Tackle the IELTS Reading Test: 8 Common Question Types You Must Know in 2026
Is the IELTS Reading test stressing you out?
You are not alone. Whether you are taking the Academic or General Training module, the Reading section is a race against time. You have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions based on three long texts.
The secret to finishing on time isn’t just reading faster but it’s knowing exactly what the questions are asking.
Different question types require different strategies. Below is your ultimate guide to the 8 most common question types found in the IELTS Reading test and how to tackle them.
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
This is a classic format where you choose the correct answer from a list (A, B, C, or D).
- The Challenge: The texts often contain keywords from all the options to trick you.
- Strategy: Don’t just match keywords. Read the specific part of the text carefully and look for synonyms rather than exact word matches.
2. Matching Headings
You are given a list of headings (usually Roman numerals i, ii, iii…) and a passage divided into paragraphs. Your job is to match the correct heading to the correct paragraph.
- The Challenge: There are always more headings than paragraphs (distractors).
- Strategy: This tests your ability to identify the main idea. Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to grasp the core theme quickly.
3. True / False / Not Given
This is arguably the most confusing question type for students. You are given a statement and must decide:
- TRUE: The statement agrees with the information in the text.
- FALSE: The statement contradicts the information in the text.
- NOT GIVEN: The information is neither confirmed nor contradicted (it’s simply missing).
Pro Tip: Do not use your own outside knowledge. Stick strictly to what the text says.
4. Yes / No / Not Given
Similar to the above, but with a crucial difference.
- T/F/NG deals with facts.
- Y/N/NG deals with the writer’s opinion or claims.
- Strategy: Look for words that indicate opinion, such as “believe,” “argue,” “claim,” or “suggest.”
5. Sentence Completion
You are given a sentence with a gap and must find words from the text to fill it.
- The constraint: Pay close attention to the instructions (e.g., “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”).
- Strategy: Predict the grammar before you look for the answer. Do you need a noun? A verb? An adjective? This narrows down your search.
6. Summary Completion
You are provided with a summary of a section of the text with several gaps.
- Two variations: Sometimes you pick words from a box of answers; other times you pick words directly from the text.
- Strategy: The summary will be grammatically correct. Ensure your chosen word fits the sentence structure perfectly.
7. Note Completion
This often appears in the form of a flowchart, a diagram, or a set of bullet points with missing information.
- The context: This usually focuses on a specific part of the text describing a process or a specific hierarchy.
- Strategy: Follow the layout of the notes to navigate the text. The answers usually appear in the text in the same order as the bullet points.
8. Matching Sentence Endings
You are given the first half of a sentence and a list of possible endings.
- The logic: You must match them so they make sense grammatically AND match the meaning of the text.
- Strategy: Read the incomplete sentences first, then scan the text to find the topic. Once found, look at the options to see which ending fits the meaning.
Quick Summary for Learning
- Skim first: Don’t read every word. Skim for the general idea.
- Watch the word count: If the instruction says “One Word Only” and you write “The Apple,” you will score zero.
- Don’t panic on “Not Given”: If you can’t find the answer after looking for 2 minutes, it is likely “Not Given.”
Ready to practice? Pick one of these question types and focus your study session today on mastering just that one style!