Revision:
IELTS Reading
Welcome to IELTS Reading page. Use the resources below to prepare for your exams.
The IELTS reading exam consists of 3 parts,
taking approximately 30 minutes overall.
- There are 40 questions in total, divided by 3 parts.
- Each part contains 10 to 17 questions, grouped into 2-3 different question types.
IELTS Reading Scoring
Your performance in the Reading test is evaluated based on the number of correct answers. Specifically:
- 39-40: Band 9
- 37-38: Band 8.5
- 35-36: Band 8
- 33-34: Band 7.5
- 30-32: Band 7
With consistent practice and the right approach, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Reading test. Good luck!
Lesson 1:
Multiple Choice
To score Band 9, you must recognize question types and apply the correct strategies. We will start from multiple choice questions.
1.1 Understanding The Format
Multiple-choice questions require you to select the correct answer from several options A, B, C, or D. These questions test your ability to:
Identify specific details
Understand the writer’s purpose
Recognize paraphrased information
Strategy: Always assume paraphrasing
It’s important to remember that the IELTS exam will not use the exact wording found in the passage. Most of the time, the phrasing will differ. By keeping this in mind and considering various possibilities while searching through the passage, you can easily identify the correct answer.
Large-scale farming, particularly for soybean cultivation and cattle ranching, is recognized as the primary driver of deforestation worldwide. Such practices often involve clearing vast tracts of forests to create space for crops and livestock, especially in regions like the Amazon rainforest. Soybeans are in high demand globally, not only as a food source but also as a key ingredient in animal feed, which further fuels the need for farmland. Similarly, cattle ranching contributes significantly to deforestation, as forests are cleared to establish pastures for grazing. These activities not only lead to the loss of biodiversity but also contribute to climate change by releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide stored in trees into the atmosphere. Despite efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices, the pressure to meet increasing global food demands continues to exacerbate deforestation rates.
What is the main reason for deforestation in the Amazon?
A) Agricultural expansion
B) Natural wildfires
C) Government policies
D) Indigenous practices
Answer:
Scan for “deforestation” and “Amazon.”
Find the sentence: “The primary driver of deforestation is large-scale farming, particularly soybean and cattle production.”
Correct Answer: A (matches “large-scale farming” = agricultural expansion).
1.2 Memorize the Framework
Here is a framework that works for EVERY short multiple choice question. Applying this throughout the exam is fundamental to getting a high score.
Read the question first
Highlight specific terms in the question, that are unlikely to be paraphrased and will appear in the passage.
"Deforestation" and "Amazon"
Skim the passage
Locate the relevant paragraph/sentence where the terms appear the most often.
"Large-scale farming, particularly for soybean cultivation and cattle ranching, is recognized as the primary driver of deforestation worldwide. Such practices often involve clearing vast tracts of forests to create space for crops and livestock, especially in regions like the Amazon rainforest."
Compare options with the text
Eliminate wrong answers.
Natural wildfires, government policies, and indigenous practices are wrong.
Beware of distractors
Some options may contain words from the text but distort the meaning.
"The pressure to meet" --> no information that shows it is a government practice
Pro Tip
If stuck between two options, choose the one that best paraphrases the text.
You are now ready to move onto the next lesson.
Lesson 2:
True/False/Not Given
This lesson aims to enhance your ability to complete true/false/not given questions, which can be the most difficult section in the exam.
2.1 Understanding The Format
These questions require you to select the correct answer from 3 options:
True = The statement agrees with the passage.
False = The statement contradicts the passage.
Not Given = The information is not mentioned.
The challenge often involves distinguishing between “False” and “Not Given.”
Strategy: Do not infer any information
It is essential to note that your answer should rely solely on the information provided in the passage, even if it contradicts your real-world knowledge. Avoid letting your emotions or past experiences influence your thoughts!
In many companies, workloads vary depending on the time of year. During peak seasons, some staff members are asked to work additional hours to ensure that deadlines are met and operations run smoothly. However, this requirement does not apply to all employees, as certain roles are exempt from overtime due to the nature of their responsibilities. Employers often try to balance the workload to avoid overburdening their staff, and overtime is typically compensated either financially or through additional time off.
Statement: “All employees must work overtime.”
A) True
B) False
C) Not Given
Answer:
The passage clearly states that some staff members are required to work overtime during peak seasons, while others are not. This directly contradicts the statement that all employees must work overtime.
