How To Do Reading For IELTS Practice Test | Exam Preparation

As part of your IELTS exam preparation, scheduling consistent reading for IELTS practice is essential.

You must become familiar with the types of questions (and how to answer them) in this section of the test.

You can download this authentic IELTS reading test sample PDF at the end of this post.

This Reading for IELTS Practice PDF contains the following types of IELTS Reading Questions:



Reading for IELTS Practice Test Question Types


1. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer

Common errors:
  • Selecting multiple words instead of one
  • Choosing words not directly from the passage
  • Misinterpreting synonyms or paraphrases
Expert tips:
  • Read the instructions carefully - "ONE WORD ONLY" means exactly that
  • Scan the text for keywords related to the question
  • Ensure your answer fits grammatically in the sentence
  • Don't change the form of the word from the passage
Example:

Question: The scientist discovered a new species of _______.

Passage: "Dr. Smith's expedition resulted in the identification of a previously unknown butterfly in the Amazon rainforest."

Answer: butterfly

Avoid: Don't write "new butterfly" or change "butterfly" to "butterflies".



2. TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

Common errors:
  • Confusing "FALSE" with "NOT GIVEN"
  • Relying on prior knowledge instead of the passage
  • Misinterpreting implied information
Expert tips:
  • TRUE: The statement matches the passage exactly
  • FALSE: The passage directly contradicts the statement
  • NOT GIVEN: There's no information to determine truth or falsehood
  • Stick strictly to the information in the passage
  • Look for synonyms and paraphrases
Example:

Statement: All butterflies have colorful wings.

Passage: "Many species of butterflies are known for their vibrant wing patterns."

Answer: NOT GIVEN (The passage doesn't say ALL butterflies have colorful wings)



3. Information + Paragraph matching

Common errors:
  • Spending too much time reading every paragraph in detail
  • Getting distracted by irrelevant information
  • Mismatching due to similar topics across paragraphs
Expert tips:
  • Skim each paragraph to identify the main ideas
  • Look for keywords in the information to match
  • Use paragraph headings (if available) as guides
  • Eliminate options as you go to save time
Example:

Information: The life cycle of a butterfly

Paragraphs: A (habitat), B (life cycle), C (migration patterns)

Answer: B



4. Sentence completion, choose ONE WORD ONLY for each answer

Common errors:
  • Similar to #1, but with the added challenge of fitting into a sentence
  • Choosing words that don't make sense in context
Expert tips:
  • Read the whole sentence to understand the context
  • Check that your chosen word fits grammatically
  • Look for words that often go together (collocations)
Example:

Sentence: The butterfly emerges from its _______ after metamorphosis.

Passage: "After several weeks, the fully formed butterfly breaks out of the chrysalis."

Answer: chrysalis

5. Which TWO facts are mentioned in the text? Choose TWO LETTERS, A-E.

Common errors:
  • Selecting more than two options
  • Choosing options based on general knowledge, not the passage
  • Missing subtle differences between similar options
Expert tips:
  • Read all options before looking in the text
  • Cross out options as you eliminate them
  • Double-check that you've chosen exactly two answers
  • Be wary of options that seem correct but aren't mentioned
Example:

Options:

A) Butterflies can fly long distances

B) All butterflies are colorful

C) Butterflies taste with their feet

D) Butterflies live for only one day

E) Butterflies are insects

The passage mentions: A and C

Answer: A, C



6. Summary completion

Common errors:
  • Getting overwhelmed by the amount of information
  • Choosing words that don't fit the overall context
  • Missing key information due to paraphrasing in the summary
Expert tips:
  • Read the whole summary first to understand the overall idea
  • Look for synonyms and paraphrases in the passage
  • Ensure your answers create a coherent summary
  • Pay attention to word limits (e.g., ONE WORD ONLY)
Example:

Summary: Butterflies undergo a process called _______ (1), changing from a caterpillar to an adult butterfly.

Passage: "The transformation of a butterfly from larva to adult, known as metamorphosis, is one of nature's most remarkable processes."

Answer: metamorphosis

7. YES / NO / NOT GIVEN

Common errors:
  • Similar to TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN, but focused on the author's opinions or claims
  • Mistaking factual statements for opinions
Expert tips:
  • Look for opinion indicators: "I believe," "in my view," etc.
  • YES: The author expresses this opinion
  • NO: The author expresses the opposite opinion
  • NOT GIVEN: The author doesn't express an opinion on this
Example:

Statement: The author believes butterfly conservation is important.

Passage: "In my opinion, protecting butterfly habitats should be a priority for environmental agencies."

Answer: YES

8. Multiple choice

Common errors:
  • Choosing the first option that seems correct without reading all the choices
  • Getting tricked by distractors that are partially correct
  • Misinterpreting questions that ask for exceptions or negatives
Expert tips:
  • Read the question carefully, noting words like "EXCEPT" or "NOT"
  • Consider all options before choosing
  • Eliminate clearly incorrect options
  • Look for the option that most fully answers the question
Example:

Questionn: Which of the following is NOT a stage in a butterfly's life cycle?
A) Egg
B) Larva
C) Adult
D) Seed

Answer: D



IELTS Study Guide

  1. Use high-quality IELTS study materials and practice tests
  2. Familiarize yourself with all question types
  3. Practice time management - allocate time for each section
  4. Improve your vocabulary, focusing on academic and topic-specific words
  5. Read widely to improve comprehension speed and accuracy

Remember, by consistently practicing with AUTHENTIC study material, IELTS test takers can familiarize themselves with different reading question types and improve their performance in the exam.

Good luck with your IELTS exam preparation!

Get started today with this IELTS Reading Test Practice PDF + answers!

DOWNLOAD PDF

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