Part 3: Reading for Information

Time Allotted: 10 Minutes

Read the following passage.

A. 

With most Canadians living in the southern part of the country, much of Canada's 9.9 million square kilometers is uninhabited. Consequently, outdoor wilderness activities—such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and canoeing—are suitable pastimes. Of these, camping has the widest appeal. More than one third of Canadian households contain camping equipment, and about one quarter of the population camps each and every year. More than 37 national parks plus innumerable provincial parks and private campgrounds regularly attract camping enthusiasts and issue thousands of permits each year.

B. 

The most common camping choices in Canada range from posh, fully-equipped motorhomes to rustic wilderness camping with whatever the hiker can carry in a backpack. The most lavish option, the 6- to 13-meter-long motorhome, consumes tremendous amounts of fuel and requires large parking spaces in campgrounds. These campers should reserve their campsites well in advance. Retired couples sometimes take a year or more to travel around North America this way, perhaps in a cavalcade of up to a hundred vehicles. Another option is the RV trailer, which is shorter but requires a towing vehicle. RV trailers are far cheaper than motorhomes but still provide the conveniences of home.

C. 

In Canada, motorhomes and RVs are costly to buy or rent and to use. For those requiring a cheaper alternative and willing to forgo homey conveniences, the lightweight tent trailer is a possibility. Typically costing less than $10,000, it's easy to pull and maneuver. Essentially, it's a collapsible tent-like structure mounted on a rectangular four-sided box attached to two wheels. The interior varies with the model, the more expensive ones including a rustic kitchen, beds, running water, and an electrical hookup. More stable than a tent, which sits on the ground, its construction may still lead to camper discomfort during extreme weather.

D. 

Less restrictive and more economical than other mobile accommodations, tents can be used along designated hiking trails or in established campgrounds; though, regulations prevent tenters from pitching a tent anywhere they choose. Driving or biking from campsite to campsite stretch of the Trans-Canada highway, for example, has campgrounds that cater to motorhomes, tent trailers, and tenters. Some campgrounds have running water and showers, whereas others have only outhouses and outdoor cold-water taps. Reservations are accepted for any type of camping. Websites and books are available with detailed information about campsites in each province, facilitating vacation planning for adventurous campers.

E. 

Not given in any of the above paragraphs.

Questions 1-9:

Decide which paragraph, A to D, has the information given in each statement below. Select E if the information is not given in any of the paragraphs.

………. 1. Camping’s popularity in Canada is evidenced by the percentage of frequent campers.

………. 2. Certain types of camping cannot be done spontaneously.

………. 3. Some people who prefer one style of camping enjoy travelling in groups.

………. 4. Camping is a growing trend among wilderness enthusiasts.

………. 5. Campers should check where they are permitted to set up camp.

………. 6. Campsites are evenly spaced across the country.

………. 7. People who use motorhomes bring a second vehicle with them.

………. 8. Some campers choose a middle ground between luxury and rustic camping.

………. 9. Some camping equipment is less able to withstand unpleasant conditions.

1. A

Paragraph A states that outdoor wilderness activities such as hiking, camping, hunting,   canoeing, and fishing are suitable pastimes from which camping has the widest appeal.

2. B

Paragraph B makes a distinction between two certain types of camping which are very different from one another:

1. Motorhomes

2. Rustic wilderness

3. B

Paragraph B states that retired couples sometimes take a year or more to travel around   North America in a cavalcade of up to a hundred vehicles.

4. E

Paragraph A mentions that national parks, provincial parks, and private campgrounds regularly attract camping enthusiasts each year; however, it doesn’t necessarily mean camping is becoming a growing trend among wilderness enthusiasts, so E should be the answer.

5. D

Paragraph D mentions that regulations prevent tenters from pitching a tent anywhere they choose.

6. D

Paragraph D states that driving or biking from campsite to campsite stretch of the Trans-Canada highway has campgrounds that cater to motorhomes, tent trailers, and tenters.

7. E

Paragraph B refers to tenters who travel in groups or use RV trailers as a cheaper option, but it doesn’t necessarily mean people bring a second-hand vehicle with them, so E should be the answer. 

8. C

Paragraph C states that in Canada, motorhomes and RVs are costly to buy or rent. For those requiring a cheaper alternative and willing to forgo homey conveniences, the lightweight tent trailer is a possibility.

9. C

Paragraph C states that although tent trailer is more stable than a tent, its construction may still lead to camper discomfort during extreme weather.