Correct Answer: False
2.2 Memorize the Framework
Here is a framework that works for EVERY short multiple choice question. Applying this throughout the exam is fundamental to getting a high score.
Read the question first
Highlight specific terms in the question, that are unlikely to be paraphrased and will appear in the passage.
"Employees" and "overtime"
Skim the passage
Locate the relevant paragraph/sentence where the terms appear the most often.
"However, this requirement does not apply to all employees, as certain roles are exempt from overtime due to the nature of their responsibilities."
Check for agreement
If the passage directly supports the statement, choose “True”.
Not in this case
Check for direct contradictions
If the passage directly disagrees with the statement, choose “False”. Otherwise, always choose “Not Given”.
"this requirement does not apply to all employees" --> False
Pro Tip
Sometimes, the questions require you to use “Yes” and “No” instead of “True” and “False”! Make sure to check carefully, as falling for this trap will cost you an entire series of marks.
You are now ready to move onto the next lesson.
Lesson 2:
Short-Answers
This lesson aims to enhance your ability to complete true/false/not given questions, which can be the most difficult section in the exam.
3.1 Understanding The Format
These questions require you to fill in gaps in sentences using words from the passage. Normally, the question will require a word limit, eg. NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
You must use the exact wording, without any change in its form.
Strategy: Always check for grammar
The secret tactic is to always check if the answer is grammatically correct after substituting it into the question sentence. As IELTS requires you to use the exact word format, some possible answers may be logically correct but grammatically incorrect, which should be eliminated.
"In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell patented his communication devices that largely transformed global communication. By enabling people to interact instantly over long distances, the telephone revolutionized personal and business communication, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications. It marked the beginning of a new era in which the exchange of information became faster and more efficient than ever before."
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
“The invention of the _____ revolutionized communication.”
Answer:
At first glance, you might think “communication devices” is the correct answer because it fits the word limit. However, when you place it into the question sentence, you’ll notice that “devices” is a plural noun, while “the” requires a singular noun. Therefore, the correct answer is “telephone.”
Correct Answer: Telephone
3.2 Memorize the Framework
Here is a framework that works for EVERY short answer question. Applying this throughout the exam is fundamental to getting a high score.
Predict the word type
Take a guess of the word. Is it a noun, adjective, or verb? This allows you to have a brief understanding of what you are looking for.
"The invention of the (noun) revolutionized communication."
Skim the passage
Locate the relevant paragraph/sentence and write down all possible candidates.
"Communication devices", "telephone", "telecommunications"
Ensure grammatical correctness
Substitute each word into the sentence, and choose the one that fits the most.
"Telephone"
Pro Tip
Sometimes, we focus too much on a specific term and narrow our thinking, which prevents us from exploring other possible words. Always remain open to more possibilities!
You are now ready to move onto the next lesson.
Lesson 4:
Classification
This lesson aims to enhance your ability to complete classification questions. This process should be relatively simple and straightforward.
4.1 Understanding The Format
These questions require you to classify information from the reading text. You have some statements and a list of categories. Your have to match each statement with the correct category.
Strategy: Locate the categories first
On the passage, begin by underlining the categories to identify which category corresponds to each paragraph. Next, locate the statements and determine which category shares the same paragraph with them. This method will help increase the likelihood of finding the correct answer.
"Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are becoming increasingly popular as countries seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Solar energy harnesses sunlight through photovoltaic panels, while wind energy generates electricity using turbines powered by the wind. Hydropower, on the other hand, utilizes the flow of water to produce energy. Each of these sources has its advantages: solar energy is abundant and available in most regions, wind energy has low operational costs, and hydropower is highly efficient in areas with suitable water resources. However, challenges such as high initial installation costs and geographic limitations remain significant barriers to widespread adoption."
Match each renewable energy source with its characteristic. Choose from the list below.
A) Solar energy
B) Wind energy
C) Hydropower
Question:
– Requires flowing water to generate electricity.
– Uses sunlight to produce energy.
– Has low operational costs due to its reliance on natural air currents.
Answer:
First, identify the three categories in the paragraph. Then, locate the statements. You will notice that the statements mostly align with the same sentences as the categories.
Correct Answer:
- C) Hydropower
- A) Solar energy
- B) Wind energy
4.2 Memorize the Framework
Here is a framework that works for EVERY classification question. Applying this throughout the exam is fundamental to getting a high score.
