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General Training

IELTS General Training reading practice test 1

Five texts, forty questions, sixty minutes. Answers, explanations and a band score, with no signup.

This is a complete IELTS General Training reading practice test. It follows the real format: shorter everyday and workplace texts in the first sections, then one longer passage, with forty questions in sixty minutes.

General Training reading is marked more strictly than Academic because the texts are easier, so you need more correct answers for the same band. The conversion table at the end of this page shows the difference.

Timer 60:00

Passage 1

Reading Passage 1

Travelling around the country with bus passes

Travel Rider pass
The Travel Rider pass is valid for one month from the day it is purchased and allows travel on any NorWest and Metro Link bus within the city. Photo identification is required to purchase a Travel Rider pass. Prices are £42 for adults, £30 for students and pensioners. Passes can be purchased from any of our branches. Please note that replacement passes can only be issued from the main office in Queen Street.
Flexi-Pass
Flexi-Pass allows travel between cities with an hours-based pass that can be topped up just like a pre paid phone card. With freedom to explore the national network of InterCity Coachlines, you can set your own itinerary and travel around the country, when and where you want. The more hours you buy, the cheaper each trip becomes and you can even use Flexi-Pass on the cross-channel ferry. You have three months to use the hours you purchase, so you don’t have to pack too much travelling into a short time frame. The flexi-pass can be purchased from any of our branch offices. Prices:
  • Up to 15 hours – £52
  • 16 to 20 hours – £64
  • 21 to 25 hours – £72
NOTE: No concessions are available on tickets.
Destination Pass
The Destination Pass offers a range of 12 “hop on and off” fixed itinerary passes, based on the most popular touring routes throughout the country. The Destination Pass includes coach and ferry travel, as well as the additional options to sail on Brentwood Lake, all in the one pass. The destination Pass is available through travel agents worldwide or can be purchased through our website. When you’re ready to travel, simply call us or log in online to book one of the 12 individual journeys. You can amend your travel plans up to two hours prior to departure without penalty. All trips must be taken within 6 months. Prices:
  • 4 trips – £115
  • 8 trips – £215
  • 12 trips – £390
Student and group (5 people or more) discounts are available. Contact us for more details.

Questions 1 to 6

Reading Passage 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1 – 20 which are based on Reading Passages 1, 2 and 3. Questions 1 – 6 Match each feature to the correct transport pass. Write the correct letter A–D in boxes 1–6. A Travel Rider pass B Flexi-Pass C Destination Pass D None of the above NB You may use any letter more than once.

1Offers reductions for older people

The correct answer is Travel Rider pass , which offers £30 for students and pensioners. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

2Can be bought online

The correct answer is Destination Pass , which can be purchased through the website. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

3Allows travel by train

The correct answer is None of the above . No pass covers train travel. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

4Has the option to take a cruise

The correct answer is Destination Pass , which includes the option to sail on Brentwood Lake. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

5Can be added to for more travel if required

The correct answer is Flexi-Pass , which can be topped up for additional hours. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

6Is designed for urban transport

The correct answer is Travel Rider pass , designed for city bus travel. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Passage 2

