Real IELTS reading test examples with answers and explanations

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reading test is an assessment of a person’s ability to understand written English. The test consists of several passages, followed by a series of multiple-choice, true/false, or short-answer questions. The passages may come from a variety of sources, such as magazines, newspapers, or academic texts, and they may be on a wide range of topics. The questions are designed to test a person’s understanding of the main ideas, details, and vocabulary in the passage. The test is usually 60 minutes long, and it is divided into three sections, with about 20 minutes allocated for each section. It is important for test takers to read carefully and answer the questions as accurately as possible, as their scores on the reading test will be an important factor in their overall IELTS score.

Here are a few examples of the IELTS reading test questions:

EXAMPLE 1 of the IELTS reading test

Here is an example of a reading test from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

Reading Test

Time allowed: 60 minutes

Instructions:

You should spend about 20 minutes on each of the three sections.

There are 40 questions in total.

You should answer the questions as you read the passage.

You should write your answers on the answer sheet.

Section 1

Read the following passage and answer questions 1-5.

The History of Chocolate

Chocolate has been enjoyed for centuries, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. It is believed that chocolate was first consumed by the ancient Maya and Aztecs, who believed it had medicinal properties and used it as a form of currency. Chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where it quickly became a luxury item. Today, chocolate is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it is an important part of many cultures.

There are several different types of chocolate, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Dark chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, and it is known for its rich, intense flavor. Milk chocolate is made with the addition of milk or milk powder, and it is sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate. White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, but it does not contain any cocoa solids, which gives it a lighter flavor and color.

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which are harvested from cocoa trees. The cocoa beans are fermented, roasted, and ground to create cocoa mass, which is then mixed with sugar and other ingredients to make chocolate. The process of making chocolate is complex and time-consuming, and it requires skill and expertise to produce high-quality chocolate.

Questions:

  1. When was chocolate first consumed by the ancient Maya and Aztecs?
  2. What is dark chocolate made from?
  3. What is milk chocolate known for?
  4. What is white chocolate made with?
  5. What is cocoa mass used to make?

Section 2

Read the following passage and answer questions 6-10.

The Benefits of Walking

Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that has numerous health benefits. It is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles in the lower body, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Walking is also an effective way to improve mental health and reduce stress.

One of the best things about walking is that it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You don’t need any special equipment or a gym membership to get started. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a comfortable place to walk.

In addition to the physical benefits, walking can also have a positive impact on your social life. It is a great way to meet new people and make new friends, especially if you join a walking group or club. Walking can also be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with family and loved ones.

So why wait? Start walking today and experience the numerous benefits for yourself!

Questions:

  1. What are some benefits of walking?
  2. What do you need to start walking?
  3. How can walking improve mental health?
  4. Can walking have a positive impact on your social life?
  5. When can you start walking?

Answers to the questions of example 1 of the IELTS reading test with explanations

Section 1 Answers

When was chocolate first consumed by the ancient Maya and Aztecs?

Answer: Chocolate was first consumed by the ancient Maya and Aztecs.

Explanation: This information is stated directly in the passage: “It is believed that chocolate was first consumed by the ancient Maya and Aztecs…”

What is dark chocolate made from?

Answer: Dark chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “Dark chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, and it is known for its rich, intense flavor.”

What is milk chocolate known for?

Answer: Milk chocolate is known for being sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “Milk chocolate is made with the addition of milk or milk powder, and it is sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate.”

What is white chocolate made with?

Answer: White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, but it does not contain any cocoa solids, which gives it a lighter flavor and color.”

What is cocoa mass used to make?

Answer: Cocoa mass is used to make chocolate.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “The cocoa beans are fermented, roasted, and ground to create cocoa mass, which is then mixed with sugar and other ingredients to make chocolate.”

Section 2 Answers

What are some benefits of walking?

Answer: Walking can improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles in the lower body, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, improve mental health and reduce stress.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that has numerous health benefits. It is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles in the lower body, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Walking is also an effective way to improve mental health and reduce stress.”

What do you need to start walking?

Answer: To start walking, you need a good pair of walking shoes and a comfortable place to walk.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “One of the best things about walking is that it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You don’t need any special equipment or a gym membership to get started. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a comfortable place to walk.”

How can walking improve mental health?

Answer: Walking can improve mental health by reducing stress.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “Walking is also an effective way to improve mental health and reduce stress.”

Can walking have a positive impact on your social life?

Answer: Yes, walking can have a positive impact on your social life.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “In addition to the physical benefits, walking can also have a positive impact on your social life. It is a great way to meet new people and make new friends, especially if you join a walking group or club. Walking can also be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with family and loved ones.”

When can you start walking?

Answer: You can start walking anytime.

Explanation: This information is provided in the passage: “One of the best things about walking is that it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You don’t need any special equipment or a gym membership to get started.”

Example 2 of the IELTS reading test

Here is another example of IELTS reading test questions:

Reading Test

Time allowed: 60 minutes

Instructions:

You should spend about 20 minutes on each of the three sections.

