General Reading 9.2

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 16-28, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

Section 1 (Questions 16 - 22)

School Excursions

A. Ancient and Modern Museum

This is a museum with a difference. Along with the usual historical exhibits, this museum features an up-to-date display of hands-on information technology.

B. Shortlands Wildlife Park

This is not the usual “animal gaol”. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Here exotic animals wander free in large compounds, separated in such a way that they can’t harm one another.

C. Botanical Garden

Besides the many exotic plants one expects to see in a botanical garden, these gardens feature an array of native birds and other wildlife.

D. Wax World

If you’re interested in seeing how people used to live and dress, Wax World is the place for you. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Featuring over 100 wax models of famous people, this venue is well–suited to anyone interested in changing trends in clothing

E. The Central Art Gallery

The art gallery has six chambers each exhibiting paintings from different periods, from the Middle Ages to the present. The walking tour, recorded on tape, is designed for visitors interested in art history and criticism.

F. Technology Park

In the planetarium, you can observe features of the night sky, and learn about such historical events as the origin of the crab nebula. [Crack IELTS with Rob] This excursion also includes a visit to the Satellite Mapping Centre.

G. Parliament

Students are met at the entrance by ushers who show them around the Houses. The tour includes the Hansard library, the grand lounge, government and opposition offices and the public gallery.

H. St. Cedric’s Cathedral

With the Bishops’ Throne as its central feature, this building is a classic example of the excesses of architecture. [Crack IELTS with Rob] This excursion is a must for any student interested in sculpture and stained glass as art forms.

I. The Light Fantastic

Find out about the fascinating process of candle making. This factory also holds the additional attraction of illustrating the diverse uses that candles and other wax products can have – from the projection of film, to their use in the art of sculpture and decoration.

J. Trolland’s Caves

These caves, situated below the hills to the north of the city, are entered via the Widmore River. [Crack IELTS with Rob] The caves are home to colonies of glow worms that shine like stars on the ceilings and walls of the caves, casting an eerie light on the many stalagmites and stalactites.

Section 2 (Questions 23 - 28)

Vocational Training

Technical and Further Education

Australia’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) sector is a nationally recognized government system of vocational education and training and is the major provider of the skills required by the Australian workforce.

TAFE is the largest of the tertiary education sectors in Australia. It accounts for approximately 70 per cent of post-secondary education enrolments. There are 232 major TAFE colleges in Australia.

Although each state and territory administers its own system of TAFE. the qualifications they award are transferable throughout Australia. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Although TAFE colleges cannot award tertiary-level degrees, some TAFE courses permit TAFE graduates to be admitted with advanced standing into degree courses offered by universities.

TAFE courses provide initial and further education at professional, para-professional, post-trade, trade and operative level. TAFE courses are developed in collaboration with industry and the community to ensure the most up-to-date education and training is provided.

Private Post-secondary Institutions

These private institutions are like TAFE colleges because they teach special skills for jobs but each one of them usually specializes in courses for one industry.

There are many private institutions in Australia offering a wide range of courses: English language (ELICOS, see Chapter 6). secretarial studies, data processing, pilot training, business and management, recreational courses and religious studies. (Other courses offered by private post-secondary institutions are listed in Chapter 7, Special Studies.)

If you successfully complete these courses you receive a qualification called a ‘certificate’ or ‘diploma’. [Crack IELTS with Rob] These are widely recognized by professional associations and industries in Australia, and are sometimes recognized by higher education institutions for credit. Before you undertake a course at a private post-secondary institution you should check that the certificate or diploma offered is appropriate for your particular purpose because some private institutions offer courses that are not recognized. If you want to enter a higher education institution from a private post-secondary institution, you should ask the higher education institution whether they accept the qualification before you start your course.