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Cambridge IELTS 12 · General Training Reading · Test 2 · Section 1

Lost Damaged or Delayed Inland Mail Claim Form · Days Out for the Family: reading answers

The full passage and its 14 questions (1–14). Every answer is explained with the sentence that proves it.

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Section 1

Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.

LOST DAMAGED OR DELAYED INLAND MAIL CLAIM FORM

Before completing this claim form for lost, damaged or delayed mail you should visit royalmail.com to find out all you need to know about our policies. Alternatively you can get the details from our ”Mail Made easy” booklet, available at any local post office branch. When you fill in the form, make sure you complete it in full, using the checklist that we have provided to help you. If you find that you do not have the evidence required to make a claim but world like us to investigate an issue with your mail service, the easiest way to do this is by visiting our website.

LOST ITEMS

If you wish to claim compensation for items that have been damaged, you should send us original proof of posting, e.g. a Post office receipt. If claiming for the contents of a package, you also need to provide proof of value, e.g. till item reference number, receipt, bank statement etc.

DAMAGED ITEMS

When claiming compensation for lost items that have been damaged, you should send us the items themselves, if possible. However, if these are very large or unsafe to post, you may instead provide photographs as evidence of the damage. Please retain the original packaging (and damaged items, if not sent to us) as we may need to inspect them.

TIME RESTRICTIONS

We allow up to 15 working days for items to arrive, so cannot accept a claim for loss unless 15 working days or more have passed since the items was posted. Claims for lost or damaged items must be made within 12 months of the postal date. Claims for delayed item must be submitted within 3 months of the date they were posted if the claim is made by the sender, or within 1 month of receipt if the claim is made by the recipient of the item.

Read the text below and answer Questions 8–14.

DAYS OUT FOR THE FAMILY

ParagraphA

Carrickfergus castle

Considered to be Northern Ireland’s oldest castle, Carrickfergus has seen more than 800 years of military occupation since its foundations were laid, During summer, traditional feasts are served, and fairs and craft markets provide an extra attraction. The history of the castle is explained and brought to life with exhibits and guided tours.

ParagraphB

Glamis Castle

Shakespeare used Glamis as the background when he wrote one of his best-known plays, Macbeth and the Queen Mother Grew up here. It is also rumoured to have a secret chamber in the castle. There are many ghost tales associated with this castle, which will capture the imagination of younger visitors.

ParagraphC

Tintagel Castle

High up on the cliff tops, Tintagel Castle is the legendary home of king Arthur. The visitors guide on sale at the reception is well worth of the money, as it can help you to visualise what it would have been like hundreds of years ago. you can park in the village car park and walk the half mile to the castle , or take the shuttle bus.

ParagraphD

Pickering Castle

Built by William the conqueror, this is a great castle for children to run around in. There are lots of special events too, including a chance to come along and see some plays which are put on during the summer months. Nearby Helmsley Castle is also worth a visit.

ParagraphE

Stokesay Castle

A range of workshops, including music and combat are held here during the summer, children of all ages will enjoy learning at these and there is a guided tour which has been especially designed with younger visitors in mind, some of them may find the dungeon quit scary though.

ParagraphF

Warwick Castle

This castle is over 1,000 years old and has towers and a moat, and is just as you might imagine a castle to be. children can even get to try on armour to see how heavy it is, At Christmas, a special market id held here – a great opportunity to look for presents and Christmas treats

Questions 1–14

  1. Note completion
  2. 1 go online to learn about their policies or get the ______ that contains the relevant information.
  3. 2 refer to the ______ to ensure all the relevant sections are completed (you can use their … to request action if you don’t have enough proof to make a claim)
  4. 3 refer to the … to ensure all the relevant sections are completed (you can use their ______ to request action if you don’t have enough proof to make a claim)
  5. 4 in the case of a package include something ( e.g. bank statement) to prove its ______
  6. 5 either the actual item or ______ showing the damage to the item ( you should keep the … that was used when the item was originally sent:)
  7. 6 either the actual item or … showing the damage to the item ( you should keep the ______ that was used when the item was originally sent:)
  8. 7 Delayed items: if you are the ______, you must claim within three months of posting the package
  9. Matching information
  10. 8 At certain times of the year you can eat special meals here.
  11. 9 Children can get dressed up here
  12. 10 There is another castle in the same area.
  13. 11 A lot of stories are told about this place.
  14. 12 Parts of the castle may be frightening for some children.
  15. 13 Plays are performed here during part of the year.
  16. 14 A guided tour is offered which is particularly suitable for children.

Answers explained

Answer the questions first: finding the evidence yourself teaches more than reading it. The answers stay folded until you ask.