Types of questions in the IELTS general reading test
The IELTS General Reading Test is an essential part of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for candidates seeking migration, work, or study in English-speaking countries.
To perform well, it is crucial to understand the types of questions you will face, as each question type tests different reading skills, from skimming and scanning to identifying opinions, details, and the overall structure of the text.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down all the major question types in the IELTS General Reading Test, discuss their format, strategies to answer them efficiently, and tips to maximize your score.
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Overview:
Multiple Choice Questions are common in the General Reading Test. Typically, each question has three or four answer options, and you must choose the one that best answers the question. The questions may require you to identify facts, details, main ideas, or opinions from the text.
Example:
Read a paragraph about workplace safety, then answer:
“What is the main reason employees are encouraged to report hazards?”
A) To ensure legal compliance
B) To maintain workplace safety
C) To avoid disciplinary action
D) To improve productivity
Strategies:
- Skim first: Quickly scan the text to get a general idea.
- Focus on keywords: Look for words or phrases in the text that match the question.
- Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow down options to improve accuracy.
Tips:
- Be careful of trick options; sometimes all options appear correct except one.
- Pay attention to absolute words like “always” or “never,” which may indicate incorrect choices.
2. True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
These questions are designed to test your ability to identify facts, opinions, and information explicitly stated or implied in the text.
Format:
- True / Yes: The statement agrees with the information in the text.
- False / No: The statement contradicts the text.
- Not Given: The information is not stated or is unclear in the text.
Example:
“The company offers free training for all employees.”
- True / False / Not Given
Strategies:
- Identify keywords in the statement and locate them in the passage.
- Focus on the exact wording; avoid assumptions or interpretations.
- Remember that Not Given is correct if the text doesn’t provide enough information.
Tips:
- These questions are tricky because they test careful reading and attention to detail.
- Avoid jumping to conclusions; base your answer strictly on the text.
3. Sentence Completion
Overview:
Sentence completion questions require you to fill in gaps in sentences using words from the text. They test your ability to locate specific information and paraphrase content.
Format:
- Sentences will have missing words, and your task is to find the correct words from the passage.
- Usually, there is a word limit (e.g., 1–3 words).
Example:
“The new safety procedures were introduced to prevent ______ in the workplace.”
Strategies:
- Scan the text for keywords from the sentence.
- Ensure your answer matches grammar and context.
- Stick to the word limit; exceeding it will make the answer incorrect.
Tips:
- Paraphrasing is often used in the text, so look for synonyms of words in the sentence.
- Maintain correct spelling and tense.
4. Short Answer Questions
Overview:
Short answer questions require concise answers, usually 1–3 words, based on information in the text. They test your ability to locate details quickly.
Example:
“How many branches does the company have in Canada?”
Strategies:
- Identify the question word (who, what, where, when, why).
- Scan the passage for numbers, names, or specific details.
- Keep your answer exactly as it appears in the text unless paraphrasing is allowed.
Tips:
- Pay attention to instructions regarding the number of words.
- Avoid adding extra words that aren’t in the text.
5. Matching Headings
Overview:
This question type evaluates your ability to understand the main idea of each paragraph and match it to a list of headings. It tests comprehension at a higher level than detail-based questions.
Example:
- Paragraph 1: Description of company history
- Paragraph 2: New technological initiatives
- Paragraph 3: Employee benefits and training programs
Headings:
A) Employee Development Programs
B) Company Background
C) Technological Advancements
Strategy:
- Skim each paragraph to find its main theme.
- Avoid choosing headings that match minor details rather than the main idea.
Tips:
- Be aware of synonyms; the heading may use different wording than the paragraph.
- Some headings may be distractors—never assume a heading is correct just because it sounds familiar.
6. Matching Information
Overview:
These questions ask you to find specific information and match it to sections of the text. Unlike headings, this focuses on details rather than main ideas.
Example:
“Which paragraph mentions the new safety regulations?”
Strategy:
- Look for keywords in the question.
- Scan the text paragraph by paragraph.
- Pay attention to contextual clues such as dates, numbers, or names.
Tips:
- Some information may be spread across multiple paragraphs, so read carefully.
7. Matching Features
Overview:
Matching features questions require you to link two sets of information, such as people with opinions, events with locations, or items with dates.
Example:
“Match the company manager to the department they oversee.”
Strategy:
- Make a list of the options.
- Locate each item in the text and identify corresponding information.
- Avoid repeating answers if the instructions forbid it.
Tips:
- Some options may not be used, so pay attention to instructions.
- Look for unique identifiers like proper nouns, dates, or numbers.
8. Diagram, Table, Flowchart Completion
Overview:
In this type, you are given a diagram, table, or flowchart with missing information, which you need to complete using words or numbers from the text.
Example:
A flowchart of a hiring process may require you to fill in steps like: “Application received → _____ → Interview → Decision.”
Strategy:
- Scan for sequential information in the passage.
- Use keywords to locate the correct step or entry.
- Ensure your answers fit grammatically into the diagram.
Tips:
- Numbers, dates, and proper nouns are often used in tables.
- Check the word limit; some diagrams allow only one word per blank.
9. Note, Summary, or Sentence Completion
Overview:
These questions test your ability to extract key points and summarize information. You may have to fill in blanks in notes, summaries, or sentences using words from the text.
Strategy:
- Read the notes or summary first to understand the context.
- Scan the passage for corresponding information.
- Keep answers within the word limit.
Tips:
- Paraphrased answers are common, so think of synonyms.
- Avoid unnecessary words that could make your answer invalid.
10. Yes/No/Not Given for Opinions
A variant of the True/False/Not Given type, this focuses specifically on author’s opinions, claims, or views.
Strategy:
- Determine if the statement matches the author’s viewpoint.
- Look for qualifying words like “may,” “could,” or “likely” in the text.
Key Takeaways for IELTS General Reading
- Time Management: You have 60 minutes for 40 questions. Practice skimming and scanning to find answers quickly.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Word limits, matching rules, and answer formats are strict.
- Use Keywords: Identify key nouns, verbs, and numbers in questions to locate answers faster.
- Avoid Assumptions: Only answer based on the text. Never infer beyond what is written.
- Practice Different Question Types: Familiarity with all 10 types mentioned above is crucial for scoring well.
Conclusion
Mastering the types of questions in the IELTS General Reading Test is a strategic step toward achieving a high band score. Each question type targets a specific reading skill, from locating factual information to understanding the author’s opinions and summarizing key points.
With consistent practice, effective scanning techniques, and careful attention to instructions, candidates can tackle even the trickiest questions confidently.