There are 40 questions in total.

You should answer the questions as you read the passage.

You should write your answers on the answer sheet.

Section 1

Read the following passage and answer questions 1-5.

The Science of Dreams

Dreaming is a natural part of the sleep cycle, and it is thought to play a role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Dreams can be vivid and surreal, and they often involve people and places that are familiar to us.

The science of dreaming is a fascinating field of study, and researchers have made many discoveries about the nature and function of dreams. For example, it is known that dreams occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, which is a time when the brain is more active and the muscles are paralyzed.

The content of dreams is thought to be influenced by a variety of factors, including personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and current events. Dreams can be positive or negative, and they can range from everyday events to fantastical or nightmare scenarios.

Questions:

  1. What is thought to be the function of dreaming?
  2. During what stage of sleep do dreams occur?
  3. What factors might influence the content of dreams?
  4. Can dreams be positive or negative?
  5. Can the content of dreams involve everyday events or fantastical scenarios?

Section 2

Read the following passage and answer questions 6-10.

The Importance of Water

Water is essential for life, and it is a vital resource for all living beings. It is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation, and it is an important component of many industrial processes.

Despite its importance, water is often taken for granted and is not always used wisely. Water shortages and drought are becoming more common in many parts of the world, and climate change is contributing to this trend. It is important for individuals and communities to use water responsibly and to conserve this precious resource.

There are many ways to save water at home, including fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using low-flow toilets and appliances. In addition, choosing drought-resistant plants and using greywater (recycled household water) for irrigation can also help to reduce water usage.

Questions:

  1. What is water used for?
  2. Is water becoming more or less scarce in many parts of the world?
  3. Why is it important to use water wisely and conserve it?
  4. How can you save water at home?
  5. Can greywater be used for irrigation?

Answers to the questions of example 2 of the IELTS reading test with explanations

Section 1 Answers

What is thought to be the function of dreaming?

Answer: It is thought that dreaming plays a role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

Explanation: This information is provided in the first sentence of the passage: “Dreaming is a natural part of the sleep cycle, and it is thought to play a role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.”

During what stage of sleep do dreams occur?

Answer: Dreams occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

Explanation: This information is provided in the second sentence of the passage: “The science of dreaming is a fascinating field of study, and researchers have made many discoveries about the nature and function of dreams. For example, it is known that dreams occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep…”

What factors might influence the content of dreams?

Answer: Personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and current events might influence the content of dreams.

Explanation: This information is provided in the third sentence of the passage: “The content of dreams is thought to be influenced by a variety of factors, including personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and current events.”

Can dreams be positive or negative?

Answer: Yes, dreams can be positive or negative.

Explanation: This information is provided in the fourth sentence of the passage: “Dreams can be positive or negative, and they can range from everyday events to fantastical or nightmare scenarios.”

Can the content of dreams involve everyday events or fantastical scenarios?

Answer: Yes, the content of dreams can involve everyday events or fantastical scenarios.

Explanation: This information is provided in the fourth sentence of the passage: “Dreams can be positive or negative, and they can range from everyday events to fantastical or nightmare scenarios.”

Section 2 Answers

What is water used for?

Answer: Water is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, irrigation, and many industrial processes.

Explanation: This information is provided in the first sentence of the passage: “Water is essential for life, and it is a vital resource for all living beings. It is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation, and it is an important component of many industrial processes.”

Is water becoming more or less scarce in many parts of the world?

Answer: Water is becoming more scarce in many parts of the world.

Explanation: This information is provided in the second sentence of the passage: “Despite its importance, water is often taken for granted and is not always used wisely. Water shortages and drought are becoming more common in many parts of the world…”

Why is it important to use water wisely and conserve it?

Answer: It is important to use water wisely and conserve it because water shortages and drought are becoming more common, and climate change is contributing to this trend.

Explanation: This information is provided in the second and third sentences of the passage: “Despite its importance, water is often taken for granted and is not always used wisely. Water shortages and drought are becoming more common in many parts of the world, and climate change is contributing to this trend. It is important for individuals and communities to use water responsibly and to conserve this precious resource.”

How can you save water at home?

Answer: You can save water at home by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, using low-flow toilets and appliances, choosing drought-resistant plants, and using greywater (recycled household water) for irrigation.

Explanation: This information is provided in the third and fourth sentences of the passage: “There are many ways to save water at home, including fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using low-flow toilets and appliances. In addition, choosing drought-resistant plants and using greywater (recycled household water) for irrigation can also help to reduce water usage.”

Can greywater be used for irrigation?

Answer: Yes, greywater can be used for irrigation.

Explanation: This information is provided in the fourth sentence of the passage: “In addition, choosing drought-resistant plants and using greywater (recycled household water) for irrigation can also help to reduce water usage.”

Author

  • Guest Author

    Rishav Pantha is an experienced IELTS instructor with comprehensive knowledge of the examination. He possesses an exemplary command of the English language, certified at the highest proficiency level of C2.

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