This is an independent preparation course. It is not the official IELTS test, is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and does not award an IELTS result. Practice scores here are feedback only, not official band scores.
Start with the lessons IELTS Academic Preparation Course: Lessons: about 300 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.
Question 1 of 18
Where do the texts in IELTS Academic Reading come from? Show answer Answer: D. Published sources such as books, journals and newspapers
The official page says Academic Reading texts come from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources, written for a non-specialist audience.
Question 2 of 18
A reading text contains a technical term. What does the test usually provide? Show answer Answer: A. A simple dictionary-style definition of the term
If a text contains technical terms, a simple dictionary definition is given, so you do not need specialist knowledge.
Question 3 of 18
In a True/False/Not Given task, what does "False" mean? Show answer Answer: B. The text contradicts the statement
"False" means the text says the opposite. If the text does not say anything about it, the answer is "Not Given".
Question 4 of 18
In IELTS Academic Reading, what does a Yes/No/Not Given task ask you to identify? Show answer Answer: A. The writer's views or claims
Yes/No/Not Given tasks are about the writer's views or claims. True/False/Not Given tasks are about factual information in the text.
Question 5 of 18
In a matching headings task, which statement is correct? Show answer Answer: D. Some headings are not used, and none is used twice
In matching headings there are more headings than paragraphs, so some headings are not used, and no heading is used twice.
Question 6 of 18
In a word-limit answer in Reading, how can you write a number? Show answer Answer: C. As figures or as words
The official page says numbers can be written using figures or words. Hyphenated words count as one word.
Question 7 of 18
Read the text. Does the statement agree with the information in the text? Choose True, False or Not Given.
Statement: Turf roofs were first used in the twentieth century. A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: B. False
Paragraph A says people in parts of northern Europe used turf roofs "for centuries", so the statement contradicts the text.
Question 8 of 18
Read the text. Does the statement agree with the information in the text? Choose True, False or Not Given.
Statement: Green roofs can reduce the amount of water that flows into drains during storms. A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: A. True
Paragraph B says the plants and soil absorb rainwater, "so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms". The statement paraphrases this.
Question 9 of 18
Read the text. Does the statement agree with the information in the text? Choose True, False or Not Given.
Statement: Green roofs are more common in Asia than in Europe. A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: C. Not Given
The text mentions northern Europe in the past and cities in general, but it never compares Asia with Europe.
Question 10 of 18
Read the text. Which paragraph mentions a problem caused by the weight of a green roof? A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: D. Paragraph C
Paragraph C says wet soil is heavy and older roofs may need to be strengthened. This is a matching information task.
Question 11 of 18
Read the text. Complete the sentence with ONE WORD ONLY from the text: Before planting, older roofs may need to be ________. A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: D. strengthened
Paragraph C says older roofs "may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin". The other words are not used in that sentence.
Question 12 of 18
Read the text. In paragraph C, what does the word "hardy" mean? A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: C. Able to survive difficult conditions
The sentence explains it: hardy plants "survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care". Use the words around a new word to work out its meaning.
Question 13 of 18
Read the text. Which heading best fits paragraph D? A. A green roof is a roof that is partly or completely covered with plants growing in a layer of soil or another growing material. The idea is often presented as new, but for centuries people in parts of northern Europe covered their houses with turf to help keep heat inside during long winters.
B. Modern green roofs are mainly built in cities, where they can offer several benefits. The plants and soil absorb rainwater, so less water rushes into drains during heavy storms; much of it is held in the growing layer and released slowly. The plants also cool the air around them as water evaporates from their leaves, which can make the top floor of a building more comfortable in summer.
C. However, green roofs are not suitable for every building. Wet soil is heavy, and older roofs may need to be strengthened before any planting can begin. Maintenance is another issue: many green roofs use hardy plants that survive heat, wind and dry spells with little care, but the roof still has to be checked regularly for weeds and blocked drains.
D. Supporters argue that the higher cost of building a green roof is balanced by savings over time, because the plant layer protects the waterproof surface underneath from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Critics reply that these savings are difficult to measure and depend greatly on the local climate.