Reading Passage 2

Gaston Community College evening classes

This semester, the following classes will be available. Class: English for beginners Description: An English language class to help new arrivals to the country learn better English. The course looks at using English in everyday situations, such as shopping, going to the doctors or getting a haircut. Times and days: Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (1 hour) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 5 – 12 Duration: 6 weeks Fee: £45
Class: Intermediate Spanish Description: This class is ideally suited for students who have a basic knowledge of Spanish or who completed the Beginner’s Spanish class held last semester Times and days: Tuesdays and Fridays at 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (1 hour) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 5-18 Duration: 8 weeks Fee: £55
Class: Using your computer Description: No idea how to use a computer? Then this class is for you! It covers the basics of surfing the internet, sending and receiving emails, typing and understanding files and folders. Times and days: Wednesdays at 6.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. (45 minutes) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 2-8 Duration: 4 weeks Fee: £25
Class: Beginners watercolour painting Description: Back by popular demand and once again run by local artist Ted Heath, this class gives you an opportunity to show your more creative side. NB: you will need to provide your own paper, paint and brushes Thursdays from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (1 hour) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 4-12 Duration: 8 weeks Fee: £40
Class: Better public speaking Description: For all those who have completed public speaking or presentation skills courses, or who have some experience and wish to brush up on their skills. Practise connecting with your audience and communicating your message with full effectiveness. Times and days: Tuesdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (1 hour each session) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 2-8 Duration: 4 weeks Fee: £30
Class: Successful interview techniques Description: Many courses focus on presenting yourself well at an interview, but this course will help you become a better interviewer – ideal for those perhaps run a small business and would like to be sure they are recruiting the right person. We will cover preparation, body language and good interview questions. Times and days: Mondays and Fridays at 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (1 hour) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 4-10 Duration: 5 weeks Fee: £35
Class: Authentic Thai cooking Description: Learn to cook Thai food the fun way with a native, experienced chef. A hands-on and demonstration course covering exciting dishes from all regions of Thailand. Aspects of Thai culture will be covered and all recipes and ingredients supplied. Times and days: Tuesdays from 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (90 minutes) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 4-10 Duration: 8 weeks Fee: £35 + £55 food costs
Class: Beginners guitar Description: Learn to play both classical and popular techniques. Please bring your own guitar, and a music stand and floor step if you have one. You will need to buy a textbook. Even if you’ve never played a note before, you should be able to play a tune by the end of the course. Times and days: Wednesdays from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (1 hour) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 2-6 Duration: 5 weeks Fee: £20
Class: Digital photos Description: A fun & practical workshop just for digital camera users. Learn how to use the main functions of your camera. Lots of practice with portraits, action shots, night scenes & landscapes. Learn different ways to transfer your photos on to the computer – emailing, printing, resizing photos, changing colour or contrast, convert colour to black & white. Times and days: Mondays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (1 hour each session) Minimum-maximum class sizes: 4-10 Duration: 6 weeks Fee: £40

Questions 7 to 12

Questions 7 – 12 Answer the questions below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.

7Which class is the cheapest? [field 1]

The correct answer is Beginners guitar at £20 — the lowest fee of all classes. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

8Which class has been designed for new migrants? [field 1]

The correct answer is English for beginners . The description says it helps new arrivals to the country. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

9How long is each computing class? [field 1]

The correct answer is 45 minutes . The computer class runs 6:30–7:15 p.m. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

10What is the maximum number of students allowed in the Spanish class? [field 1]

The correct answer is 18 . The Intermediate Spanish class has a maximum of 18 students. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

11Which class will help you use a modern camera better? [field 1]

The correct answer is Digital photos , a workshop for digital camera users. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

12Which local painter will teach students how to use watercolours? [field 1]

The correct answer is Ted Heath . The watercolour painting class is run by local artist Ted Heath. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Passage 3

Reading Passage 3

ESITO dress code

The personal appearance of office workers and employees who have regular contact with the public is laid out in the company dress code. In brief, the code requires all employees to observe the following:
  • Clean, pressed, properly fitting business casual attire is appropriate.
  • Hair should be clean, combed and neatly arranged. Long hair is acceptable if it is tied back.
  • Moustaches and beards should be neatly trimmed.
  • Good personal hygiene must be maintained.
  • Use perfume or cologne in small quantities or not at all (some people are allergic to various scents).
The personal appearance of employees who do not regularly meet the public is to be decided by the requirements of safety, comfort and supervisor approval. Even so, because all employees are a representative of the company, they should be as neat and business-like as working conditions permit. The following are some examples of inappropriate dress at all times:
  • Faded and/or tattered/torn jeans; t-shirts displaying advertising or writing
  • Faded overalls, cotton/fleece pants and jogging suits, shorts, tank tops or recreational attire
  • Clothing revealing bare backs, midriffs or shoulders; or any revealing clothing.
Casual Fridays: The Company has designated Fridays as casual days. Some clothing is still considered inappropriate even on casual days. Employees are requested to use good sense in this regard. Bad weather days: The Company understands that inclement weather conditions can require different attire for the day. Use good judgment when dressing for weather conditions. NOTE: This only impacts on employees working in the yard. The supervisor is responsible for evaluating the dress and appearance of employees under his or her supervision. If an employee is not dressed appropriately, the supervisor should take the following steps: On the first occasion, a documented verbal warning should be given to the employee, and the department’s dress and appearance standards should be reviewed. If the supervisor deems it necessary, the employee may be sent home to change into appropriate clothing. On the second occasion, the employee must be sent home to change clothes immediately as well as given a written warning. Further violations may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Questions 13 to 20

Questions 13 – 20 Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage. Write your answers in boxes 13 – 20.

13Long hair must be [field 1].

