IELTS Reading question types and how to approach each one
IELTS Reading has 40 questions in 60 minutes with no extra transfer time. Knowing exactly what each question type asks you to do saves minutes — and marks.
General Training True False Not Given practice
Community tool library
Members can borrow two tools at a time for up to seven days. To join, bring photo identification and a recent document showing your local address. Reservations open each Monday and must be collected by Friday evening. Members can request an extension once if nobody else has reserved the tool. A volunteer demonstrates how to use each power tool at collection.
- A member can borrow three tools at the same time.
- A member may be able to extend a loan.
- Volunteers repair damaged tools on Saturdays.
Show answers and evidence
- False. “Two tools at a time” contradicts three.
- True. The passage permits one extension if nobody else has reserved the tool.
- Not Given. The notice describes a demonstration at collection. It gives no information about repairs or Saturdays.
True / False / Not Given (and Yes / No / Not Given)
TRUE means the text says the same thing; FALSE means it says the opposite; NOT GIVEN means the text does not say. Do not use your own knowledge. Yes/No/Not Given asks about the writer's views rather than facts.
Matching headings
Choose the heading that summarises the main idea of the whole paragraph, not one detail. Read the first and last sentences, then confirm with the body.
Matching information and matching features
Matching information asks which paragraph contains a detail (paragraphs can be used more than once or not at all). Matching features links statements to people, dates or categories — scan for names, then read closely around them.
Completion tasks
Sentence, summary, note, table and flow-chart completion use words from the text. Respect the word limit exactly and check grammar: the answer must fit the gap.
- 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' means one or two words
- Hyphenated words count as one word
- Copy spelling exactly from the passage
Multiple choice and short answers
Eliminate options that are partly true or not stated. For short answers, use the words in the text within the limit.
Common questions
Is Not Given the same as False?
No. False means the text contradicts the statement; Not Given means the text contains no information to confirm or contradict it.
Do I get extra time to transfer Reading answers?
No. Unlike paper-based Listening, Reading has no additional transfer time, so write answers as you go.
Practise the way the exam actually tests you
Exam-order modules, real question types, explanations for every answer, and feedback that quotes your own work.