Cambridge IELTS 2 · General Training · Test 1 · Section 2
West Thames College Background Information for Candidates & West Thames College Services for Students — IELTS Reading Answers
All 13 answers for West Thames College Background Information for Candidates & West Thames College Services for Students, Cambridge IELTS 2 General Training Reading Test 1 Section 2, with the passage evidence and an explanation for each.
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West Thames College Background Information for Candidates & West Thames College Services for Students answer key at a glance
Questions 14–26. Tap an answer to see the evidence.
What this section tests
This section is tested with True / False / Not Given (Q14–20), Matching Headings (Q21–26). Each section below gives the strategy for that question type, the answers, and the sentence that proves them.
Questions 14–20: True / False / Not Given
Strategy: Judge the whole statement against the text. FALSE contradicts the passage; NOT GIVEN means the passage never addresses that specific claim.
Chiswick Polytechnic was closed at the same time West Thames College was opened.
“West Thames College (initially known as Hounslow Borough College) came into existence in 1976 following the merger of Isleworth Polytechnic with part of Chiswick Polytechnic”
West Thames began in 1976 after merging with 'part of' Chiswick Polytechnic, but the passage never says when or whether Chiswick closed.
Most of the students at the college come from outside the local area.
“In fact, about eight percent of its students come from continental Europe and further afield, whilst a further 52 percent are from outside the immediate area”
Eight per cent come from Europe and beyond and 'a further 52 percent' from outside the immediate area, so most students are not local.
The college changed its name to West Thames College in 1993.
“Since 1 April 1993, when it became independent of the local authority and adopted its new title, West Thames College has continued to build on that first class reputation”
The college 'adopted its new title' on 1 April 1993, so the name change is confirmed for that year.
There are currently 6000 students over the age of 19 attending the college.
“More than half of West Thames College's 6000 students are over 19 years old”
The college has 6000 students in total, and only 'more than half' of them are over 19, not all 6000.
Students under the age of 16 cannot attend any of the courses offered by the college.
“More than half of West Thames College's 6000 students are over 19 years old The college is also very popular with 16-18 year olds, who see it as a practical alternative to a further two years at school”
Only 16-18 year olds and over-19s are discussed; the passage never mentions students under 16 or their access to courses.
The college offers a more mature environment in which to learn than a school.
“They want to study in the more adult atmosphere the college provides”
Students choose the college for 'the more adult atmosphere' it provides, which matches a more mature learning environment.
There are fewer subjects to study in the sixth form of a school than at the college.
“They can choose from a far wider range of subjects than it would be practical for a sixth form to offer”
'A far wider range of subjects than it would be practical for a sixth form to offer' means school sixth forms teach fewer subjects.
Questions 21–26: Matching Headings
Strategy: Read the paragraph first and summarise its main idea in five words. Choose the heading that matches the whole paragraph, not a repeated keyword.
Paragraph A
“As a full-time student at West Thames College you will have your own Personal Mentor who will see you each week to guide you through your studies, and discuss any problems which may arise”
Heading vi fits Paragraph A, which introduces the Personal Mentor who sees each student weekly to guide their studies.
Paragraph C
“This service is available to anyone who is undecided as to which course to follow. It is very much a service for the individual, whatever your age, helping you to select the best option to suit your circumstances”
Heading viii fits Paragraph C, an advice service for anyone 'undecided as to which course to follow', tailored to the individual.
Paragraph E
“When students are weary from study and want the chance to relax and enjoy themselves with friends, they can participate in a number of recreational activities. Depending on demand, we offer a range of sporting activities including football, badminton, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, weight training and aerobics.”
Heading x fits Paragraph E, which lists sporting and recreational activities from football to debating and video club.
Paragraph F
“This confidential service is available if you have practical or personal difficulties during your course of study, whether of a financial or personal nature. Our Student Advisors can help you directly or put you in touch with someone else who can give you the help you need”
Heading ii fits Paragraph F, a confidential service for 'practical or personal difficulties', whether financial or personal.
Paragraph G
“The College Nurses are there for general medical advice and for treatment of illness or injury. All visits are confidential. First aid boxes and fully-trained First Aiders are also on hand at various locations around the college”
Heading v fits Paragraph G, where College Nurses give medical advice and treatment and first aiders are on hand.
Paragraph H
“West London employers have a permanent base in the centre of college, with access to a database of more than 24,000 jobs available locally and in Central London. They will also help you with job applications and interview techniques”
Heading vii fits Paragraph H, an employer base with a jobs database plus help with applications and interview techniques.
Learn the question types in this section
Frequently asked questions
Where does the West Thames College Background Information for Candidates & West Thames College Services for Students passage come from?
It is Section 2 of Cambridge IELTS 2 General Training Reading Test 1, and it covers Questions 14–26.
What question types appear in West Thames College Background Information for Candidates & West Thames College Services for Students?
The section is tested with True / False / Not Given, Matching Headings. Each type is explained on this page, alongside the answers.
Are these reading answers reliable?
Every answer is paired with the sentence that proves it, so you can check each one against the passage yourself. Use the page after a timed attempt, not instead of one.
Cambridge IELTS is published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Band9Prep is not affiliated with Cambridge. This page is an independent study aid: it gives the answer key, the passage evidence and an explanation so you can review an attempt you have already made.