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IELTS Reading Question Types Complete Guide

Master every IELTS Reading question type with proven strategies and practice examples

IELTS Reading Question Types Overview

IELTS Reading tests your ability to understand detailed information, main ideas, and implied meanings through various question types. Each type requires specific strategies for success.

Main Question Categories:
  • True/False/Not Given
  • Yes/No/Not Given
  • Multiple Choice
  • Matching Information
  • Matching Headings
  • Matching Features
  • Sentence Completion
  • Summary Completion
  • Note Completion
  • Table/Flow Chart Completion
  • Diagram Label Completion
  • Short Answer Questions

1. True/False/Not Given Questions

Understanding the Differences

  • TRUE: The statement agrees with the information in the passage
  • FALSE: The statement contradicts the information in the passage
  • NOT GIVEN: There is no information about this in the passage
Key Difference: Yes/No/Not Given questions ask about the writer's opinions, while True/False/Not Given focus on factual information.
Strategy:
  1. Read the statement carefully and underline keywords
  2. Find the relevant part in the passage
  3. Compare the statement with the passage exactly
  4. Don't make assumptions or use outside knowledge
  5. If you can't find any information, it's NOT GIVEN
Common Traps:
  • Synonyms and paraphrasing
  • Generalization vs. specific information
  • Present vs. past information
  • Partial matches (often NOT GIVEN)

2. Multiple Choice Questions

Types and Strategies

Common Formats:
  • Single answer (choose one from A-D)
  • Multiple answers (choose 2-3 from A-G)
  • Best title selection
  • Writer's purpose/attitude
Effective Strategy:
  1. Read the question stem first - understand what's being asked
  2. Predict the answer - before looking at options
  3. Eliminate wrong answers - cross out obviously incorrect ones
  4. Look for synonyms - correct answers often paraphrase the text
  5. Check all options - even if you think you found the answer
Pro Tips:
  • Distractors often contain words from the passage but in wrong context
  • Extreme language (all, never, always) is often incorrect
  • For "best title" questions, choose the most comprehensive option
  • Order of questions usually follows the passage order

3. Matching Headings Questions

The Most Challenging Question Type

Match headings to paragraphs based on main ideas, not specific details.

Step-by-Step Approach:
  1. Read all headings first
    • Underline keywords
    • Note similar headings
    • Identify themes
  2. Skim each paragraph
    • First and last sentences
    • Topic sentences
    • Repeated words/ideas
  3. Match systematically
    • Start with easiest matches
    • Cross out used headings
    • Use elimination for difficult ones
Common Mistakes:
  • Focusing on specific details instead of main ideas
  • Being misled by words that appear in both heading and paragraph
  • Not reading the example (if given)
  • Spending too much time on one paragraph

4. Completion Questions

Sentence Completion

Complete sentences with words from the passage.

  • Check word limit carefully
  • Grammar must be correct
  • Copy words exactly
  • Usually in passage order
Summary Completion

Complete a summary using words from passage or a box.

  • Read whole summary first
  • Identify paragraph(s) covered
  • Check grammar fits
  • May not follow passage order
Word Limit Rules
Instruction Meaning Examples
ONE WORD ONLY Exactly 1 word  children
 young children
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS 1 or 2 words  bus
 school bus
NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER Up to 3 words, may include a number  3 months
 approximately 50 meters

5. Matching Information to Paragraphs

Find which paragraph contains specific information. Different from matching headings!

Key Differences from Matching Headings:
  • Looking for specific details, not main ideas
  • May use same paragraph more than once
  • Not all paragraphs may be used
  • Questions don't follow passage order
Strategy:
  1. Read all information items first
  2. Underline unique keywords in each
  3. Scan paragraphs for these keywords
  4. Read carefully around keyword matches
  5. Some paragraphs may contain multiple answers

6. Diagram Label Completion

Visual Information Questions

Label parts of a diagram, map, or process using information from the text.

Types:
  • Technical diagrams
  • Maps and locations
  • Flow charts/processes
  • Tables
Approach:
  1. Study the diagram carefully first
  2. Note what's already labeled
  3. Identify the section of text describing it
  4. Follow the description systematically
  5. Check word limit and copy exactly
These questions often appear easier but require careful attention to detail and spatial understanding.

General Tips for All Question Types

Before Reading:
  • Identify all question types
  • Note which questions follow passage order
  • Allocate time based on difficulty
  • Read instructions carefully
While Answering:
  • Use pencil to mark passage
  • Write answers as you go
  • Move on if stuck
  • Return to difficult questions later
Time Management by Question Type:
  • Quick (1-1.5 min): True/False/Not Given, Sentence Completion
  • Medium (1.5-2 min): Multiple Choice, Short Answer
  • Slow (2-3 min): Matching Headings, Summary Completion
Remember:

Practice with all question types regularly. Each type tests different skills, and familiarity with the format will significantly improve your speed and accuracy on test day.

Quick Reference
Question Types:
  1. True/False/Not Given
  2. Multiple Choice
  3. Matching Headings
  4. Matching Information
  5. Sentence Completion
  6. Summary Completion
  7. Diagram Labeling
  8. Short Answer
Avoid These Mistakes
  • Not checking word limits
  • Adding extra words
  • Changing word forms
  • Using own knowledge
  • Spending too long on one question
  • Not answering all questions
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