Arif Academy β€” Final Header

IELTS Reading Test Complete Guide & Free Resources

πŸ“– Reading

IELTS Locate & Explain

Our powerful Locate & Explain feature helps you Locate the exact answer in the passage and clearly Explain why it's correct.

Feature Explore More
Reading
πŸ“– Reading

IELTS Note & Highlight

Take quick notes and highlight text while readingβ€”perfect for active learning and better focus.

Feature Explore More
Reading Feature
πŸ“– Reading

Real-Time Band Score

Get an instant band score as soon as you submit your practice test. Your score is automatically calculated based on your correct answers.

AI Try Reading Eval
Speaking Evaluation
πŸ“– Reading

IELTS Locate & Explain

Our powerful Locate & Explain feature helps you Locate the exact answer in the passage and clearly Explain why it's correct.

Feature Explore More
Reading
πŸ“– Reading

IELTS Note & Highlight

Take quick notes and highlight text while readingβ€”perfect for active learning and better focus.

Feature Explore More
Reading Feature
πŸ“– Reading

Real-Time Band Score

Get an instant band score as soon as you submit your practice test. Your score is automatically calculated based on your correct answers.

AI Try Reading Eval
Band Score

🏠 Online Roommate Finder Toronto β€” IELTS Reading Answers

The Online Roommate Finder: Toronto passage is from Cambridge IELTS 13, General Training, Test 2, Section 1. It is paired with a passage about Smartphone Fitness Apps. In this passage, Sasha, a 23-year-old Canadian, posts an ad looking for a new roommate in her Toronto apartment.

Passage Summary

"I have one room available in a large apartment located just off Queen and Bathurst in Toronto. The room is fully furnished with a double bed, desk, shelf and wardrobe… We both like keeping the place neat and tidy – I actually enjoy cleaning in my spare time and sometimes we do it together as a roommate team… The apartment itself is very large and comes equipped with unlimited wi-fi, a fully stocked kitchen, cable television, and Netflix. The bedroom is a long way from the living room… We also have two cats who are well-behaved but they might be a problem if you have allergies."

Questions 1–7 β€” True / False / Not Given Answers

#StatementAnswer
1The room available has two beds.FALSE
2Sasha's previous flatmate has lived in the apartment for two years.TRUE
3Simon works full-time.FALSE
4Sasha and Simon clean the apartment together sometimes.TRUE
5Sasha enjoys outdoor activities.TRUE
6The new roommate will not be disturbed by noise from the living area.TRUE
7Sasha has never had a Canadian roommate before.NOT GIVEN
⚠️ This passage is in the official Cambridge IELTS 13 book (General Training). Always check your answers with your own copy of the book, since the official answer key is the most reliable.
Student reading IELTS preparation material
Focused reading practice is key to improving your IELTS Reading band score.

πŸ“„ IELTS Reading Test with Answers PDF

Use these free and official PDF resources for your IELTS Reading practice:

  • Cambridge IELTS Books (1–19): Published by Cambridge University Press. Each book has four full tests with answer keys β€” the best resources for practice.
  • British Council free sample tests β€” available at arifacademy.com
  • IDP IELTS free practice materials β€” available at arifacademy.com
  • IELTS.org official sample papers β€” available at arifacademy.com
βœ… Avoid unofficial PDFs from random websites β€” they often have wrong answers or low-quality questions. Always start with official Cambridge books.

πŸ“Š IELTS Reading Score

The IELTS Reading section has 40 questions and takes 60 minutes. Here's how your score is calculated:

  • Each correct answer = 1 raw mark
  • No negative marking β€” wrong answers get zero, so always attempt every question.
  • Total correct answers are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale using a conversion chart.
  • Academic and General Training use slightly different conversion charts.
  • Your Reading band is averaged with Listening, Writing, and Speaking to produce your overall band score.

🎯 IELTS Reading Band Score Chart

Academic Reading needs fewer correct answers than General Training for the same band, since Academic passages are more difficult.

Academic Reading

BandCorrect AnswersLevel
9.039–40Expert user
8.537–38Very good user
8.035–36Very good user
7.533–34Good user
7.030–32Good user
6.527–29Competent user
6.023–26Modest user
5.519–22Limited user
5.015–18Limited user
4.513–14Intermittent user

General Training Reading

BandCorrect Answers
9.040
8.037–39
7.034–35
6.532–33
6.030–31
5.527–29
5.023–26
πŸ’‘ Tip: For Band 7.0 in Academic Reading, aim for at least 30 correct answers. Just two or three extra correct answers can boost you from Band 6.5 to 7.0.
Cambridge IELTS practice books
Cambridge IELTS books (1–19) are the gold standard for authentic IELTS reading practice.

πŸ“ IELTS Reading Answer Sheet

The IELTS Reading answer sheet is the official form where you record your answers during the test.

