Engaging in IELTS Listening is a fundamental aspect of preparing for the exam. Dedicated listening practice through structured IELTS Listening practice tests aids in honing crucial skills. These practice sessions simulate the listening exam environment, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the listening test format. Consistent exposure to diverse audio scenarios in IELTS exam listening practice enhances one’s ability to comprehend spoken English effectively. Success in the IELTS listening exam demands comprehensive listening practice tests, where individuals refine their listening abilities and develop strategies to tackle the test confidently.
QUESTIONS
What is the primary reason stated in the text for the recent growth of the Service Employees International Union in Houston, Texas?
A) Organizing workers in the technology sector
B) Expansion in the government and public service sectors
C) Efforts to unionize janitors in the city
D) Recruitment of healthcare workers
What percentage of janitors in large buildings in Houston have joined the Service Employees International Union as of the latest count?
A) 40%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 70%
What are the primary demands of the janitors in Houston who have joined the union?
A) Higher education benefits
B) Improved retirement savings
C) Better pay and healthcare benefits
D) Housing assistance and transportation benefits
How does the current wage of unionized janitors in Houston compare to the national minimum wage?
A) It is lower than the national minimum wage.
B) It is the same as the national minimum wage.
C) It is slightly above the national minimum wage.
D) It is significantly higher than the national minimum wage.
According to Andrew Stern, the president of the Service Employees International Union, what strategy does he believe unions should adopt in the modern era?
A) Regional organizing within the United States
B) Industry-focused organization across international boundaries
C) Political lobbying for labor rights
D) Expansion of local union offices
- C) Efforts to unionize janitors in the city
- C) 60%
- C) Better pay and healthcare benefits
- C) It is slightly above the national minimum wage.
- B) Industry-focused organization across international boundaries
| Labor unions in the United States have been losing members for years. Not all are shrinking, however. The nation’s fastest-growing union has recently added thousands of members in Houston, Texas. The expansion is the result of an effort to organize the workers who clean buildings. |
| The Service Employees International Union has close to two million members. It organizes workers in a number of service areas. These include health workers, government and public service workers and workers in property services. |
| In Houston, janitors at four major companies have voted to unionize. The American Arbitration Association recognized the decision as official on November twenty-ninth. Four thousand seven hundred janitors in Houston have now joined the Service Employees International. |
| That number is more than sixty percent of the janitors in large buildings in the city. It could increase to over seventy percent if workers at another company are able to unionize. |
| The Houston janitors say they want the union to help them negotiate better pay. They also hope for some form of health plan and retirement savings. |
| Currently, the janitors receive about five dollars and thirty cents an hour. That is a little above the national minimum wage of five dollars and fifteen cents. The minimum wage is the lowest pay that workers can receive. |
| Unionized janitors in cities like Chicago, New York or Washington, D.C., earn eleven dollars or more. But most cleaning workers around the country do not belong to unions. Many workers in low-paying service jobs are recent immigrants. Some are in the country illegally. |
| The Houston area is not known for organized labor activity. The union did not even have offices there. Organizers from Chicago supervised the effort. |
| In July, the Service Employees International Union split with the A.F.L.-C.I.O. That came as part of a major division within the country’s main labor alliance. |
| Andrew Stern is president of the service employees union. He says twenty-first century unions must organize by industry across borders, to deal with huge international companies. |
| Fifty years ago, about thirty-three percent of privately employed workers in America were in a union. By the early nineteen eighties it was twenty percent. Today about thirteen percent of American workers belong to unions. |
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What is an IELTS Listening practice test?
- A: An IELTS Listening practice test is a simulated exam component designed to help individuals prepare for the listening section of the IELTS exam. It mimics the format and structure of the actual test.
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How does practicing IELTS Listening benefit test-takers?
- A: Regular IELTS Listening practice enhances listening comprehension skills, familiarizes candidates with the exam format, and boosts confidence in understanding diverse audio scenarios.
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Where can I find IELTS Listening practice tests?
- A: Several resources offer IELTS Listening practice tests, including official IELTS preparation materials, online platforms, and IELTS coaching centers.
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How often should one practice IELTS Listening tests?
- A: It’s recommended to practice IELTS Listening tests regularly, aiming for a consistent schedule, such as a few times a week, to reinforce listening skills.
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Are there different levels of difficulty in IELTS Listening practice tests?
- A: Yes, IELTS Listening practice tests often come in varying difficulty levels to cater to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
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What is the format of an IELTS Listening practice test?
- A: Typically, an IELTS Listening practice test consists of four sections, each with different types of audio recordings, including conversations, monologues, and lectures.
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Do I need special equipment for IELTS Listening practice tests?
- A: No special equipment is required. A reliable computer or mobile device with speakers or headphones is sufficient to access and practice IELTS Listening tests online.
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Can I take IELTS Listening practice tests multiple times?
- A: Yes, candidates can take IELTS Listening practice tests multiple times to improve their skills and track their progress.
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How do I assess my performance in IELTS Listening practice tests?
- A: Reviewing your answers against the provided answer key or solutions is a great way to evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement.
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Should I simulate test conditions while practicing IELTS Listening tests?
- A: Yes, simulating test conditions by taking practice tests in a quiet environment and adhering to time limits helps replicate the actual exam experience and prepares you better.