IELTS Reading practice test, preparation, exam tips

The IELTS Reading test is a section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and measures your ability to read and understand English effectively. To help you prepare and become familiar with the test format, we offer free online IELTS Reading practice tests. These practice questions, along with essential exam tips, will help you improve your reading skills and achieve your desired band score.

Prepare for the IELTS Academic and General Training Reading test

What kind of questions are asked in the IELTS Reading test?

The IELTS Reading test includes various question types and evaluates different skills. It consists of three Academic or General training reading passages respectively. Each passage is followed by a series of questions, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and true/false, etc. The test evaluates your understanding of the main ideas, details, and implied meanings in the texts. It requires you to learn several tips and tricks including skimming, scanning, and interpreting the author's views.

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IELTS Reading practice lessons and exercises

IELTS Reading practice lessons and exercises help improve your skills through targeted practice of different question types. Consistent practice with these lessons can improve your confidence and prepare you for the variety of questions you'll get in the actual exam.

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 1: True, false, not given

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 2: Skimming and scanning

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 3: Matching heading questions

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 4: Analysing a writer’s views or claims

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 5: Diagram completion

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 6: Identifying information

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 7: Feature matching

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 8: Matching information

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 9: Multiple choice questions

• IELTS Reading practice lesson 10: Short answer questions

Get free IELTS Reading practice tests

Enhance your IELTS Reading skills with our free practice tests. Familiarise yourself with question types, improve comprehension, and track your progress. Start practicing today and get closer to your desired IELTS score!

(a) IELTS exam Reading practice tests - Academic

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Matching feature: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Matching sentence endings: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Sentence completion: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Summary completion (select words from text): Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Summary completion (select from a list of words): Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Note completion: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – identifying information (True/False/Not Given): Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Multiple choice (more than one answer): Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Multiple choice (one answer): Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Table completion: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS Academic Reading sample – Familiarisation test: Practice test | Download answer key

(b) IELTS exam Reading practice tests (General Training)

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Note completion: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Summary completion: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Matching features: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Matching information: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Ture/False/Not Given: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Multiple choice: Practice test | Download answer key

• IELTS General Training Reading sample – Sentence completion: Practice test | Download answer key

IELTS Reading tips to get a good band score

For a high IELTS Reading score, improve your vocabulary, practice skimming, and scanning, and understand common question types. Consistent practice will build your confidence and skills.

• How do I improve my IELTS Reading score

• How to increase my IELTS Reading speed

• IELTS preparation planner

Download Free PDF of examiner approved IELTS Reading tips

How do I calculate my IELTS Reading band score?

In the IELTS Reading test, each correct answer earns you one mark. Your total correct answers make up your 'raw' score, which is then used to calculate your band score on a scale of 0-9. Remember, attempting every question is crucial since leaving an answer blank results in no marks.

Click below to learn what IELTS examiners look for in your IELTS Reading test, the criteria to meet, and how your band score is calculated.

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