  • Paper-based test: Write answers directly on the sheet during the 60 minutes. No extra transfer time. Write clearly in BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS.
  • Computer-based test: Type answers directly into the computer; no physical answer sheet is used.
  • The sheet has numbered boxes 1–40, one for each question.
  • Spelling must be correct. A misspelled word gets zero marks even if it is easy to recognize.
  • You may use a pencil on the paper-based test.
πŸ“Œ Practice filling in the answer boxes neatly. Download a free sample sheet from the official British Council or IDP website.

❓ IELTS Reading Question Types

There are 11 official question types in the IELTS Reading test. Each type requires a different strategy.

MCQ Multiple Choice

Choose A, B, C, or D. Read all choices before deciding β€” some options use words from the passage but change the meaning.

T/F/NG True / False / Not Given

"Not Given" means the text does not mention the topic at all β€” not that it is false. This distinction is critical.

Y/N/NG Yes / No / Not Given

For the writer's opinions or claims. Find the author's viewpoint, not just facts from the text.

MH Matching Headings

Match each heading to the correct paragraph by focusing on the main idea. Save these for last to improve accuracy.

MI Matching Information

Find which paragraph contains specific information. Answers are not always in order; some paragraphs may be used more than once.

MF Matching Features

Match statements to a list of features such as people, places, or dates. Each letter can be used more than once.

SC Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence using words from the passage. Always follow the word limit (e.g. NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS).

NC Note / Table / Flow-Chart

Fill in blanks in tables, summaries, or flow-charts. Stick to the word limit and copy exact words from the text.

DL Diagram Labelling

Label parts of a diagram with words from the passage. Answers are always in the text β€” scan for related words near the diagram description.

SA Short-Answer Questions

Write short answers (names, dates) within the word limit. Copy exact words from the text.

SE Sentence Endings

Choose the correct ending for each incomplete sentence. Ensure your answer is both grammatically and logically correct.

IELTS band score chart study
Understanding IELTS band scores helps you set realistic targets and track your progress.

πŸ“š Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Reading Test 1

Test 1 contains three passages covering crop-growing skyscrapers (vertical farming), Easter Island (Rapa Nui), and the science of art appreciation.

πŸ’‘ For detailed explanations of every answer, visit arifacademy.com β€” full paragraph-level explanations with synonyms are available there.

πŸ“š Cambridge 9 Reading Test 1

Cambridge IELTS 9 is one of the most widely used practice books. Test 1 Academic Reading covers passages on the history of the English language, the story of silk, and psychology/decision-making. General Training Test 1 features everyday and workplace texts.

  • Passage 1: History, natural science, and culture
  • Passage 2: Business, social science, or technology
  • Passage 3: Academic research or complex argument texts

The answer key for all four tests is printed at the back of the official book. Full free online practice is available at arifacademy.com.

πŸ“š Cambridge IELTS Book 10

Cambridge IELTS 10 includes four full Academic and General Training tests. It is popular for its mid-level difficulty.

  • Academic passages drawn from journals and books across science, history, and business
  • General Training Section 1 includes notices, advertisements, and short informational texts
  • Answer key included in the official book

πŸ“š Cambridge 11 Reading Test 2

Test 2 has three challenging passages: the Mary Rose (Tudor warship), Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and the science of art appreciation.

  • Mary Rose: Maritime archaeology β€” matching information questions require finding specific details in different paragraphs.
  • Rapa Nui: Different academic viewpoints (Diamond vs. Hunt and Lipo). Y/N/NG questions test if you can distinguish facts from researchers' opinions.
  • Art appreciation: Dense academic text with matching sentence endings and Y/N/NG questions.

πŸ“š Cambridge 11 Reading Test 3

One of the most challenging tests in the book. Passages are from academic journals covering social and natural science topics. You will encounter matching headings, T/F/NG, and sentence completion questions.

πŸ’‘ Practice tip: After finishing any Cambridge test, review every incorrect answer in detail. Identify which keyword in the question helped you find the answer. This is far more useful than just checking right/wrong.

πŸ“š Cambridge 14 Reading Test 2

Cambridge IELTS 14 (published 2019) remains a popular resource. Academic Test 2 features passages on natural science, history, and social research.

  • Passage 1: Descriptive scientific or historical text
  • Passage 2: Analytical text with Y/N/NG and matching questions
  • Passage 3: Complex academic argument β€” often the most challenging

Free full online tests with auto-marking for Cambridge books 12–19 are available at arifacademy.com.

πŸ“š IELTS 19 Reading Test 1

Cambridge IELTS 19 (2024) is the newest Cambridge practice book. It matches the real IELTS exam most closely in difficulty, question design, and passage style.

  • Includes four Academic and four General Training tests
  • Full answer key and audio content included
  • Uses the latest question patterns
πŸ’‘ Tip: Use Cambridge IELTS 19 as your main benchmark test near your exam date. Use older books (9–15) for regular timed practice during preparation.
Student writing IELTS answer sheet
Write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS on the answer sheet β€” misspelled words receive zero marks.

