The Big Sleep IELTS Reading Answers

The IELTS Reading test consists of texts followed by questions designed to evaluate your ability to extract information, identify specific details, and understand words and phrases with different meanings. 

Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag is an example of a reading passage that appears in IELTS Reading tests. It provides information about sleeping bags and their characteristics such as warmth, weight, comfort, and ease of packing. There are 6 product descriptions (A-F) and a paragraph of general advice for buyers (G) in this passage.

Below, we have provided the official answer key for the Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag passage as featured in Cambridge IELTS 18, General Training, Test 2, Section 1:

In the sections below, you can practise the Big Sleep IELTS Reading questions using a paraphrased version of the passage and check your responses against the practice answer key and explanations provided on this page.

The Big Sleep IELTS Reading Passage for Practice

The Big Sleep, also known as Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag, is an IELTS Reading Passage that looks at the different sleeping bags and their features. Each bag has different qualities; therefore, it is up to the camper to decide which to choose based on their needs. 

Before starting, take a look at the questions to identify what the passage will be about. This way, you know what details to look for while reading the passage. Try to focus on the meaning of each sentence instead of the exact words and the questions.

While reading, give careful attention to the differences in warmth, space, comfort, and packing.

The passage below is a paraphrased practice version of Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag. It is not the original Cambridge IELTS text. Now, read the passage and attempt your IELTS Reading Practice Test.

Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag

Now that you have read the passage, try to attempt Questions 1-8. Read each statement and use the passage to determine which paragraph (A-G) contains the information. You may use the same letter multiple times, so make sure to check all choices before selecting one.

The Big Sleep Reading Questions

So, as you have seen, the passage describes seven sleeping bags, each with its own features. 

Some are made for cold weather, while others are lighter, easier to carry, or better suited to everyday camping needs. 

The questions below ask you to match these details to the right sleeping bag:

Questions 1–8: Matching Information

Which sleeping bag, A–G, matches each statement below?

Write the correct letter, A–G, in boxes 1–8. You may use any letter more than once.

1. This sleeping bag is bulky and difficult to fit into a backpack.

2. This sleeping bag is a better choice for camping in warmer climates.

3. This sleeping bag helps campers retain body heat in freezing weather.

4. This sleeping bag is designed to accommodate two people.

5. This sleeping bag suits people who do not want to spend too much on extra features.

6. This sleeping bag is designed with younger campers in mind.

7. This sleeping bag is lightweight and easy to pack.

8. These factors should be checked before buying a sleeping bag: its features, materials, and temperature rating.

Once you've finished, check your answers and read the explanations to see where you can find each detail in the passage.

The Big Sleep IELTS Reading Answers with Explanation

Did you complete all eight questions? Before you review the answer key, think about the details that led you to select each sleeping bag. Some of these descriptions contain similar details, so be sure to analyse the text carefully. The explanations below should help you identify the correct answers.

Answers 1–8: Matching Information

1. Answer: A – Vango Fuse -12

This sleeping bag is described in paragraph A as being bulky and difficult to pack. The important detail here is that it may not be ideal for campers who have to fit it in their backpacks. The second sentence in paragraph A also provides a reason why someone would select this bag despite its apparent shortcomings: they value the ability to stay warm more than the need to save space.

2. Answer: C – Nordisk Oscar +10

Paragraph C provides information about this sleeping bag that is relevant to the question. It notes that this bag is less appropriate for extreme cold than for warm weather. The fact that it is unsuitable for extreme cold is a detail that supports the choice of this sleeping bag in relation to the question.

3. Answer: A – Vango Fuse -12

Paragraph A indicates that the sleeping bag in question helps keep the person warm during extreme cold. That is the key detail that should lead you to select this answer. However, do not confuse the need to be protected from the cold with a bag that specifically warms a certain part of the body.

4. Answer: B – Outwell Campion Lux Double Sleeping Bag

The information in paragraph B directly addresses the capacity of the sleeping bag and the intended use of its extra space. It notes that the sleeping bag is designed for two people, which explains the additional space. The fact that it is a double bag, however, is also an indicator that can help you identify the correct answer.

5. Answer: D – The Big Sleep 200GSM Single Cowl Sleeping Bag

Paragraph D discusses the intended use of this sleeping bag, which is to provide comfort and value. It notes that it does not feature any unnecessary extras that would drive up the cost, which implies that the bag is intended for people who are looking for a certain level of comfort without having to spend much money.

6. Answer: F – Vango Starwalker Dragon

Paragraph F discusses the intended use of this sleeping bag, which is to pto keep younger campers comfortable. It notes that it is designed with younger campers in mind, which implies that it is appropriate for families that want to bring their children along for the experience.

7. Answer: C – Nordisk Oscar +10

Paragraph C discusses this sleeping bag’s intended use and design. It indicates that it is light and easy to pack, which makes it more appropriate for campers who do not want to have to carry much gear with them. Note the difference between this question and question 1: the former asks you to identify a bag that is not bulky, while the latter asks you to identify a bag that is.

8. Answer: G – Further considerations for choosing a sleeping bag

Paragraph G gives general advice for people planning to buy a sleeping bag. It recommends considering the bag's features, materials, and temperature ratings before purchasing. Since the question lists these same three factors, paragraph G is the correct answer. Unlike the other paragraphs, it discusses general buying considerations rather than a specific product.

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