australia also has a reputation for being a relatively safe destination, with a friendly and upbeat population, and its size and contrast between locations appeal to many visitors. Rebecca Thompson, a university student who recently returned from a twelve-month overseas trip, believes that the cosmopolitan and modern nature of Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, in contrast to the rugged outback appeal of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, or the marine paradise of the Great Barrier Reef, provide enough variety to attract a diverse range of visitors. A Sydney-based travel consultant Brad Connor, while purchasing an international ticket, advises that it is also possible to obtain bargain deals on internal flights within the massive island, as it is highly preferable for those who do not have the luxury of a long length of time in order to ensure that key spots can be visited.

 

 

Paragraph E:

 

South-East Asia's neighbour, Vietnam, has established a solid tourism economy in recent years, with the majority of visitors entering and exiting by plane via its urban centres of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) in the south and Hanoi in the north. Vietnam has fantastic visas and a diverse landscape of rugged mountain ranges, lush green rice paddies, crystal clear waters, and dense forest areas. Alan Park, who spent a month travelling around the country on his own, says bus and rail networks allow visitors to travel from centre to centre relatively cheaply, though he does not recommend these modes of transportation to visitors on a tight schedule because the pace is leisurely.

 

 

Paragraph F:

 

There are an infinite number of potentially safe and enjoyable backpacking destinations. Recent technological and transportation advancements have resulted in more areas of the world becoming increasingly accessible; it is now possible to maintain regular contact with friends and family at home via email or even mobile phone, providing additional reassurance to travellers and their worried parents. Friends, family, and acquaintances who have previously travelled to the destination of choice, according to Brian Johnson, are a useful source of first-hand advice and information. Simon Hartwell of the Backpackers Association adds that travellers should be aware of visa requirements for their destination and should seek medical advice regarding any necessary vaccinations or medical precautions. Before embarking on a trip, it is always best to be as well informed as possible.

 

 

Paragraph G:

 

Today's youth are undeniably more adventurous, which Hartwell attributes to higher disposable income in the developed world than previous generations, as well as the fact that we can more easily familiarise ourselves with the unknown through the internet and other communication methods. Many travellers, particularly experienced backpackers, want to visit more obscure locations that are off the well-trodden backpacker trail.

 

 

Also See: IELTS Academic 2024 Reading Resources

 

 

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2.

The World Is Our Oyster Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The World Is Our Oyster

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Complete the notes below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from Reading Passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.

 

Three ways in which the WSPU raised money:

Newspapers: primarily via sales 1.________.

Merchandising activities include selling a diverse range of goods made in their 2.__________.

Additional fund-raising activities, such as 3.________.

There are 4._________ number of potentially safe and enjoyable backpacking destinations.

South-East Asia’s neighbour 5.__________ has established a solid tourism industry in recent years.


 

The World Is Our Oyster  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)


 

Type of Question: Note Completion 


 

In the note completion questions, you need to carefully identify the missing information in the notes and locate corresponding details in the passage to complete the notes accurately.


 

How to best answer: 


 

  • Skim the Passage: Quickly skim the passage to understand its general content and locate the section related to the questions.
  • Understand Keywords: Identify and underline keywords in the questions and look for these or synonyms in the passage.
  • Follow Instructions: Pay attention to the word limit (e.g., one word, two words) and ensure your answers fit within this limit.
  • Context Matters: Ensure the word or phrase you choose logically fits the context of the sentence.
  • Double-Check: Re-read the completed sentence to make sure it makes sense and fits grammatically with the rest of the sentence.


 

Answer 1: Economy

 


Reference: Paragraph E, "South-East Asia's neighbour, Vietnam, has established a solid tourism economy in recent years."

 


Explanation: This line highlights that Vietnam, a neighboring country to South-East Asia, has built a robust tourism economy. It implies that Vietnam’s tourism sector has become significant and financially strong in recent times, contributing to the country's economic growth.

 

 

Answer 2: Precautions

 


Reference: Paragraph C, "While precautions such as drinking bottled water and washing fruits and vegetables are advised, general standards of accommodation and restaurants are high."

 


Explanation: This line advises travelers in Thailand to take specific safety measures, such as drinking bottled water and washing fruits and vegetables, to avoid health risks. It also emphasizes that despite these precautions, the overall quality of accommodation and dining remains high, ensuring a good standard of travel experience.

 

 

Answer 3: Marine Paradise

 


Reference: Paragraph D, "rugged outback appeal of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, or the marine paradise of the Great Barrier Reef."

 


Explanation: This line describes the Great Barrier Reef as a "marine paradise," indicating its exceptional natural beauty and appeal as a premier travel destination. The term "marine paradise" underscores the Reef's unique and attractive features that make it a key attraction in Australia, contrasting with other more rugged areas.

 

 

Answer 4: Infinite

 


Reference: Paragraph F, "There are an infinite number of potentially safe and enjoyable backpacking destinations."

 


Explanation: This line asserts that there is an endless variety of backpacking destinations available worldwide that are both safe and enjoyable. The term "infinite" emphasizes the vast and ever-expanding options for backpackers, suggesting there are countless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

 

 

Answer 5: Vietnam


Reference: Paragraph E, "South-East Asia's neighbour, Vietnam, has established a solid tourism economy in recent years."

 


Explanation: This line identifies Vietnam as a country neighboring South-East Asia that has developed a strong tourism sector. It highlights Vietnam’s recent progress and success in building a solid tourism industry, which has significantly contributed to its economic stability and growth.

Questions and Answers 6-9
  • Match each statement with the correct person.
  • Write the correct answer A-D in boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet.

