IELTS reading practice test: a free mini mock
Two passages and the question types of the real test, Academic or General Training. You get your score, an estimated band and the question type that costs you most marks.
- 2 passages14 or 15 questions
- 20 mintimer optional
- 8 typesof IELTS question
- Bandestimate and review
How the mini test works
The real IELTS Reading test is 60 minutes, 40 questions and three sections. This mini test is two passages, about a third of it, with the same question types.
- 1
Choose Academic or General Training
Academic has long texts from books and journals. General Training has a workplace guide and a general-interest text. Turn on the 20-minute timer if you want test conditions.
- 2
Read on the left, answer on the right
As in the computer test, the passage stays on one side and the questions on the other. On a phone, switch between them with the tabs.
- 3
See your score and every answer
Your score, an estimated band, how you did on each question type, and each question with the right answer and where it is in the text.
IELTS reading question types
The test uses these eight types. Each one asks for a different reading skill, and most learners lose marks on two or three of them.
True, false or not given
Does a statement agree with the facts in the text?
Tip: FALSE means the text says the opposite; NOT GIVEN means it does not say.Yes, no or not given
Does a statement agree with the writer's views or claims?
Tip: Look for the writer's own words: I believe, should, in my view.Matching headings
Choose the heading that sums up each paragraph.
Tip: Match the main idea, not one word that appears in both.Matching information
Find the section or paragraph that contains a detail.
Tip: A letter can be used more than once.Multiple choice
Choose the right option, A, B, C or D.
Tip: Rule out each wrong option with a line from the text.Summary completion
Fill the gaps in a summary from a list of words.
Tip: The word must fit the grammar of the gap as well as the meaning.Sentence completion
Complete sentences with words from the text.
Tip: Copy the words exactly and keep to the word limit.Short answer
Answer questions with a few words from the text.
Tip: No full sentences; more words than the limit is marked wrong.
How your band is estimated
Your correct answers are scaled to a score out of 40, then turned into a band with the usual Academic or General Training Reading table, the same one the band score calculator uses.
With 14 or 15 questions, one answer can move the band by half a band or more, so read it as a rough estimate, not an official result.
| Correct | Out of 40 | Band |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 40 | 9.0 |
| 14 | 37 | 8.5 |
| 13 | 35 | 8.0 |
| 12 | 32 | 7.0 |
| 11 | 29 | 6.5 |
| 10 | 27 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 24 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 21 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 19 | 5.5 |
| 6 | 16 | 5.0 |
| 5 | 13 | 4.5 |
| Correct | Out of 40 | Band |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 40 | 9.0 |
| 13 | 37 | 8.0 |
| 12 | 34 | 7.0 |
| 11 | 31 | 6.0 |
| 10 | 29 | 5.5 |
| 9 | 26 | 5.0 |
| 8 | 23 | 5.0 |
| 7 | 20 | 4.5 |
| 6 | 17 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 14 | 3.5 |
IELTS reading practice test FAQ
What this test is, how the band is worked out and what happens after.
Is this a real IELTS reading test?
No. The texts and questions were written for Slova in the style of the IELTS Reading test and use its question types. The real test has 40 questions in 60 minutes; this mini test has two passages and 14 or 15 questions, about 20 minutes.
How is my band estimated?
Your correct answers are scaled to a score out of 40 and converted with the usual Academic or General Training Reading table, the same one the band score calculator uses. With so few questions one answer moves the band a lot, so treat it as a rough estimate, not an official result.
Should I take Academic or General Training?
The one you will sit. Academic has long texts from books, journals and newspapers; General Training has everyday and workplace texts and needs more correct answers for the same band.
How long is the real IELTS reading test?
60 minutes for 40 questions in three sections, with no extra time to transfer answers. That is about 20 minutes per section, which is why this mini test suggests 20 minutes for two passages.
Do I have to use the timer?
No. The 20-minute timer is optional. When it runs out you can still finish; the result shows how long you took.
Can I see the right answers?
Yes. After the test you see every question with your answer, the right answer and where it is in the text. The result is never locked behind an email.
Reading gets faster with the words you know
Slova builds a learning path from your level and your goal: short lessons, speaking practice and the words you need next.
Test your other IELTS skills
Find your band in each skill, then put them together.