Fruit Picking Work in Australia Reading Answers

Jul 17, 2025

Fruit Picking Work in Australia Reading Answers contains 7 questions and belongs to the assessment system of the IELTS General Reading test. Fruit Picking Work in Australia reading section must be answered within 10 minutes. In this IELTS reading passage, you'll encounter question types like Write no more than two word, Choose no more than two words. Also, Fruit Picking Work in Australia Reading Answers contains detailed information about the essential tips for fruit picking in Australia. To practice reading comprehension passages like this one, candidates are encouraged to explore the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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Topic:

Because Australia is such a large place, it has several weather zones and many different crops are grown. This means that there is usually work for fruit pickers somewhere in the country. It's worth remembering that there are other related jobs available after the harvest period, such as pruning and planting. If you're interested in picking fruit in Australia, plan well and be prepared to work hard! Here are some tips to help you:

Working in the sun

• Wearing sunglasses, to avoid the glare, and sunscreen is absolutely essential if you want to avoid sunburn. A long-sleeved cotton shirt may not seem appealing, but you will be thankful for it in the heat of the day.

• Keeping hydrated is crucial. You will find that you may drink up to eight litres of water a day if you are working outside. It will save time if you keep your water in something that is clipped onto your belt so that you can take a drink whenever you need to.

Other requirements

• Every farm is different. Sometimes, employers don't supply tools, so workers need to use their own. Check first to make sure you have what you need.

• Consider taking an MP3 player or another device so that you can listen to music. The days can be long, and it makes the time go faster.

Various roles

• Instead of working in the orchard, you may find yourself in a packing shed. There is a lot to be done here too, from packing fruit into boxes, checking quality control and using a forklift to loading large pallets onto trucks.

Payment methods

• Fruit should not be picked when wet so, in the case of rain, you will have to stop work. Therefore, you will not be paid in most instances.

• Some farms pay a flat rate (by the hour), but getting a fixed amount is not common for work that involves collecting fruit; this type of payment is generally for work in the shed. The other, more usual, model is the piece rate: your pay depends on the amount of fruit you bring in at the end of the day.

Remember conditions vary greatly from farm to farm so be sure to check anything you need to know with the employer before you start.

Questions 21-27

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each.

FRUIT PICKING IN AUSTRALIA

- Sometimes there are employment opportunities following the 21………... time when fruit is picked.

Answer: harvest

Supporting statement: "there are other related jobs available after the harvest period"

Keywords: employment, after, fruit is picked

Keyword Location: Paragraph 1

Explanation: The passage states that once the fruit picking or harvest ends, additional jobs such as pruning and planting become available. This highlights ongoing job opportunities beyond the main picking season.

- Wearing appropriate clothing, eyewear and 22…………… is necessary to protect your body.

Answer: sunscreen

Supporting statement: "Wearing sunglasses... and sunscreen is absolutely essential if you want to avoid sunburn."

Keywords: appropriate clothing, eyewear, protect body

Keyword Location: Working in the sun, first bullet

Explanation: Sunscreen is emphasized as necessary protection for those working outdoors. It helps prevent sunburn and is part of the recommended gear along with clothing and sunglasses.

- It is recommended to take a water bottle that can be attached to a 23……………..

Answer: belt

Supporting statement: "keep your water in something that is clipped onto your belt"

Keywords: water bottle, attached

Keyword Location: Working in the sun, second bullet

Explanation: The passage recommends attaching the water container to a belt for easy access. This helps workers stay hydrated without interrupting their task.

- It is necessary for fruit pickers to bring 24…………… if these are not provided.

Answer: tools

Supporting statement: "Sometimes, employers don't supply tools, so workers need to use their own."

Keywords: bring, not provided

Keyword Location: Other requirements, first bullet

Explanation: Since not all farms provide equipment, fruit pickers are advised to bring their own tools if necessary. This ensures they’re prepared for any situation.

- Other jobs on the farm may involve moving big 25…………………..

Answer: pallets

Supporting statement: "using a forklift to loading large pallets onto trucks"

Keywords: moving big

Keyword Location: Various roles, first sentence

Explanation: In packing shed roles, large pallets are loaded onto trucks using forklifts. These tasks show the diversity of farm work beyond fruit picking.

- 26……………….can affect how much work is done and how much money is earned.

Answer: rain

Supporting statement: "Fruit should not be picked when wet so, in the case of rain, you will have to stop work."

Keywords: affect, work, money

Keyword Location: Payment methods, first bullet

Explanation: Rain prevents fruit from being picked, which reduces work hours and pay. Workers are generally unpaid during such interruptions.

- Most picking jobs pay workers a 27……………………

Answer: piece rate

Supporting statement: "The other, more usual, model is the piece rate: your pay depends on the amount of fruit you bring in"

Keywords: picking jobs, pay

Keyword Location: Payment methods, second bullet

Explanation: Most fruit picking jobs pay a piece rate, meaning earnings are based on the volume of fruit picked. This system rewards productivity.

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