Show answer Answer: C. A disagreement about long-term value
Paragraph D gives the supporters' view (savings over time) and the critics' reply (savings are hard to measure). The main idea is a disagreement about value.
Question 14 of 18
Read the text. Does the statement agree with the views or claims of the writer? Choose Yes, No or Not Given.
Statement: Recorded lectures are helpful for students who study in a second language. Many universities now record their lectures and put them online. In my view, this is a welcome change, but its benefits have been oversold.
Recordings clearly help students who are ill, who work part-time or who are studying in a second language, because they can pause and replay difficult sections. What recordings cannot do is replace the experience of being in the room. Students who watch at home rarely ask questions, and many watch at double speed, which I believe reduces understanding.
Some lecturers worry that empty lecture halls will lead universities to cut teaching staff. That fear may be exaggerated, but universities should state clearly that recordings are a support for live teaching, not a substitute for it.
Show answer Answer: A. Yes
The writer says recordings "clearly help" students studying in a second language, because they can pause and replay. This agrees with the writer's view.
Question 15 of 18
Read the text. Does the statement agree with the views or claims of the writer? Choose Yes, No or Not Given.
Statement: Watching a recording is just as good as attending a lecture in person. Many universities now record their lectures and put them online. In my view, this is a welcome change, but its benefits have been oversold.
Recordings clearly help students who are ill, who work part-time or who are studying in a second language, because they can pause and replay difficult sections. What recordings cannot do is replace the experience of being in the room. Students who watch at home rarely ask questions, and many watch at double speed, which I believe reduces understanding.
Some lecturers worry that empty lecture halls will lead universities to cut teaching staff. That fear may be exaggerated, but universities should state clearly that recordings are a support for live teaching, not a substitute for it.
Show answer Answer: B. No
The writer says recordings "cannot" replace being in the room, so the statement contradicts the writer's view.
Question 16 of 18
Read the text. Does the statement agree with the views or claims of the writer? Choose Yes, No or Not Given.
Statement: Most students prefer recorded lectures to live lectures. Many universities now record their lectures and put them online. In my view, this is a welcome change, but its benefits have been oversold.
Recordings clearly help students who are ill, who work part-time or who are studying in a second language, because they can pause and replay difficult sections. What recordings cannot do is replace the experience of being in the room. Students who watch at home rarely ask questions, and many watch at double speed, which I believe reduces understanding.
Some lecturers worry that empty lecture halls will lead universities to cut teaching staff. That fear may be exaggerated, but universities should state clearly that recordings are a support for live teaching, not a substitute for it.
Show answer Answer: C. Not Given
The writer describes how some students watch recordings, but never says what most students prefer.
Question 17 of 18
Read the text. What is the writer's attitude to the fear that universities will cut teaching staff? Many universities now record their lectures and put them online. In my view, this is a welcome change, but its benefits have been oversold.
Recordings clearly help students who are ill, who work part-time or who are studying in a second language, because they can pause and replay difficult sections. What recordings cannot do is replace the experience of being in the room. Students who watch at home rarely ask questions, and many watch at double speed, which I believe reduces understanding.
Some lecturers worry that empty lecture halls will lead universities to cut teaching staff. That fear may be exaggerated, but universities should state clearly that recordings are a support for live teaching, not a substitute for it.
Show answer Answer: B. The fear may be exaggerated
The writer says "That fear may be exaggerated". Words like "may" show the writer is cautious, not certain.
Question 18 of 18
Read the text. What is the writer's main purpose? Many universities now record their lectures and put them online. In my view, this is a welcome change, but its benefits have been oversold.
Recordings clearly help students who are ill, who work part-time or who are studying in a second language, because they can pause and replay difficult sections. What recordings cannot do is replace the experience of being in the room. Students who watch at home rarely ask questions, and many watch at double speed, which I believe reduces understanding.
Some lecturers worry that empty lecture halls will lead universities to cut teaching staff. That fear may be exaggerated, but universities should state clearly that recordings are a support for live teaching, not a substitute for it.
Show answer Answer: D. To argue that recordings should support live teaching, not replace it
The writer welcomes recordings but says their benefits are "oversold" and ends by saying they are "a support for live teaching, not a substitute for it".
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
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