πŸ’‘ IELTS Reading Tips

1
Strict Time Management

Spend ~15 min on Section 1, ~20 min on Section 2, ~25 min on Section 3. Write answers directly on the sheet as you go β€” no extra transfer time.

2
Skim First, Then Scan

Spend 2–3 minutes skimming each passage to understand its structure. Then scan for specific answers. This method can save 5–10 minutes per test.

3
Think in Synonyms

The passage rarely uses exact words from the question. If the question says "elderly people," the passage might say "senior citizens" or "the ageing population."

4
Never Leave a Blank

No negative marking in IELTS Reading. Leaving a blank is always wrong, but a guess could be right. Always answer every question.

5
Understand T/F/NG Deeply

"Not Given" means the passage doesn't mention the topic at all. Many people confuse this with "False." Don't choose "False" just because something seems unlikely.

6
Spelling Matters

A misspelled word gets zero marks, even if it is easy to recognize. Always copy words directly from the passage when possible. Check plural/singular forms.

7
Use Only Cambridge Books

Cambridge IELTS Books 1–19 are the only materials that match the real IELTS in difficulty, question design, and answer logic.

8
Build Vocabulary Daily

Read newspapers, academic magazines, and journals in English every day. Focus on how words are used in context, not just memorizing lists.

πŸ’° IELTS Exam Cost in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, IELTS tests are run by British Council Bangladesh and IDP Bangladesh. Fees are the same in all test cities including Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Cumilla, Khulna, Rajshahi, and others.

Current Fees (2025–2026)

Test TypeFee (BDT)For
IELTS Academic (Paper or Computer)ΰ§³ 28,450University admission
IELTS General Training (Paper or Computer)ΰ§³ 28,450Work / migration / PR
IELTS for UKVI (Academic or GT)ΰ§³ 31,970UK visa applications
IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1)ΰ§³ 23,760Speaking & Listening only β€” UK visas
Enquiry on Results (EOR / re-marking)ΰ§³ 10,500Refunded if score changes
Rescheduling / Transfer feeβ‰ˆ ΰ§³ 3,000If test date is changed
What's included: Full test (all four sections), one official Test Report Form (TRF), access to free practice materials, and five free additional electronic TRF reports to send to universities or institutions.

How to Pay

  • Online via credit/debit card (Visa / Mastercard) through the British Council or IDP website
  • Cash payment at IDP Bangladesh offices in Gulshan, Dhanmondi, or Chittagong
  • Through registration partner offices across Bangladesh
⚠️ Always check the latest fees on the official website before booking, as fees can change at any time.
IELTS exam registration and preparation
Book your IELTS test at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially near university application deadlines.

πŸ“° IELTS News

Here are the most important recent changes in IELTS:

IELTS One Skill Retake

Retake just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) instead of the whole test. Available through British Council and IDP in Bangladesh.

Computer-Delivered IELTS

Available up to 7 days a week and up to 3 times per day at some IDP centres in Bangladesh β€” more flexible scheduling.

Faster Results

Computer-based test results in 3–5 days. Paper-based test results can take up to 13 days.

Cambridge IELTS 19 (2024)

The most up-to-date official practice resource now available in bookshops. Closest to the current real exam difficulty.

Digital TRF

Test Report Forms can now be sent electronically to universities and institutions, making the application process faster.

πŸ“… IELTS Exam Dates 2026

You can take IELTS tests throughout the year in Bangladesh.

IELTS on Computer

  • Up to 7 days a week, with up to 3 sessions per day
  • Flexible dates β€” usually bookable within a few days
  • Results in 3–5 days

Paper-Based Test

  • Offered about 4 times per month at major test centres
  • Results in up to 13 days
  • Available in: Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Cumilla, Khulna, Jessore, Rajshahi, Bagura, Barishal, and Maulvi Bazaar
πŸ“Œ Tip: Book your test date at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for popular dates near university deadlines. Computer-based dates fill up quickly during busy periods (October to March). You will need to upload a scanned colour copy of your passport to complete registration.

Cambridge IELTS Books β€” Complete Reference

9
Cambridge IELTS 9

4 Academic + 4 GT tests. Good foundational practice.

10
Cambridge IELTS 10

Mid-level difficulty. Well-balanced question types.

11
Cambridge IELTS 11

4 tests. Tests 1–3 are the most popular for practice.

14
Cambridge IELTS 14

Published 2019. Good mix of current question styles.

19
Cambridge IELTS 19

Most recent (2024). Closest to current real exam difficulty.

Contact & Support

Admission β€’ Mock Test β€’ General Support β€” Use any of the options below for the fastest communication.

Contact & Support

Admission β€’ Mock Test β€’ General Support β€” Use any of the options below for the fastest communication.

Teacher details 1

Teacher details