IELTS Reading: Tips and Practice Questions

✅ Step 1: Understand the Test Format

  • Duration: 60 minutes

  • Questions: 40 across 3 passages

  • Question Types:

    • Multiple Choice

    • Matching Headings

    • True/False/Not Given

    • Sentence Completion

✅ Step 2: Learn Key Strategies

  1. Skim for Main Ideas – Quickly read headings and first sentences to understand the topic.

  2. Scan for Details – Look for keywords, numbers, and names to locate answers.

  3. Watch for Synonyms – IELTS often paraphrases words.

  4. Manage Time – Spend about 20 minutes per passage. Don’t get stuck—move on and return later.

✅ Step 3: Practice with Three Passages

Passage 1

The global demand for renewable energy has surged in recent years, driven by concerns over climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. Solar and wind power have become increasingly cost-effective, making them viable alternatives to traditional energy sources. However, challenges remain in terms of storage and grid integration.

Questions

  1. What is the main reason for the increase in renewable energy demand?
    A) Lower electricity prices
    B) Climate change concerns
    C) Government subsidies
    D) Lack of fossil fuels

  2. True / False / Not Given

  • Solar and wind power are now more expensive than fossil fuels.

  • Renewable energy faces challenges related to storage.

  • Governments have completely solved grid integration issues.

  1. Sentence Completion
    Renewable energy has become popular because of __________ and __________.

✅ Answers & Explanations

  1. B) Climate change concerns – Passage says demand is “driven by concerns over climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels.”

  2. False / True / Not Given – Cost-effective (False), challenges remain (True), no mention of government solutions (Not Given).

  3. climate change concerns and fossil fuel depletion.

Passage 2

Libraries have evolved significantly in the digital age. While traditional libraries focused on physical books, modern libraries offer e-books, online journals, and even virtual study spaces. This transformation aims to make knowledge more accessible and convenient. However, critics argue that the decline of physical spaces reduces opportunities for community engagement.

Questions

  1. Multiple Choice: What is the main purpose of modern libraries?
    A) To replace physical books completely
    B) To make knowledge more accessible
    C) To reduce costs
    D) To eliminate community spaces

  2. True / False / Not Given

  • Modern libraries provide virtual study spaces.

  • Critics believe digital libraries increase community engagement.

  • Physical books are no longer available in libraries.

  1. Short Answer: What two digital resources do modern libraries offer?

✅ Answers & Explanations

  1. B) To make knowledge more accessible – Passage states this transformation aims to make knowledge more accessible and convenient.

  2. True / False / Not Given – Virtual spaces (True), critics argue decline reduces engagement (False), no mention of complete elimination of physical books (Not Given).

  3. E-books and online journals – Both mentioned in the passage.

Passage 3

Space tourism is no longer science fiction. Private companies now offer trips to the edge of space for wealthy customers. While this industry promises adventure and innovation, concerns remain about environmental impact and safety. Experts warn that without strict regulations, space tourism could harm the atmosphere and pose risks to passengers.

Questions

  1. Multiple Choice: What is the main concern about space tourism?
    A) Lack of interest from customers
    B) Environmental impact and safety
    C) High ticket prices
    D) Limited technology

  2. True / False / Not Given

  • Space tourism is currently offered by private companies.

  • Experts believe space tourism is completely safe.

  • Regulations for space tourism are already strict.

  1. Sentence Completion: Space tourism could harm __________ and pose risks to __________.

✅ Answers & Explanations

  1. B) Environmental impact and safety – Passage clearly states these concerns.

  2. True / False / Not Given – Offered by private companies (True), experts warn about risks (False), no mention of strict regulations being in place (Not Given).

  3. the atmosphere and passengers – Directly from the passage.

✅ Step 4: How to Use This Guide

  • Practice under timed conditions.

  • Review explanations to understand why answers are correct.

  • Build vocabulary from passages (e.g., grid integration, virtual spaces, regulations).

Minju B