Canterbury College – IELTS General Reading Passage

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 16-28 which are based on the text below.


General Training Reading: Canterbury College


Read the text below and answer Questions 16-28.

STUDENT LIFE AT CANTERBURY COLLEGE

Most of the courses at Canterbury College only take up four days of the week, leaving one day free for independent study. The atmosphere at the College is that of an adult environment where a relationship of mutual respect is encouraged between students and tutors. Canterbury is a student city with several institutes of Further and Higher Education. The city centre is just a five-minute walk from the College, easily accessible in lunch or study breaks. Canterbury College has developed strong international links over the years and, as a result, many students have the opportunity of visiting and working in a European country in the course of their studies.

Students’ Union and SRC
All students are automatically members of the Canterbury College Students’ Union (CCSU) and can attend meetings. The Union is very active and is run by an Executive Committee elected by students in the Autumn Term. The President is elected every Summer Term to provide continuity for the next academic year. Representatives from each area of study form the Student Representative Council (SRC) which allows every student a say in Union affairs. In addition to representing students internally in the College on the Academic Board and with a subcommittee of the College Corporation, the CCSU also belongs to the National Union of Students which represents the interests of students nationally. The Union also arranges and supports entertainments, sporting activities and trips.

STUDENT FACILITIES

Learning Resources Centre (LRC)
The Corey Learning Resources Centre provides easy access to a wide range of printed and audiovisual learning materials which can help students with coursework. There is ample space for quiet independent study and there are also areas for group work. Resources provided include books, journals, audio and video cassettes and CD-ROMs. Inter-library loans are available locally and nationally via the British Library. All students are encouraged to use the Open Access Information Technology Centre situated on the first floor. This has a variety of computing, word processing and desktop publishing software.

Bookshop
A branch of Waterstone’s bookshops is located on campus, where you can buy a range of stationery, drawing equipment, artists’ materials and books, as well as many other useful items you may need.

Children’s Centre
The College Children’s Centre has places for under 5s with some subsidised places being available to students. Places are limited, so, if you are interested, apply early to reserve a place by contacting Linda Baker on the College telephone number.

Refectory
This provides refreshments between 08.30 and 19.00 with hot meals served three times a day. Healthy eating options are available.

Coffee Shop
This is open during normal College hours and serves light snacks and drinks. Proceeds from the Coffee Shop go to the Students’ Union.

Crypt Restaurant
This is a training restaurant which offers good quality cuisine in pleasant surroundings. Meals are very reasonably priced and you are invited to sample the students’ highly skilled dishes when the restaurant is open to the public during the week. Reservations can be made on 01227511244.

Chapel View Restaurant
This is another training restaurant and is set up as a quick-service facility which offers a selection of snacks and main courses at a modest price.

Questions 16-21

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage “Student life at Canterbury College”?

In boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet, write

    TRUE    if the statement agrees with the information
    FALSE    if the statement contradicts the information
    NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this

16. Many students are allocated a job experience placement abroad.  
17. The elections for the Union President and Executive Committee are held together.  
18. There are staff in the LRC to help students use the facilities.  
19. Nursery care is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  
20. The Refectory serves fast-food options.  
21. The Chapel View Restaurant is for students only.

CANTERBURY COLLEGE

LIST OF COURSES


COURSE A
This course will enable students to experience performing arts and the media at a basic level. It will give them the experience to decide if they wish to pursue an interest in this field and to develop their potential and adaptability for working in a performance company in either a performing or a technical role.

COURSE B
The aim of this course is to provide a thorough grounding in business-related skills and a comprehensive knowledge of business practice. It is for students with a business studies background who can manage a heavy workload that will contain a greater degree of academic study.

COURSE C
This course provides progression to a range of higher levels. Units will include maintaining employment standards, salon management duties, providing facial massage and skin care, instruction on makeup, lash and brow treatments, artificial nail structures and ear piercing.

COURSE D
This course is designed to develop skills used in leisure operations. It covers preparing for and conducting physical activities, maintenance of facility areas, building relationships with participants and colleagues, handling sports equipment and health and safety issues.

COURSE E
This course gives a foundation for a career in caring for children, the elderly or people with special needs. Core units are Numeracy, Communication and Information Technology. Work placements are an important part of the course.

COURSE F
This course is designed to provide a foundation in graphic and visual communication skills. Students complete units in picture composition and photographic processing alongside elements of graphic design, and gain hands-on experience of desktop publishing and presentations.

COURSE G
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the construction industry. Units covered include Heat, Light and Sound, Introduction to the Urban Environment, Communication Processes and Techniques and Properties of Materials. AII students complete vocational assignments which are integrated with work experience with reputable companies.

COURSE H
The qualifications gained and the skills developed on this course will provide a good basis for gaining employment in office work. In addition to word processing, the course also covers spreadsheets, computerised accounting, databases and desktop publishing. AII students are given chances to develop their confidence, and advice and information is given on job search skills, presentation techniques and personal appearance.
 

Questions 22-28

Look at the ‘List of Courses at Canterbury College’ A-H.
Which course would you recommend for people with the following career interests?

Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 22-28 on your answer sheet.

22. advertising  
23. TV production  
24. architecture  
25. company management
26. working with the disabled
27. secretariat tasks
28. beauty therapy

Answer:
16. TRUE
17. FALSE
18. NOT GIVEN
19. TRUE
20. NOT GIVEN
21. NOT GIVEN
22. F
23. A
24. G
25. B
26. E
27. H
28. C