IELTS General reading test – Flying to Colorado with answers

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

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

1. If you combine your flight and holiday booking, you do not need to stay on a Saturday night.
2. To arrive at Keystone from DEN you can take the Interstate 70.
3. Indirect flights are available to EGE from Miami.
4. Colorado Springs Municipal Airport is closer to Keystone than DEN is.
5. CME Premier is the most expensive CME service.
6. CME shuttle service is not available 24 hours a day.
7. The CME private shuttle and CME scheduled service have the same timetable.

Read the text and answer Questions 8 – 14

Theme Parks

Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure – and for the most part it really has been a pleasure – of visiting five of our most popular theme parks. I have looked at new attractions, tested my nerves on the big-thrill rides and waited patiently in queues. I took along my sons, aged seven and four, to see which attractions they most enjoyed.

Here are my findings. I hope they will help you decide which park best suits you and your family. Many of the rides have height restrictions, so to avoid disappointment, check details on the relevant website before you set off. With the exception of Legoland, the parks have cafés and restaurants that sell very run-of-the-mill fast food, so I have recommended picnic spots where appropriate.

Alton Towers
his is Britain’s only proper theme park resort in the Disney mould. The park is set in attractive, expansive grounds around a ruined neo-Gothic mansion and there are two hotels and a water park.

Best for
A weekend break for all ages

What’s new?
In an effort to improve its appeal to families with young children, the park has opened a high-quality aquarium, Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life. Also new is Cloud Cuckoo Land, which includes an impressive indoor soft play area and a rather average musical show.

Thumbs up
The park’s big draws are its daredevil, state-of-the-art roller-coasters which are genuine thrill rides. Those brave enough to tackle On Air are suspended under the track and “fly” face down. Rita has a terrifying high-speed launch. Oblivion is a sadistic, sheer drop into a black hole while Nemesis is said to be “The World’s Most Intense Ride Experience” – it’s not, but it is still a blast.

There is excellent entertainment here for all the family. The amazingly elaborate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride is a highlight, ending with a simulated ride in a glass elevator. And if you are prepared to get absolutely soaked, Battle Galleons (basically a water pistol fight on a grand scale) is great fun.

Best for small children
Old MacDonald’s Farmyard – much more charming than Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Thumbs down
Given the high cost of admission, there are too many funfair stalls charging several pounds a go.

Tips
Plan your day carefully: given the size of the park, you don’t want to find yourself zigzagging from one side to the other.

Even on term-time weekdays, waits for the big rides can be more than half an hour, so consider investing in “Fastrack” tickets. There are various options: Fastrack Scream, for instance, allows you one ride each on Air, Nemesis and Oblivion for £8.

Buy tickets in advance at www.altontowers.com Not only are they cheaper, but (new this year), you get access to some major rides an hour before the regular opening time.

Alton Towers’ enjoyable, Disneyesque hotels are a monorail ride from the park’s entrance, and attached to a top-notch, Caribbean-themed and mostly indoor water park. Packages with theme-park entry include the early ride time privileges mentioned above.

Best picnic spots: either on the lawns in front of the mansion, or in the tranquil landscaped gardens.

0870 520 4060; www.altontowers.com Day tickets bought at the park: adults and over-11s, £36; ages 4-11, £27; family of four, £100.

Questions 8 – 14
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS and/or a NUMBER from the text for each answer.

8. Check on the website before going so as not to be disappointed by such things as 
9. Alton Towers is Britain’s only   style theme park.
10. New at Alton Towers is a play area called
11. If you don’t mind getting wet at Alton Towers, try the game
12. One of the negatives is the of getting in.
13. If you want to get on some of the big rides early, try booking
14. Perhaps the quiet garden area is a good place to have