10 IELTS Reading Practice Passages with Questions and Answers

If you want to succeed in the IELTS Reading section, there’s no substitute for high-quality practice. But not all practice is created equal. To score Band 7 or higher, you need to sharpen your ability to skim, scan, and tackle tricky question types like True/False/Not Given.

That’s why we’ve created 10 realistic IELTS reading practice passages — each one modeled after the actual exam, with questions and full answer keys.

Whether you're preparing for Academic or General Training, this post is your go-to reading workout.

📘 What You’ll Get

• 10 high-quality reading passages (Academic style)
• 3–5 questions per passage
• Focus on common IELTS question types
• Answer keys for self-evaluation
• Tips and strategies to improve accuracy and timing

✅ IELTS Question Types Covered

• True/False/Not Given
• Matching Headings
• Multiple Choice
• Sentence Completion
• Summary Completion
• Yes/No/Not Given

Want to master tricky question types like True/False/Not Given? Don’t miss our detailed guide:
👉 How to Solve IELTS Reading True/False/Not Given Questions

🔍 Practice Passage 1: The Origins of Coffee

Questions:

1. Coffee was first discovered in Europe. (True/False/Not Given)
2. The energizing effect of coffee was recognized by animals before humans.
3. The article suggests that coffee cultivation was once banned in some regions.

📄 Practice Passage 2: Climate Change and Coral Reefs

Questions:

1. What is the primary cause of coral bleaching?
2. List two environmental factors that affect coral health.
3. True/False/Not Given: Coral reefs can recover naturally if left undisturbed.

📦 Practice Passage 3: The History of Packaging

Questions:

1. Match the packaging material with its time period.
2. Complete the sentence: “Plastic revolutionized packaging by...”
3. The article mentions biodegradable options. (Yes/No/Not Given)

🧪 Practice Passage 4: The Science of Sleep

Questions:

1. What hormone regulates sleep cycles?
2. True/False/Not Given: Adults need less sleep than children.
3. What is REM sleep and why is it important?

🗺️ Practice Passage 5: Mapping the Globe

Questions:

1. How has GPS technology changed modern mapping?
2. Complete the summary: “Early cartographers relied heavily on...”
3. The article claims that mapping is more art than science. (True/False/Not Given)

🏙️ Practice Passage 6: Urbanization Trends

Questions:

1. Which continent has the fastest urban growth rate?
2. Fill in the blank: “Mega-cities are defined as...”
3. The reading states that all cities face the same problems. (Yes/No/Not Given)

🦣 Practice Passage 7: Extinct Megafauna

Questions:

1. What caused the extinction of woolly mammoths?
2. Match the animal with its extinction period.
3. True/False/Not Given: Humans played a role in their extinction.

🎨 Practice Passage 8: The Psychology of Color

Questions:

1. What color is often associated with trust?
2. Fill in the blank: “Red can trigger a sense of...”
3. According to the text, cultural context changes color perception. (Yes/No/Not Given)

🛰️ Practice Passage 9: The Age of Satellites

Questions:

1. List two modern uses of satellites.
2. Complete the sentence: “Satellites orbit Earth at...”
3. True/False/Not Given: All satellites are owned by governments.

🧬 Practice Passage 10: Genetic Engineering

Questions:

1. What is CRISPR and how is it used?
2. Fill in the blank: “Gene editing could potentially eliminate...”
3. The reading argues gene editing is ethically unproblematic. (Yes/No/Not Given)

🧠 Tips to Maximize Practice

• Time Yourself: Simulate exam conditions for each passage
• Analyze Mistakes: Don’t just check answers — understand why you got it wrong
• Practice Skimming & Scanning: Master these skills with our guide 👉 Skimming vs Scanning in IELTS Reading
• Mix Question Types: Don’t just practice one type — the real test is mixed!

📥 Download the Full Set (PDF + Answers)

Want all 10 passages in a printable format? We’re putting together a downloadable PDF soon — stay tuned!

🎯 Ready to Boost Your Band Score?

Practice with realistic, examiner-style mock exams for both Academic and General IELTS at 👉 ieltsexam.ai/ielts-mock-tests

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