The correct answer is tied back . The dress code states long hair is acceptable if it is tied back. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

14Facial hair should be [field 1].

The correct answer is neatly trimmed . The dress code states moustaches and beards should be neatly trimmed. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

15Employees should use little or no perfume or cologne because other staff may be [field 1].

The correct answer is allergic . The dress code notes that some people are allergic to various scents. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

16A more relaxed approach to clothing is acceptable on [field 1]

The correct answer is Fridays . The passage states: 'The Company has designated Fridays as casual days.' Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

17Seasonal changes only affect the appearance of people working [field 1]

The correct answer is in the yard . Bad weather allowances only apply to employees working in the yard. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

18Ripped jeans and t-shirts with lettering are considered [field 1]

The correct answer is inappropriate dress . The passage lists ripped jeans and advertising t-shirts as 'inappropriate dress at all times'. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

19If in doubt, the decision about appropriate dress is made by a [field 1].

The correct answer is supervisor . The passage states the supervisor is responsible for evaluating employee dress. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

20If an employee is considered to be improperly dressed on a second occasion, they are required to be [field 1] without delay.

The correct answer is sent home . On the second occasion, the employee must be sent home to change clothes immediately. Always try to answer — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Passage 4

Reading Passage 4

Benefits and amendment to benefits for Glyph Interactive employees

Pension scheme

All employees are automatically included in our pension scheme, although there is an ‘opt out’ policy for employees with private pension plans. The pension scheme is no longer non-contributory, with employees now being asked to pay 25% of the annual payment. Government contributions will amount to an additional 25%, with Glyph Interactive continuing to support employees by covering the remaining 50%. Employees need to pay into the pension scheme for a minimum of 20 years. Once an employee reaches the age of 65, the pension payments begin. Employees who do not reach the twenty year mark will be paid pro rata (that is, an employee who has worked only ten years will receive only 50% of that received by an employee with twenty years experience).

Medical insurance

Due to rising costs, we can no longer support offering medical insurance to retiring employees. Standard cover still applies to all active employees, with one important addition. The immediate family (spouse and children) of the employee can also be covered for the same benefits and services. This will attract an additional payment depending on the current health of those wishing to be covered, but will be well below the cost of seeking insurance with a private company.

Access to company vehicles

All staff with a legitimate need to travel will have access to one of the company vehicles. Please note that this is to be used for company purposes only, and must be applied for in writing at least two days before the vehicle is needed. For urgent and unexpected requirements, please consult your manager. The only exception to this is for sales staff, who have already been issued their own vehicles.

Communication

All members of staff have a laptop which is issued on the first day of employment. This will now be supplemented by the addition of a Smartphone. Please note, however, that all calls and communications using the Smartphone should be for company purposes only unless in an emergency. Training events will be posted in the next few weeks to help you get to grips with the new phone.

Working from home

We are now in the second year of the trial of some employees working from home for at least a part of the week. Despite some earlier difficulties, the scheme has proven successful and will now be offered as an option for all staff (although final approval must be given by your manager).

Questions 21 to 26

Reading Passage 2 You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 21 – 26 which are based on Reading Passage 2. Questions 21 – 26 Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2? Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

21All employees must belong to the company’s pension plan.

The answer is FALSE . The passage states employees can opt out of the pension scheme if they have a private plan. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

22No pension scheme payments need to be made after 20 years of employment.

The answer is NOT GIVEN . The passage only states 20 years is the minimum contribution period — it does not say payments stop after 20 years. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

23Employees can now have their families covered under the company insurance for cheaper than doing so privately.

The answer is TRUE . The passage states adding family cover costs less than private insurance. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

24All staff must request to use a company car 48 hours before required.

The answer is FALSE . Sales staff are excluded from this requirement — they have already been issued their own vehicles. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

25Laptops must only be used for company business only.

The answer is NOT GIVEN . The passage does not state any usage restrictions for laptops — only the Smartphone has stated restrictions. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

26The working from home option is not a success.

The answer is FALSE . The passage states the scheme has proven successful and will be offered to all staff. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Passage 5

Reading Passage 5

THE NON-MILITARY USES OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES A) The use of unmanned aerial vehicles has grown dramatically over the past decade or so, in no small part due to the fact that some of these machines are able to remain airborne for longer periods of time than more conventional manned aircraft. At the same time, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), and remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), nowadays commonly referred to as drones, are generally credited with being both more cost-effective to operate and maintain, as well as safer to use, than piloted aircraft. The term drone may also refer to small electric helicopters fitted with two or more rotors which are flown by remote control. B) Today, drones are being used with increasing frequency for military operations by a number of countries in combat, surveillance and reconnaissance roles. These machines tend to be larger than non-military drones and are, in the main, powered by jet or gas engines. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the use of drone technology has gained a measure of notoriety as a result of their growing prominence in military roles, which have been widely publicised in television, online and print media during the last decade and a half, leading to criticism of their application in this arena on both ethical and legal grounds. C) While originally and currently still primarily used for military purposes, the rapid growth and development in drone technology during the early twenty-first century has led some experts to predict that, by 2030, there will be approximately 30,000 licensed drones operating in the skies above the United States alone. It has also been estimated that the economic value of the commercial drone market will rise in value to around $90 billion globally during the next five years, as well as create as many as 150,000 new jobs by 2035.A projection by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that agricultural applications will one day account for approximately 80 percent of commercial drone use. D) One development related to the commercial use of drones which has perhaps received the greatest amount of news and media coverage in recent years is the establishment of Amazon Prime Air in the early 2020s by the US-based online retail giant, Amazon.com. Amazon Prime Air's drone-based delivery system for its customers' purchases is now operational, though it's still growing and faces regulatory considerations. Deliveries occur during daylight hours and in good weather conditions, although the company has been granted permission by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to begin testing its current prototypes under certain restrictions. E) As far as aerial filming and photography are concerned, commercial drones have a number of applications in industries ranging from those of movie production and the news media, to real estate, telecommunications and security. More specific uses in these fields include, though are by no means limited to, taking promotional photos and videos for commercial and residential properties on the market, filming breaking-news stories and live sports events, producing footage from unique perspectives for movies and carrying out security and surveillance functions in the detection of criminal activity and identification of criminals. F) In addition to the delivery of consumer products and other commercial applications, non-military drones are gaining popularity for use in search and rescue operations. Drone-mounted cameras enable unmanned aerial vehicles to follow pre-programmed search patterns when looking for missing persons and victims of natural disasters across a variety of otherwise inaccessible terrain types, including marine environments. With the addition of infrared thermal imaging camera technology, drones can also carry out search and rescue missions after dark, with much greater manoeuvrability and at less cost than using a helicopter, for example. G) These days, drones are increasingly being used by national government agencies and local authorities for a variety of purposes outside of the private sector. Transport agencies, both road and rail, make use of unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring traffic flow and reporting accidents and hazards, while civil planners utilise the technology to assist with mapping and surveying work. Fire departments in some jurisdictions now rely on UAVs to help them reduce risks and costs when fighting fires in both urban and rural areas, while customs and law enforcement agencies also employ drone technology in protecting citizens and borders through monitoring and surveillance. H) In terms of the natural world, scientists and researchers are turning to drones with greater frequency to monitor, document and assess changes in the health, movement and distribution of flora and fauna, as well as pollution, weather and the climate, both conveniently and cost-effectively. Unmanned aircraft are today being used not only in environmental and ecological research, but also as cutting-edge tools to assist in wildlife conservation efforts. In the latter capacity, drone technology is now being used by both governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations in the surveillance and prevention of illegal hunting and poaching of a number of endangered species. I) While advocates of drones are quick to point out all of the many benefits that the machines can bring to society and the planet, the technology is not without its critics. Those opposed to the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles cite a number of negative aspects related to the seemingly inexorable rise of drones and their myriad possible applications in our lives. These include logistical concerns such as the comparatively short flight times of smaller UAVs (presently between 30 and 45 minutes) and their operational limitations in terms of spatial mobility. Other perceived disadvantages are safety risks, in the potential for collisions across increasingly crowded airspace, and even the adverse effects drones may have on the natural environment, particularly as contributors to noise pollution. J) Whether for commercial or recreational applications or being used as tools to assist those working in the public sector, it would appear that the numerical proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as their numerous potential uses, means that the impact of drone technology in our lives is only set to increase. While there are undoubtedly issues yet to be resolved regarding the use of drones, particularly in relation to regulatory oversight and legal restrictions on the part of relevant authorities, the futuristic technology afforded us in the form of these robotic vehicles indicates that not the sky, but rather the solar system and beyond, may be the limit.

Questions 27 to 40

Reading Passage 3 You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27 – 39 which are based on Reading Passage 3. Questions 27 – 33 Reading Passage 3 has ten paragraphs, A–J. Which paragraph contains the following information? Write the correct letter A–J in boxes 27–33.

