General Training: everyday and workplace texts
Adverts, notices, handbooks and instructions — how Sections 1 and 2 differ from Section 3.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Reading
General Training Reading has three sections of increasing difficulty:
- Section 1 — two or three short texts from everyday life: adverts, timetables, notices, product information.
- Section 2 — two texts about work: job descriptions, staff handbooks, training materials, workplace rules.
- Section 3 — one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest.
Question: Which gym offers classes for children?
Gym A: "Swimming lessons for all ages." Gym C: "Family memberships available." Gym D: "Junior fitness sessions every Saturday."
Only D clearly offers classes for children. A's lessons are "for all ages" — possibly, but not specifically; C offers membership, not classes.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which section has two texts about work?
- Section 1
- Section 3
- Section 2
Show the answer
C: Section 2 — Section 1 is everyday texts, Section 2 is work, and Section 3 is one longer text.
Quick check: The question asks which gym is free. One advert says “free for members”. Does that answer it?
- No: free for members is not the same as free
- Yes: it means the same thing
- Yes: “members” means everyone
Show the answer
A: No: free for members is not the same as free — Watch for small differences in wording.
Quick check: Which section is the longest and hardest?
- Section 1
- Section 3
- Section 2
Show the answer
B: Section 3 — Section 3 is one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest.