Example:

Answer the questions below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

How large is the Amazon rainforest?
What percentage of the world's oxygen is produced by the Amazon rainforest?
What important role does the Amazon rainforest play in the carbon cycle?
What major threat is the Amazon rainforest currently facing?
What environmental issue is exacerbated by deforestation in the Amazon?

IELTS Reading Test

General Information:

The IELTS reading test lasts 1 hour. There are 3 sections in both the academic and general training test. In the academic test you will be given 3 reading passages, usually of around 900 words (length can vary considerably from text to text), while in the general training test, you are given 4 - 5 passages. The first 2 - 3 passages are shorter (usually around 200 - 400 words), while the final passage in section 3 is longer, and similar to the academic test texts (around 900 words). There are always 40 questions in total, in both test types.

IELTS Reading Question Types

1. Multiple Choice/ Multiple Select

Choose the best answer from 4 options (A,B,C or D), or the best 2 answers from 5 options (A,B,C,D or E), or the best 3 answers from 7 options (A,B,C,D,E,F or G)

You may need to answer a question, or complete a sentence (the first half is given in the question and the second half is in the multiple choice options).

Tips:

Scan the passage for specific information in the question.
Look for synonyms and parallel phrases (phrases with the same meaning but different vocabulary)
The questions are in the same order as the necessary information in the reading passage.

READING

The reading passages in the academic test are more academic and are often related to the sciences or history. The texts in the general training test are on topics more related to social, workplace and cultural topics. As a result, the academic test is generally considered more challenging, especially if you are not involved in or studying the sciences. The types of questions used are the same in both the general and academic tests.

Pay close attention to the instructions for each question. For example if the instructions tell you to use 'ONE WORD ONLY’, an answer with two words will be incorrect.

Skills Required:

There are several types of questions. Most questions require the same skills - skim the text to find the information you need, or scan for particular dates, names etc. Usually the questions will use synonyms of words in the passage (same meaning but different word) so this really tests your vocabulary knowledge.

To see examples of IELTS style reading questions look below.

Success in the Reading Test:

Success in the reading test depends a lot on your reading speed and vocabulary. The ability to skim read and scan for information is really important . For most questions you will need to find synonyms in the text (words with the same meaning), so the reading test really tests your range of vocabulary. Read as much as you can in English to increase your reading speed and widen your range of vocabulary. Practise skim and scan reading frequently as you prepare for the test. One of the best ways to practise is by doing past IELTS test papers or practising with IELTS style reading questions.

Example (Multiple Choice):

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

1. What is haute cuisine?

A A scientific approach to cooking

B A type of fusion cuisine

C High-quality, sophisticated cuisine

D Food cooked over a very high heat

Example (Multiple Select):

Choose two letters, A - E.

Which TWO of the following points does the writer make about King Djoser?

A Initially he had to be persuaded to build in stone rather than clay.

B There is disagreement concerning the length of his reign.

C He failed to appreciate Imhotep's part in the design of the Step Pyramid.

D A few of his possessions were still in his tomb when archaeologists found it.

E He criticised the design and construction of other pyramids in Egypt.

2. True, False, Not Given (Identifying information)

You are given a number of statements and asked ‘Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?’ You need to write ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘not given’ in the boxes on your answer sheets.

Tips:

Scan the passage for information in the question statement
Look for synonyms and parallel phrases
If the statement is true, there must be a statement in the passage that shows it is true. Usually there is a similar statement in the passage but using different vocabulary (synonyms and parallel phrases)
If the statement is false, there must be a statement in the passage that shows it is false. Again, look for statements that say it is false, but that use different vocabulary from the question statement.
Not given. There must be a clear statement in the passage that shows that the question statement is true or false. If not, then it is not given.
Don’t use your own knowledge. Don’t assume that the answer is true or false. If it is not in the passage, then it is not given.

Example:

Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?

In boxes 1 - 7 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1 The author was only able to see leopards at Kruger National Park after trying multiple times.

2 She experienced some important aspects of the way of life in Argentina.

3 There were some disturbing sights and smells in Laos.

4 She learned a lot about honey in New Zealand.

5 She found a company in Scotland that uses plants to create decorations.

6 She was shocked by the large size of the Moai statues on Easter Island.

7 She won’t easily forget the monks in Cambodia.

3. Yes, No, Not Given (Identifying the writer’s views/claims)

This type of question is very similar to the previous one. You are given a number of statements and asked ‘Do the following statements agree with the views/ claims of the writer?’ You need to write ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not given’ in the boxes on your answer sheets.

Tips:

Scan the passage for information in the question statement
Look for synonyms and parallel phrases
If the statement agrees with the writer, there must be a statement in the passage that shows the writer agrees. Usually there is a similar statement in the passage but using different vocabulary (synonyms and parallel phrases)
If the statement disagrees with the writer, there must be a statement in the passage that shows that the writer’s views/ claims are different. Again, look for statements that show it is false, but that use different vocabulary.
Not given. There must be a statement in the passage that shows that the writer’s views/ claims agree or disagree. If not, then it is not given.
Don’t use your own knowledge. Don’t assume that the answer is yes or no. If it is not in the passage, then it is not given.

Example:

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer?

In boxes 5 - 9 on your answer sheet, write

YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer

NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer

NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

5 It is difficult for sports governing bodies to balance the needs of different groups.

6 Ping pong was important in improving international relations.

7 Countries hosting large sports events must build large amounts of infrastructure.

8 Big sports events are too expensive for poorer nations.

9 Corruption is prevented when hosts are selected for large tournaments.

4. Matching Paragraphs/ Sections

You have to find specific information in a paragraph/section of the text. Each paragraph/ section has a letter. You then write the letter of this paragraph/ section in the box on your answer sheet. You will have to do this for several paragraphs.

Sometimes you can use a paragraph letter more than once (when two different pieces of information from two different questions are in one paragraph). In this case, the task will clearly tell you that you can use any letter more than once.

Tips:

Scan the passage for the specific information requested in the question
Look for synonyms and parallel phrases

Example:

The reading passage has seven sections, A--G.

Which section contains the following information?

Write the correct letter A--G, in boxes 32--36 on your answer sheet.

32 great innovation in the type of money used

33 a new financial world order

34 the use of pictures on money to prove that it was real

35 connecting the value of money to something more stable

36 the strategic benefit of a well-managed currency

5. Matching Headings

You are given a list of headings. Usually each heading has a roman numeral attached (i, ii, iii, iv, v etc.). A heading will refer to the main idea of a paragraph or section in the passage. You have to match the heading to a paragraph or section. Each paragraph is usually identified with a letter (A,B,C, D etc.). You need to write the appropriate roman numeral in the boxes on your answer sheet. There are always more headings than paragraphs or sections. Also, sometimes some paragraphs or sections are not included in the task.

Tips:

Read the headings before you read the passage. Think about them for a moment. What would you expect to see in the passage?
You need to understand the main idea of the paragraph. The main idea is usually in the first or second sentence of the paragraph. This sentence tells you what the paragraph is about in general.
You can also check the last sentence, which sometimes refers back to the main idea.
You need to understand the main idea of the paragraph or section, not supporting points that follow in the paragraph. Often supporting points can confuse you. Focus on the main idea of the paragraph as this is what you need to match to the heading.

Example:

The text has six sections, A--F.

Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i--vii, in boxes 28--33 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

i Developing an item that appears true to life

ii Extending the project to other endangered species

iii A short but intensive investigation with longer-term follow-up

iv Problems facing sea turtles at a global level

v Collection of eggs and their possible onward routes

vi Intensive and large-scale poaching in one location

vii Why catching the poachers may not solve the problem

28 Section A

28 Section B

30 Section C

31 Section D

32 Section E

33 Section F

6. Matching Features

You need to match a set of statements or pieces of information with a set of options. The options will be a group of people, features etc. from the text and are identified by letters. You’ll be asked, for example, to match characteristics to different age groups, events to historical periods, research findings to a list of researchers, etc.

Tips:

Scan the text in order to find the information required by the question. Once you’ve located the right section, you need to read for detail. Read carefully and find the right group.

Example:

Look at the five reviews of rice cookers, A--E, in the reading passage.

For which rice cooker are the following statements true?

Write the correct letter A--E, in boxes 7--14 on your answer sheet.

7 The handles at the side are hard to use.

8 It cooks brown rice without making a mess.

9 It automatically switches setting to keep rice warm when cooked.

10 It's difficult to get the removable top really clean.

11 A selection of recipes is provided with the cooker.

12 It has a handle at the top for carrying the cooker safely.

13 The outside of the cooker doesn't get too hot.

14 You can put the pot in the dishwasher.

7. Matching sentence endings

You are given the first half of a sentence and various possible endings. You have to choose the best option to complete the sentence. You must use information in the reading passage to help you choose the right ending. But, you can also use grammar clues - some of the endings won't match with the sentence because of incorrect grammar.

The order of the questions follows the order of the relevant information in the text. So, the answer to the second question can be found after the answer to the first question and so on.

Tips:

Read through the sentences, then read through the sentence ending options.
Scan the passage to find the area with the information. Remember that the order of the questions follows the order of the information in the text.
You can use grammar to help you. The completed sentence must be grammatically correct.

Example:

Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A - G, below.

Investing in modern train systems would help in creating
Train systems are more fuel-efficient and can lead to
Constructing and maintaining train infrastructure would
Offering an alternative to road travel can help
Train travel contributes to a decrease in

A. fewer traffic delays and reduced road maintenance costs.

B. a reduction in oil consumption.

C. a more dependable transport system.

D. an increase in road accidents and fatalities.

E. an increase in employment levels.

F. a decrease in road accidents and fatalities.

G. an increase in car usage.

8. Sentence completion

You will have to complete a sentence using a specific number of words. The instructions will tell you exactly how many words to use, for example ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER from the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’. If you are told ‘NO MORE THAN…’, you can write less if needed. Numbers can be written as figures or words. Contracted words will not be tested (so these will not be part of the answer). Words with hyphens (-) count as single words. The questions follow the order of information in the passage, so the answer to the second question will appear in the text after the answer to the first question and so on.

Tips:

Scan the text for the information you need
Remember the text will probably contain synonyms and parallel phrases so the exact words in the question may not be there
Think about the kind of word needed for each gap - Is it a noun/ verb/ adjective etc.?
Grammar can help - the sentences need to be grammatically correct
Check carefully how many words are needed for each answer
Answers come in order, so this will help you find the information you need

IELTS Band Scores:

Academic Test

Band 9 Expert user 39-40

Band 8.5 Very good user 36-38

Band 8 Very good user 35

Band 7.5 Good user 31-34

Band 7 Good user 30

Band 6.5 Competent user 24-29

Band 6 Competent user 23

Band 5.5 Modest user 19-22

Band 5 Limited user 15-18

Band 4.5 Extremely limited user 13-14

Band 4 Non-user 10-12

Band 3.5 Extremely limited 8-9

Band 3 Very limited 6-7

General Test

Band 9 Expert user 39-40

Band 8.5 Very good user 37-38

Band 8 Very good user 35-36

Band 7.5 Good user 33-34

Band 7 Good user 30-32

Band 6.5 Competent user 27-29

Band 6 Competent user 23-26

Band 5.5 Modest user 19-22

Band 5 Limited user 15-18

Band 4.5 Extremely limited user 13-14

Band 4 Non-user 10-12

Band 3.5 Extremely limited 8-9

Band 3 Very limited 6-7

Example:

Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Trains produce significantly lower levels of __________ than cars.
Traveling by train allows passengers to __________ while on the move.
Trains are generally more reliable and __________.
Many people are choosing to travel by train because of its __________ benefits.
Trains are less affected by __________.

9. Summary/ note/ table/ flow-chart/ diagram completion

Complete a summary, set of notes, table or flow-chart by filling in the gaps. You will need to use words from the passage or words given in a box by the question. If taking words from the passage, the instructions will tell you how many words to use, for example ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER from the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’. If you are told ‘NO MORE THAN…’, you can write less if needed. Numbers can be written using figures or words. Contracted words are not tested. Hyphenated words count as single words.

Tips:

Grammar helps - the summary, notes, etc. have to be grammatically correct so think about the kind of word that will fill the gap - noun/ verb/ adjective
If you have a summary task, the summary will usually be of only one part of the passage, not the whole, so find the appropriate section and scan for appropriate words.
Scan the passage for relevant information. Use your understanding of the main ideas of each paragraph (from skimming the passage) to help you find the appropriate areas.
For flow-chart tasks, use the direction of the arrows and boxes to follow the order of information in the chart - the information will probably be in roughly the same order in the passage
For diagram questions, the answers will usually be in one part of the passage. The passage will contain a detailed description that will contain the answers for the diagram.
Check the number of words you can use. If you use more, your answer is marked as wrong.

Example:

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

The rise in (5)........................ lifestyles and excessive (6) ........................ time are preventing children from (7) ........................ with nature and the natural (8) ........................ , which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green (9) ........................ can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to (10) ........................ from electronic devices.

Summary completion questions - The Importance of Outdoor Activities For Kids

Summary completion questions - Family Transformations: From Traditional to Chosen

Summary completion questions - The Evolution of Money

Note completion questions - The Art and Science of First Impressions

Summary completion questions - The Challenges of Protecting Animal Habitats

Summary completion questions - The Digital Shift: The Challenge Facing Traditional Retailers

Note completion questions - Smartphones - Blessing or Curse?

Summary completion questions - Nostalgia's Embrace

Note completion questions - The Debate on Free University/College Education

Summary completion questions - Having a Whale of a Time at Hermanus Whale Festival

10. Short-answer questions

You will have to answer questions using words taken from the text. The instructions will tell you how many words to use, for example ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER from the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’. If you are told ‘NO MORE THAN…’, you can write less if needed. Numbers can be written using figures or words. Contracted words are not tested. Hyphenated words count as single words.

Tips:

Think about synonyms as you scan the text for the right information
Check how many words you can use for the answer
The questions are in the same order as the information in the text.

Example:

IELTS Reading Test

General Information:

IELTS Reading Question Types

​1. Multiple Choice/ Multiple Select

Tips:

READING

Skills Required:

Success in the Reading Test:

Example (Multiple Choice):

Example (Multiple Select):

2. True, False, Not Given (Identifying information)

Tips:

Example:

3. Yes, No, Not Given (Identifying the writer’s views/claims)

Tips:

Example:

4. Matching Paragraphs/ Sections

Tips:

Example:

5. Matching Headings

Tips:

Example:

6. Matching Features

Tips:

Example:

​7. Matching sentence endings

Tips:

Example:

8. Sentence completion

Tips:

Practise multiple choice/ multiple select questions:

Practise true, false, not given questions:

Practise yes, no, not given questions:

Practise matching paragraphs/ sections questions:

Practise matching headings questions:

IELTS Band Scores:

Academic Test

General Test

Example:

9. Summary/ note/ table/ flow-chart/ diagram completion

Tips:

Example:

​10. Short-answer questions

Tips:

1. Multiple Choice/ Multiple Select

7. Matching sentence endings

10. Short-answer questions