Test Overview
Everything you need to know about the IELTS Reading test — passage types, question formats, timing strategy — plus a free practice test with instant scoring.
In this guide:
You have 60 minutes to read three passages of increasing difficulty and answer 40 questions. There is no extra time to transfer your answers — you must write them directly on the answer sheet as you work through the test.
13–14 Qs
General interest topic with everyday language — easier
13–14 Qs
Work-related or general academic topic — medium
13–14 Qs
Academic topic with complex language — harder
Band cut-off scores may vary slightly with each test. Approximate thresholds:
Band 9
39–40 correct
Band 8
36–38 correct
Band 7
30–35 correct
Band 6
23–29 correct
There are 16 distinct question types in 9 main categories. A single test will usually feature 7–8 different types, including multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching (headings, features, information, sentence endings), completion (table, sentence, summary), diagram labelling, locating information and short-answer questions.
Questions test 5 core reading skills, broken down into 20 distinct sub-skills — including identifying main ideas, scanning for specific information, distinguishing fact from opinion, and matching ideas with reworded meanings:
Gist & Global Understanding
Detailed & Precise Reading
Understanding Organisation & Logic
Paraphrase Recognition & Meaning Matching
Multi-Source & Structured Information Tracking
There is no answer transfer time — unlike Listening, the 60 minutes is all you get.
There are 14 distinct question types, not the 6–8 most prep materials mention.
"False" and "Not Given" are categorically different — False means the passage actively contradicts the statement, Not Given means the passage is silent on it.
Qualifying words like "always", "sometimes", "never" change the entire answer — a True claim becomes False if the passage only says "sometimes".
The Reading module covers everything you need — from question types to mastering each core reading skill:
28 lessons • All 4 skills • Expert-led
Develop the sub-skills needed for all reading question types.
One-time payment • Comprehensive materials • Real examiner support
Complete 1 Reading Test Section with instant scoring. Time needed: ~ 20 min.
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