 

 

6. The ability to fund expenses through casual work increases the number of visitors to a specific destination.

7. The locals' positive attitude towards the tourism industry has had a positive impact on visitor numbers.

8. Diverse attractions indicate that a destination can appeal to a broader range of people.

9. Different generations' motivations for taking different approaches to travel.

 

 

List of People :

 

A. Simon Hartwell
B. Brian Johnson
C. Thomas Cooper
D. Rebecca Thompson


 

The World Is Our Oyster Reading Answers with Explanations (6-9)


 

Type of Question: Matching Features


 

In the matching features question of IELTS reading, you need to identify specific features or characteristics mentioned in the passage and match them with the corresponding options provided in the question.


 

How to best answer: 


 

  • Read the Instructions: Understand what you need to match (e.g., names with statements, places with descriptions) and note any specific instructions.
  • Scan for Keywords: Look for unique keywords or phrases in the options to help locate relevant information in the passage.
  • Understand the Features: Read the statements or features carefully to comprehend what they describe or imply.
  • Process of Elimination: Use the process of elimination to rule out obviously incorrect matches, narrowing down your options.
  • Cross-Reference: Ensure your chosen match is supported by evidence from the passage, verifying that the feature aligns correctly with the given option.



 

6. C

 


Reference: Paragraph D, "Cooper attributes the high level of interest to the availability of legal working holiday visas for many nationalities."

 


Explanation: Thomas Cooper attributes the high number of visitors to Australia to the availability of working holiday visas, which allow travelers to support their extended stay through temporary work. This makes it financially viable for more people to visit and explore Australia for longer periods.

 

 

7. B

 


Reference: Paragraph C, "Brian Johnson believes the welcoming nature of Thais and their English proficiency positively impacts Thailand’s image."

 


Explanation: Brian Johnson points out that Thailand’s positive image among tourists is partly due to the friendly and welcoming attitude of the locals, along with their ability to communicate in English. This enhances the attractiveness of Thailand as a travel destination and positively influences visitor numbers.

 

 

8. D

 


Reference: Paragraph D, "Rebecca Thompson notes the diverse attractions in Australia, from cosmopolitan cities to natural wonders."

 


Explanation: Rebecca Thompson explains that Australia's diverse range of attractions—spanning from vibrant cities to scenic natural landscapes—provides varied experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers. This diversity helps Australia attract different types of visitors with varying interests.

 

 

9. A

 


Reference: Paragraph G, "Simon Hartwell attributes today's adventurous travel tendencies to higher disposable income and better access to information."

 


Explanation: Simon Hartwell links the increased adventurous travel seen today to the rise in disposable income and improved access to travel information via the internet. He contrasts this with previous generations, who had less financial flexibility and fewer resources to learn about off-the-beaten-path destinations.

 

Questions and Answers 10-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet, write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the information given
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information given
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this

 

 

10. Interaction with others is generally more difficult when travelling alone than in everyday life.

11. Flying to other domestic destinations in Australia is less expensive than other modes of transportation.

12. Train travel in Vietnam can be time-consuming, especially for short visits.

13. Experienced backpackers rarely visit places like Australia.


 

The World Is Our Oyster Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13) 


 

Type of Question: Yes/No/Not Given


 

These types of questions involve finding whether the given statement is Yes/No/Not Given based on the given paragraph. 



 

How to best answer: 

  •  
  • Understand the Statements: Carefully read each statement to comprehend its meaning.
  • Locate Information: Scan the passage for relevant information that relates to the statement.
  • Compare and Contrast: Compare the statement with the information in the passage to determine if it matches (Yes), contradicts (No), or is not addressed (Not Given).
  • Look for Explicit Information: Ensure that your answer is based on explicit information in the text rather than assumptions or general knowledge.
  • Be Precise: Focus on specific details and keywords to avoid misinterpretation, ensuring your answer accurately reflects the passage's content.



 

10. No


Reference: Paragraph B, "Alan Park claims that most backpacker accommodation establishments are designed with communal kitchens, dormitories, and entertainment areas, allowing residents to socialise with ease."


Explanation: The passage describes how backpacker accommodations foster social interaction among travelers, which contrasts with the potentially isolated experience of traveling alone, suggesting that socializing is easier in these settings compared to everyday life.

 

 

11. Not Given

 


Reference: No information on the cost comparison of internal flights versus other transportation modes within Australia is provided in the passage.

 


Explanation: The passage does not mention the cost comparison between flying and other modes of internal transportation in Australia, so it is impossible to determine from the given information.

 

 

12. Yes

 


Reference: Paragraph E, "Alan Park says bus and rail networks allow visitors to travel from centre to centre relatively cheaply, though he does not recommend these modes of transportation to visitors on a tight schedule because the pace is leisurely."

 


Explanation: The passage indicates that train travel in Vietnam can be time-consuming and is not ideal for visitors with tight schedules, implying that it can be less efficient for short visits.

 

 

13. Not given

 


Reference: The passage does not provide specific information about the frequency with which experienced backpackers visit destinations like Australia.

 


Explanation: There is no information in the passage about whether experienced backpackers avoid destinations such as Australia, making it impossible to determine this from the provided text.

 

 

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FAQs

Q. How many passages are there in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test includes three passages. Each passage is designed to assess different reading skills and may vary in topic and difficulty. The passages are drawn from various sources, such as books, newspapers, and magazines, providing a range of content to evaluate comprehension, reading speed, and ability to understand complex texts.

Q. What types of questions are included in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test features several types of questions, including multiple-choice, matching headings, true/false/not given, sentence completion, and short-answer questions. Each type tests different aspects of reading comprehension, such as the ability to identify specific information, understand the main ideas, and follow detailed arguments or instructions.


 


 

Q. How is the IELTS Reading test scored?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test is scored based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer earns one point, and the total number of correct answers is converted into a band score. Scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 9, with each band corresponding to a level of English proficiency. The score reflects the candidate's overall reading ability.