SECTION 1: Reading Correspondence - Weather in Korea and Canada
11:00
Dear Christen,
How was your trip to Korea? I heard the weather there is very pleasant this time of the year. I’m not sure but I think
it’s warmer than -5°C from what Derek told me. Which city did you go to? I heard the food scene there is pretty awesome!
It would’ve been nice if Carrie would let me have a vacation, but she and I had prior commitments. You know how work
gets!
It has been freezing here. Global warming is for real! You know, they say it’s just not about hot temperatures but about
extreme temperatures! Maybe that’s why this winter is a killer! And don’t get me started on the mountains of snow that
are piling up! The city is doing a lot and we are doing all we can to not slip or fall on the ice; no one would bet
against the ice in Canada!
Once again, the city is contributing in a way by creating some heated bus shelters. You will find that especially useful!
Commute needs to be made more comfortable for the winter months. It’s almost like we assume that we’re like other countries
by keeping some bus stops outdoors but we clearly could use a model tweak! How is the commute there? Are you renting a car or
doing the usual? I have just so many questions to ask you! Oh, one more thing, due to the pandemic, the interest rates are
really down on cars. Getting a good deal could have been very possible if cars were not selling like pancakes but I guess
I’m late to everything! Sigh. Do you want me to look at a few deals for you? What are your thoughts on peer to peer commute?
When you get back, we can probably think about that.
On top of the cost savings, what I really need is a little entertainment in my morning commute. This snow is not doing my
mood any good! As you can see, I’m already planning everything expecting your return! Oh, and I just got the latest edition
of the Korean DVDs that we watch. Still though, I’m curious to know if you find deals cheaper than $10 per DVD for those dramas;
let me know!
Can’t wait to have you back. Miss you lots!
Take care, Cara
SECTION 2
09:00
Reading Brochure styles
Part 1: Read the following email with th attached diagram. Answer the questions by choosing the best word
or phrase to complete the
sentence, referring to the diagram when necessary.
SECTION 3: Reading for Information
10:00
Block Chain
A.
Blockchain is a new technology that is taking over the old ways of how money was managed. Blockchain is used mainly for
cryptocurrency where the nodes of computer networks record transactions and keep an online log of all transactions that are
taking place between different people. This is managed very accurately in order to create transparency and a complete record of
every single transaction that has taken place. A blockchain compiles pieces of information in what is known as a block, however,
due to the storage capacities, it has to be combined with other blocks within the same chain of transactions, which leads the
blocks to form a chain, and hence, the name, blockchain.
B. The aspect of decentralization makes a lot of people fond of blockchain technology. In essence, with different nodes of
computers storing information, the complete sequence of transactions of, let’s say a company or an individual, or someone’s payment
history, is all recorded in multiple locations by multiple computers worldwide. This has the benefit of giving the user access to
information in case their own hard drive fails or their data is lost. The information will still be stored on the blockchain
network that can be retrieved at any time. Moreover, in case someone tries to commit fraud and changes one transaction, it doesn’t
derail the other sequence of transactions in the blockchain. That means, if there is faulty data or any discrepancy, the other
nodes will pinpoint that and make it easily detectable.
C. Although the records stored in most blockchains are completely encrypted, they can be decrypted by the owner. This has
the benefit of preventing fraud. In the past and predictably, in the near future, there have been and there will be frauds and
scams. By allowing transparency in the blockchain, the scammer can easily be detected and caught by authorities, which has happened
in the past. Any amount of crypto that is spent by the scammer can easily be detected and pinpointed as to where it was found, who
spent it and how much was spent.
DWhen talking about blockchain technology versus banks, there are a lot of differences to keep in mind. Although the fees
for both are competitive, the speed of transactions for blockchain far outweighs the value that a bank would provide in the same
area.
Moreover, while banks can have control over your money and see your accounts (if the government wants to take action against you),
it is virtually impossible to do that in the blockchain networks. Also, identification is needed for banks; not the case with
blockchain! Finally, the hours are 24/7 when it comes to blockchain compared to the limited business hours of banks.
E. Not in any of the paragraphs.
SECTION 4: Reading for Viewpoints: German v/s Japanese cars
13:00
Francis Goodwin, CEO of Audi’s Eastern branch, claims that German cars are the most popular ones in the world due to the
demand, but also due to the very basics of human needs that are included, relating to comfort, performance and luxury.
He deems these aspects of cars essential to provide value. The pros outweigh the concerns with expenses associated with
German cars, according to his opinion.
George Pallister, Chief Financial Officer at St. Jose’s Toyotas branch, has quite the contrary opinion. For George,
financial conditions of people are something to be catered to. He believes when reasonable reliability and warranties
are offered, savings in the long-term as well as in the short-term, go through the roof, in a good way! Car maintenance,
repairs or even the purchase of a new car are things that are not deemed necessary if the ride can push beyond
200,000 kms. Reliability is one of Toyota’s chief offerings. It is also something that the German car manufacturers
really need to compete against.
But what about profitability? It would seem that with the majority of people owning Japanese cars, all over the world,
Pallister would score in this area, nonetheless, it’s possibly the competitors who may maintain an edge. The quality and
value, claimed by Goodwin, delivered by companies like Audi, Mercedes and BMW insist a certain price level which albeit
paid by a few, results in the needed numbers to keep the German car companies in the lead. Areas such as interior,
comfort, the shine and elegance, all come at a price tag that investors and CEOs, of companies like Audi, relish.
Statistically, in terms of safety ratings, once again, German cars are a step ahead. The giant German car industry goes through
intense testing, innovation and safety protocols to ensure security. Nonetheless, George is adamant that despite this area, where
the winner is debatable, Japanese cars have the overall edge in terms of being the available product for the majority which
automatically labels them as winners in the race of car manufacturers. Nevertheless, if the profitability of both competitors is
noted, he might not be completely accurate.
Questions: Section 1
- Part 1
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Renuka Nair, a former banker is the founder of Panache IELTS. She was born and raised in Mumbai and did
her schooling
from Apostolic Carmel Convent, a school that believed in holistic education. Despite Malayalam being her
mother tongue,
English was her first language of education. The nuances of grammar were inculcated in her during her
formative years,
along with creative writing. It was while she was pursuing her Bachelor's degree that she decided to
hone her vocabulary.
Having completed her Masters in Mathematics and Computer Science, she started her career in Vadodara,
Gujarat in NIIT,
teaching C++ to Engineering students. This was followed by 15 years in the Banking Industry, during the
course of which
she obtained a PG diploma in Finance. Wanting to start out on her own, she quit banking in 2012 and
started training
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Our tutor takes pains to explain the IELTS/TOEFL/CAT/GMAT Reading task to students and we ensure
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