Free IELTS General Training Reading Practice (with Answers)

Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official IELTS question types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a band score. For official sample tests, visit ielts.org.

Before you start

Do

Read the instructions for word limits, like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS".
Skim the passage first, then scan for answers.
Check spelling: a misspelled answer is marked wrong.
Leave no blanks. There's no penalty for wrong answers in IELTS.

Don't

Don't spend too long on one question. Move on and come back.
Don't write more words than the instructions allow.
Don't replay the audio. In the real test you hear it once.

How the buttons work

▶ Start test starts the clock (20 minutes) and shows one part at a time, as in the real test. In reading, the passage stays on screen next to the questions.
Move between parts with ◀ Back and Next ▶. As in the real test, you can go back and change answers until time runs out.
Listening: each recording plays once. Read the questions first, then press play and answer as you listen.
❚❚ Pause stops the clock if you're interrupted (the real test can't be paused). End test finishes early and shows your results.

How it's marked

Multiple-choice, fill-in and listening questions are marked instantly with the real test's rules. See exactly how we mark.
At the end you'll see a results report by task type, with what to practise next.

Track my progress on this device (results are saved only in this browser, and you can delete them any time on My progress)

About General Training Reading

General Training Reading has three sections and 40 questions in 60 minutes. Section 1 uses short everyday texts like notices and adverts, Section 2 uses work-related texts, and Section 3 is one longer text on a general topic. For Section 3 practice, use any of our Academic passages. They're a little harder, which is good practice.

General Training needs more correct answers for the same band than Academic. For example, band 6 is about 30/40 in General Training but about 23/40 in Academic. See band scores explained.

Answers, explanations and transcripts

Finish the test first, then open each section to check your answers. Every answer has an explanation.

Section 1

Passage text

Section 1: Short courses at Bayside Community College

A. Digital Photography for Beginners Learn to get the best from your camera or phone. Six Saturday mornings, 9 am to 12 pm. Bring your own camera. $180.

B. Conversational Italian Practise everyday Italian with a native-speaker tutor. Ten Wednesday evenings. No previous knowledge needed. Textbook included. $250.

C. Small Business Bookkeeping Keep accurate records and prepare for tax time. Four Monday evenings. You will need a laptop. A certificate is awarded on completion. $220.

D. Weekend Bread Baking A one-day hands-on workshop. All ingredients and equipment provided, and you take home everything you bake. Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. $120.

E. First Aid Certificate A nationally recognised qualification, often required by employers. Two full days (Saturday and Sunday). Includes a short online test before the course. $195.

Enrol online or at reception. Full refunds are available up to seven days before a course begins. Concession prices are available for students and pensioners on courses A, B and D.

Answer key (8 answers)

#	Question	Answer	Why
1	Which course takes place on a single day?	D. Bread baking	Course D is 'a one-day hands-on workshop'.
2	Which course requires students to bring a computer?	C. Bookkeeping	Course C: 'You will need a laptop.'
3	Which course includes a book in the price?	B. Italian	Course B: 'Textbook included.'
4	Which course has a task to complete before it starts?	E. First aid	Course E: 'a short online test before the course'.
5	Which course runs for the largest number of sessions?	B. Italian	Italian has ten evenings.
6	Students can get their money back if they cancel five days before a course.	False	Full refunds are available up to seven days before.
7	Pensioners can get a lower price on the bookkeeping course.	False	Concessions apply to courses A, B and D only. Bookkeeping is C.
8	The first aid course is the most popular course at the college.	Not Given	Popularity isn't mentioned.

Section 2

Passage text

Section 2: Working safely in the warehouse

All new staff must complete a safety induction on their first day before entering the warehouse floor. Your supervisor will issue you with a high-visibility vest and steel-capped boots, which must be worn at all times in work areas.

Forklifts may only be operated by staff who hold a current licence. If you see a forklift approaching, stop and make eye contact with the driver before continuing. Pedestrians must use the walkways marked with yellow lines.

Heavy items over 20 kg must be lifted by two people or with a trolley. If you are injured, however minor the injury, report it to your supervisor immediately and record it in the incident book kept in the staff room. First aid kits are located beside each exit.

Answer key (6 answers)

#	Question	Answer	Why
9	New staff must do a safety ___	induction	Paragraph 1.
10	Before walking past a forklift, make ___	eye contact	Paragraph 2.
11	People on foot must use walkways marked with ___	yellow lines (also accepted: yellow)	Paragraph 2.
12	Items heavier than 20 kg need two people or a ___	trolley	Paragraph 3.
13	All injuries must be recorded in the ___	incident book	Paragraph 3.
14	First aid kits can be found next to each ___	exit	Paragraph 3: 'beside each exit'.