27Drone technology for use in farming

The correct answer is Paragraph C , which discusses the projection that 80% of commercial drones will be used in agriculture. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

28Potential drawbacks of non-military drones

The correct answer is Paragraph I , which details drawbacks including short flight times, collision risks, and noise pollution. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

29The sale of housing

The correct answer is Paragraph E , which describes drone use in real estate photography for properties on the market. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

30The preservation of plants and animals

The correct answer is Paragraph H , which covers drone use in monitoring flora and fauna and wildlife conservation. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

31Using drones at night

The correct answer is Paragraph F , which discusses drone search and rescue operations at night using infrared cameras. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

32Employment opportunities related to UAVs

The correct answer is Paragraph C , which discusses the projected creation of 150,000 new jobs from commercial drone growth. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

33The use of drones in monitoring automobiles

The correct answer is Paragraph G , which describes drone use in monitoring road and rail traffic. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Questions 34 – 38 Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3? Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

34Drones are often cheaper to use than manned aircraft.

The answer is TRUE . Paragraph A states drones are more cost-effective to operate than manned aircraft. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

35In the future, the majority of private sector drones are likely to be used in farming.

The answer is TRUE . Paragraph C projects agricultural applications will account for 80% of commercial drone use. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

36Amazon is presently using drones to deliver items purchased online.

The answer is TRUE . Paragraph D confirms Amazon Prime Air's drone delivery system is now operational. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

37Drone technology is used to help rescue people lost at sea.

The answer is TRUE . Paragraph F states drones can conduct search and rescue in marine environments. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

38Drones contribute to air pollution.

The answer is NOT GIVEN . The passage mentions noise pollution from drones, but does not mention air pollution. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Question 39 Choose TWO letters A–E. Which TWO of the following are mentioned as risks or drawbacks associated with drone technology?

39–40Which TWO of the following are mentioned as being risks or drawbacks associated with drone technology?

The correct answers are B and D . Paragraph I mentions short flight times and collision risks as drawbacks. Always make a choice — there is no penalty for a wrong answer in IELTS.

Your result

Your band score for this General Training reading test

Answer the questions to see your score out of 40.

Your approximate band appears once you have answered every question.

Band boundaries vary slightly between test versions, so treat this as a guide rather than a prediction. It also flatters: a test taken at home, without the pressure of the day, usually scores higher than the real thing.

Approximate General Training reading conversion, out of 40
Correct answersApproximate band
40+Band 9
39+Band 8.5
37+Band 8
36+Band 7.5
34+Band 7
32+Band 6.5
30+Band 6
27+Band 5.5
23+Band 5

Reading and listening convert from a raw score. Writing and speaking do not: they are judged by an examiner against four criteria, which is why no calculator can estimate them.

Getting answers wrong and not sure why?

Every question here explains its answer. What an explanation cannot tell you is which question types you lose marks on repeatedly, which is the thing worth fixing.

The complete IELTS course on IELTStestONLINE has video lessons on every reading question type, many more full tests, and your own support tutor. Take a look at the complete course

Questions about this IELTS General Training reading practice test

Is this a real IELTS reading test?

It is a full-length practice test written to the same specification as the real Academic reading test: three passages, forty questions, sixty minutes. Past papers are not released by the test providers.

How long should this test take?

Sixty minutes for all three passages, about twenty minutes each. There is no extra time in the real test to transfer answers, so treat every answer as final when you choose it.

How many answers do I need for Band 7?

Around 30 out of 40 in Academic reading, though the boundary varies slightly between test versions. Roughly 27 is Band 6.5 and 23 is Band 6.

Do I need to sign up to take this test?

No. The passages, the questions, the answers and the explanations are all open, with no account and no payment.

Why is my practice score higher than my real test score?

A test taken at home has no time pressure, no unfamiliar room and no invigilation. Practice scores usually flatter, so plan for slightly less on the day.

Before your next test

The IELTS reading testEvery question type explained True False Not GivenThe hardest question type How to use a practice testTiming, review and what a score means

Full membership

A reading band is not an IELTS band

You have just scored one of the four papers. Reading and listening convert from a raw score, so you can mark them yourself. Writing and speaking cannot be converted from anything, and they are the two that most often hold candidates below the band they need.

IELTStestONLINE assesses your writing and speaking against the four criteria, instantly and as often as you like, and keeps every score you record in one place with an estimated overall band.

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