IELTS
Copy Android Link
Copy IOS Link
Question Paper

Questions 11-15

Complete the tables below. If there is no information given, write X.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Overlander
Distance/km :      (11)............
Highlight :       3 volcanoes
Time/hours :       11
Transalpine
Distance/km :       223
Highlight :       (12) 16...........
Time/hours :       (13).................
Transcoastal
Distance/km :       (14).....................
Highlight :       (15).................
Time/hours :       5

Questions 16 to 20

Complete the summary below USING NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR A NUMBER.

Taking three days to complete, the (16)..............is one of the world’s longest train journeys. The Ghan is shorter, passing through towns built by the (17)...................There is also a sculpture designed to mark the laying of the (18)...............concrete sleeper. The Overland was the first train to travel between the capital cities in two (19)....................and it is also the oldest journey of its kind on (20).................... .
  • When thinking about beautiful countryside or stunning views, it has long been accepted that Australia and New Zealand have few equals. What is perhaps slightly less well known is what these countries can offer to the avid train enthusiast. Both countries have railways which pass through breathtaking scenery in the utmost of comfort.

    In New Zealand you can travel from the country’s biggest city, Auckland, to where a third of the population lives, its capital, Wellginton, on the longest passenger rail service in the country – the Overlander. Crossing 691 kilometresQ11, the train winds through the lush farmland of the Waikato and up the Rarimu Spiral onto an amazing ‘volcanic plateau’ surrounded by native bush. On a clear day you will be able to see three of New Zealand’s most famous volcanoes — Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. The whole journey can be completed in 11 hours, but for those keen to see a little more of the country, the trip can be extended over three or four days. This gives travellers the opportunity of seeing the famous Waitomo caves, relaxing in the mud pools of Rotorua, or skydiving over Lake Taupo.

    Moving on to the South Island, you can take the Transalpine through the Southem Alps, travelling from the South Pacific Ocean to the Ta an Sea. Climbing from Christchurch right into the alps, this 223 km trip is particularly impressive as the train passes through 16 tunnelsQ12 before descending to Greymouth at the end of the line. Taking only five hoursQ13, this is a relatively short trip, but it is worth noting that this journey has been listed as the sixth most scenic rail route in the world. For those that are not so keen on mountains, the South Island has a second option —the Transcoastal.Q14 With the sea on one side and the mountains on the other, it again shows some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer. Also taking five hours, one of the highlights of this journey is the opportunities for whale watching.Q15 The fortunate few that see whales are well rewarded, but there are more common sights which are just as enjoyable, such as penguins and seals.

    ======================================================

    Although these three train journeys are undeniably breathtaking, some travellers prefer the longer journeys on offer in Australia. The Indian PacificQ16, for example, which travels from Sydney through to Perth and has been dubbed ‘the adventure that spans Australia’. With three nights on board, the train takes in the Blue Mountains and the Nullarbor Plains, and, as the name implies, the Indian Pacific shows you two oceans. This train journey holds two world records: covering 4352 km, it is one of the world’s longest train journeys. it also travels the world’s longest straight stretch of railway track (478 km). For those who find these distances a little daunting, passengers can stretch their legs at a number of different stops such as Kalgoorlie, famous for gold, and Broken Hill, first founded as a silver mine.

    If three days on board a train seems a little excessive, there are alternatives. The Ghan, for example, which travels from Adelaide in the south to Alice Springs in the centre of the continent, taking 20 hours. Passing through Crystal Brook, Port Augusta and Woomera, this journey gives an indication of what life was like for the earlier settlersQ17as the discovered the country. Along the way. you can also see the Iron Man sculpture, F which was constructed by railway workers to commemorate the one millionthQ18concrete sleeper laid during construction of the line.

    Finally, just a quick word about the Overland, which runs between Melbourne and Adelaide. As the first train to travel between the capitals of two states,Q19it is a historic as well as relaxing way to travel, and is famous for being the oldest long-distance train journey on the continent.Q20

    With so many memorable journeys to choose from, the only problem you will have is knowing which one to do first.

  • Questions 11-15

    Complete the tables below. If there is no information given, write X.

    Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

    Overlander
    Distance/km :      (11).....681.......
    Highlight :       3 volcanoes
    Time/hours :       11
    Transalpine
    Distance/km :       223
    Highlight :       (12) 16.....Tunnels......
    Time/hours :       (13)........5.........
    Transcoastal
    Distance/km :       (14)........X.............
    Highlight :       (15)........Whale watching.........
    Time/hours :       5

    Questions 16 to 20

    Complete the summary below USING NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR A NUMBER.

    Taking three days to complete, the (16).......Indian Pacific.......is one of the world’s longest train journeys. The Ghan is shorter, passing through towns built by the (17).........Earlier / early settlers..........There is also a sculpture designed to mark the laying of the (18)........Millionth.......concrete sleeper. The Overland was the first train to travel between the capital cities in two (19)..........States..........and it is also the oldest journey of its kind on (20)..........The continent.......... .

you will hear someone talking about traveling around newzealand.

Note :  If there is no information given, write X