IELTS Reading: Free Practice Tests Online, Exam Tips & Techniques

• Description: You’ll label parts of a diagram based on details in the text.
• Example: Label parts of a cell structure using words from the passage.
• Do’s:
  • Skim the text to find sections describing the diagram.
  • Look for key vocabulary linked to parts of the diagram.
  • Match each label to the relevant text.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t guess based on general knowledge; rely only on passage information.
  • Avoid spending too much time on one label; move on if stuck.

Read More: Diagram Label Questions

• Description: You’ll determine if a statement aligns with the writer's views or claims.
• Example: “The author believes that recycling is the best solution for plastic waste.” (YES, NO, NOT GIVEN)
• Do’s:
  • Carefully read the question and find supporting text in the passage.
  • Only answer YES if there is clear evidence of agreement, NO if there is a clear contradiction, and NOT GIVEN if it is not addressed.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t assume the answer based on personal beliefs.
  • Avoid overthinking; stick to the passage.

Read More: Identifying a Writer’s Views or Claims (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN)

• Description: You’ll judge if statements are factually correct according to the passage.
• Example: “The company was founded in 1995.” (TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN)
• Do’s:
  • Look for specific details or dates to confirm or contradict the statement.
  • TRUE if information matches exactly, FALSE if it contradicts, and NOT GIVEN if there’s no mention.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t make assumptions outside the text.
  • Avoid marking TRUE or FALSE based on general knowledge.

Read More: Identifying Information (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)

• Description: You’ll match paragraph headings or specific features with information from the passage.
• Example: Match headings like “Innovations in Transport” to paragraphs discussing transportation advances.
• Do’s:
  • Identify the main idea of each paragraph before matching.
  • Cross-check between options to see which fits best.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t be distracted by words in headings that appear in the passage but do not represent the paragraph’s main idea.
  • Avoid spending too long on one heading.

Read More: Matching Headings & Features

• Description: You’ll match pieces of information or sentence beginnings with suitable endings.
• Example: “Air pollution affects…” (Match: “the respiratory system.”)
• Do’s:
  • Skim the text to find parts of sentences or information that directly match.
  • Pay attention to logical connections and grammar.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t just look for keyword matches without understanding the meaning.
  • Avoid rushing; ensure each pair makes sense as a whole.

Read More:  Matching Information & Sentence Endings

• Description: Choose the best answer(s) from several options based on the passage.
• Example: “What is the primary reason for deforestation?” (A. Agriculture, B. Urban Development, etc.)
• Do’s:
  • Locate the relevant part of the text and read thoroughly before answering.
  • Eliminate clearly incorrect options.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t select an option just because it contains keywords from the passage.
  • Avoid overanalyzing; trust your initial instinct if it aligns with the text.

Read More: Multiple Choice Questions

• Description: Complete sentences with words from the passage.
• Example: “The primary function of chlorophyll is to…” (Answer: “…absorb light.”)
• Do’s:
  • Find the part of the text related to each sentence.
  • Match the exact wording from the text where required.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t alter words unnecessarily or guess based on incomplete information.
  • Avoid using synonyms or altering the meaning.

Read More: Sentence Completion

• Description: Answer questions with short phrases or words from the text.
• Example: “What is the main material used in solar panels?” (Answer: “Silicon”)
• Do’s:
  • Skim and scan for the keywords in the passage.
  • Answer directly and within the word limit.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t add extra words or paraphrase.
  • Avoid giving answers that exceed the word count.

Read More: Short-Answer Questions

• Description: Fill in blanks in a summary using words from the passage.
• Example: “The process begins with the heating of ___.” (Answer: “water”)
• Do’s:
  • Read the summary carefully for context.
  • Use the passage’s exact words if required by the instructions.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t use outside knowledge.
  • Avoid adding extra words beyond the specified word limit.

Read More: Summary Completion

• Description: Complete a flowchart summarizing a process from the passage.
• Example: Flow chart showing stages in plant growth.
• Do’s:
  • Identify the sequence of events or steps in the process.
  • Use exact words from the text if specified.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t assume steps; they must be in the passage.
  • Avoid jumping steps; keep the flow consistent.

• Description: Complete notes with words from the passage, often about specific details.
• Example: “In ancient Egypt, ___ was used for writing.” (Answer: “papyrus”)
• Do’s:
  • Scan for factual details or lists in the passage.
  • Stick to the required word count.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t paraphrase; use wording as it appears in the text.
  • Avoid making assumptions outside the passage.

Read More: Note Completion

• Description: Fill in a table with information from the passage, often comparing details.
• Example: Complete a table comparing animal species and habitats.
• Do’s:
  • Skim for the specific details needed for each row or column.
  • Ensure the answers align accurately with each table category.
• Don’ts:
  • Don’t fill in with general information; each cell should match precisely.
  • Avoid repeating information if it’s meant to be unique for each cell.

Read More: Table Completion

Description: Tells a story or recounts a series of events. Often includes characters, plot, and setting.

How to Identify?

Descriptive passages primarily focus on providing detailed information about a subject. They often employ vivid language, sensory details, and spatial or logical organisation. The primary purpose is to create a mental image of the subject rather than telling a story or making an argument. For instance, a passage about the Amazon rainforest might delve into its biodiversity, climate, and geographic features.

Description: Presents factual information about a person, place, object, or event. Focuses on providing details and characteristics.

How to Identify?

Narrative passages are essentially storytelling. They present a sequence of events often involving characters, a plot, and a setting. Time-related words, past tense verbs, and the use of descriptive language to portray characters are common features. A historical account of the Industrial Revolution or a biography of a famous scientist would exemplify this type.

Description: Presents a viewpoint or opinion and provides supporting evidence to persuade the reader.

How to Identify?

Argumentative passages aim to persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint. They typically present a clear stance or opinion, supported by evidence and reasoning. Counter-arguments may also be addressed. Expect to find persuasive language, logical structure, and the use of data or expert opinions to bolster the argument. An essay discussing the pros and cons of nuclear energy would be an example.

Description: Explains or clarifies a topic, providing information and details to enhance understanding.

How to Identify?

Expository passages prioritise explaining or informing the reader about a topic or process. They often use clear and concise language with definitions, examples, and logical organisation. Diagrams or illustrations might accompany the text to enhance understanding. A scientific explanation of photosynthesis or a guide to writing a research paper would fall into this category.

A. A score of 30 out of 40 in IELTS Reading falls under band score of 7.0. IELTS Reading band score of 7.0 and above is a competitive score. Applicants who aim for sectional band scores should prepare accordingly. 

A. IELTS Reading scores are calculated by giving one mark to each correct answer. Based on the number of correct answers IELTS Reading band scores are given. Applicants should note that there is no negative marking for not attempting questions or giving a wrong answer on IELTS exam. 

A. In order to get 8.5 on the IELTS Reading section, applicants should:

• First of all understand IELTS test syllabus and format for the Reading section.
• Take IELTS Reading mock test and assess performance, based on that create your plan for study.
• Practice multiple passages and all question types on IELTS Reading.
• Download certified books and resource material to prepare for IELTS Reading module.
• Regularly practice and ensure you are confident when attempting the test.

IELTS Reading band score of 8.5 means answering around 39 questions correctly, thus, it would require a lot of effort and time. Applicants should prepare accordingly.