Locate the categories
Please find the categories in the paragraph. They should primarily remain in their original form.
"Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are becoming increasingly popular as countries seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Solar energy harnesses sunlight through photovoltaic panels, while wind energy generates electricity using turbines powered by the wind. Hydropower, on the other hand, utilizes the flow of water to produce energy. Each of these sources has its advantages: solar energy is abundant and available in most regions, wind energy has low operational costs, and hydropower is highly efficient in areas with suitable water resources. However, challenges such as high initial installation costs and geographic limitations remain significant barriers to widespread adoption."
Locate the statements
Locate the relevant paragraph/sentence.
"Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are becoming increasingly popular as countries seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Solar energy harnesses sunlight through photovoltaic panels, while wind energy generates electricity using turbines powered by the wind. Hydropower, on the other hand, utilizes the flow of water to produce energy. Each of these sources has its advantages: solar energy is abundant and available in most regions, wind energy has low operational costs, and hydropower is highly efficient in areas with suitable water resources. However, challenges such as high initial installation costs and geographic limitations remain significant barriers to widespread adoption."
Compare with categories
Identify which category the statements share a sentence/paragraph with.
Solar energy --> Sunlight
Hydropower --> Flow of water
Wind energy --> Low operational costs
Pro Tip
Some categories may not be used, while others may be used multiple times. Don’t force yourself to choose the incorrect answer in order to “balance out” the answers! Normally, the answers share a 60%-40% ratio.
You are now ready to move onto the next lesson.
Lesson 5:
Matching
This lesson aims to enhance your ability to complete matching questions, which is often the most difficult and time-consuming section, troubling a lot of candidates.
5.1 Understanding The Format
These questions ask you to match paragraphs with appropriate headings. Because this task requires a careful reading of the entire passage, it can take a significant amount of time. Therefore, we recommend that you complete the other sections of the passage first. This way, when you return to the matching section, you will have a general understanding of the content, which can greatly improve your matching efficiency and performance!
Strategy: Generate a heading by your own
The most challenging aspect of matching headings is that many of them appear very similar and could easily fit the same paragraph. This is intentional in the design of the exam. As you read through the headings, you might find yourself influenced by them, which could prevent you from accurately understanding the content of the paragraphs.
To address this, we recommend first ignoring the heading options entirely. Focus on summarizing each paragraph and create your own headings. Once you have done this, compare your headings with the provided options and select the one that best aligns with the paragraph’s content.
"The phenomenon known as urban heat island effect (UHI) occurs when metropolitan areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. This is primarily due to human activities, such as vehicular emissions, industrial processes, and the widespread use of heat-absorbing materials like asphalt and concrete. Additionally, the lack of vegetation in cities reduces shade and evapotranspiration, further exacerbating temperature disparities. Studies indicate that UHI can increase energy consumption, elevate air pollution levels, and even contribute to heat-related illnesses. Mitigation strategies, including green roofs, reflective pavements, and urban forestry, have shown promise in counteracting this effect, though their large-scale implementation remains a challenge in densely populated cities."
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below.
i) The Role of Technology in Reducing Urban Temperatures
ii) Causes and Consequences of Increased City Heat
iii) How Rural Areas Benefit from Lower Emissions
iv) Government Policies to Combat Climate Change
Answer:
The paragraph discusses causes (human activities, lack of vegetation) and consequences (higher energy use, pollution, health risks) of UHI.
Option 1 is incorrect because technology is only briefly mentioned (green roofs, reflective pavements) but is not the main focus.
Option 3 is irrelevant—the paragraph does not discuss rural areas.
Option 4 is incorrect because government policies are not mentioned.
Correct Answer: ii) Causes and Consequences of Increased City Heat
5.2 Memorize the Framework
Here is a framework that works for EVERY matching question. Applying this throughout the exam is fundamental to getting a high score.
Create your own heading
We will rewrite the text to make it clearer and correct any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
main topic ---> urban heat island effect
content ---> causes, effects, solutions
Compare with heading options
Choose the best one that fits your own interpretation.
Closest heading: Causes and Consequences of Increased City Heat
Pro Tip
Not all paragraphs may be used (check instructions). Some headings may be distractors (too broad/narrow).
Congratulations!
You have finished the IELTS Reading Course.
Now, let’s test your knowledge by conducting some reading mock tests!