

Having A Lovely Time IELTS Reading Answer: The Having A Lovely Time passage is a common example from IELTS General Training Reading Section 1, where candidates must interpret advice and guidance, often related to services or consumer rights. This particular text offers advice to holiday-makers on how to raise complaints effectively when their travel experience doesn’t match expectations.
This guide includes the reading passage, IELTS-style sample questions, correct answers with explanations, and helpful FAQs to help you develop skills like skimming, scanning, and reading for detail, all essential for the IELTS Reading test.
Free IELTS Reading Practice Tests, Cambridge Sample Test PDF
We have provided a Having A Lovely Time reading passage below, read it carefully and answer questions 1-8.
This is good news for the industry and for holiday-makers. A holiday is a major purchase - yet it's one we can't try before we pay. All we have to go on is the brochure and it's a credit to tour operators that they now contain more detail.
OUR ADVICE
DO be realistic. No one should be palmed off with a poor standard of service, food, or accommodation even if you paid a rock- bottom price for a last-minute break. However, be reasonable - you won't get a room with the best view in town if you've paid a budget price.
DO complain to the right person. Moaning to the waiter about a week's worth of appalling food, then writing an indignant letter when you get back home won't have the same impact as airing your grievances at the time.
DO get evidence for a serious problem such as having a building site instead of the promised swimming pool below your window. Take a photo to back up your case.
DON'T write and complain for the sake of it. Letters can be powerful as long as they're about something you have a good reason to complain about.
DON'T lose your temper. Easier said than done, but you're more likely to get results if you state your case firmly, explain why you think there's a problem then suggest a reasonable solution.
Questions 1–8
Complete the following statements using TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN based on the passage.
Holiday brochures have recently become more detailed.
Tourists must accept low-quality service if they pay less.
Complaining after the holiday is more effective than during the trip.
You should document serious issues like construction near your hotel.
Complaining just for fun is acceptable.
Staying calm while complaining can lead to better outcomes.
It is recommended to demand a full refund immediately.
Holiday-makers should not expect premium features at a discounted price.
Answers to Questions 1-8
|
Question |
Answer |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
TRUE |
The passage says brochures now contain more detail, which is “a credit to tour operators.” |
|
2 |
FALSE |
It says you shouldn’t accept poor service even at a low price. |
|
3 |
FALSE |
Complaining during the trip is advised to have more impact. |
|
4 |
TRUE |
The text advises taking a photo as evidence for serious problems. |
|
5 |
FALSE |
It says not to complain for the sake of it; only complain when there's a good reason. |
|
6 |
TRUE |
The passage recommends staying calm and suggests it leads to better results. |
|
7 |
NOT GIVEN |
The passage advises suggesting a “reasonable solution” but does not mention full refunds. |
|
8 |
TRUE |
It explains that budget prices should not lead to expectations like the best view in town. |
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|---|---|
| IELTS Reading Band Score | IELTS Listening Band Score |
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How to Manage Time in IELTS Reading
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| IELTS Registration | IELTS Eligibility Criteria |
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