IELTS Reading practice tests
Three passages, 40 questions and 60 minutes, on a screen that works like the computer-delivered exam. When you finish you get your band and the exact line in the passage that proves each answer. Free, no sign-up needed.
Academic Reading
For university entry and professional registration.
Academic Reading · Free
Academic Reading Practice Test 1
60 minutes · 40 questions · 3 parts
Passages: Bees on the Rooftops, The White Gold of the Ancient World, Why We Forget — and Why It Might Be Useful
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Academic Reading Practice Test 2
60 minutes · 40 questions · 3 parts
Passages: The Humble Pencil, Farming Upwards, Why Boredom Matters
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General Training Reading
For work, migration and secondary education.
General Training Reading · Free
General Training Reading Practice Test 1
60 minutes · 40 questions · 3 parts
Passages: Northfield Community Notices, Harbourside Hotel: Information for New Staff, The Return of the Night Train
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General Training Reading Practice Test 2
60 minutes · 40 questions · 3 parts
Passages: Holiday Lets and Travel Information, Westbrook Logistics: Your Probation Period, Science by the People
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New to Reading? Read our IELTS Reading tips and tricks before you start.
How the Reading test is scored
Each correct answer is one mark, and your score out of 40 is converted to a band. General Training needs more correct answers for the same band as Academic because its texts are easier: about 30 correct gives band 7 in Academic, but around 34 in General Training. Spelling counts, and answers over the word limit are marked wrong.
Aim for about 20 minutes per passage, and never leave a blank: there is no penalty for a wrong answer. See how your Reading band combines with the other skills in the band score calculator.