
Try computer-delivered Reading
IELTS General Training & Academic
Practice the computer-delivered IELTS Reading test online. Academic or General Training.
IELTS gives you a free online IELTS mock test. Practice reading test, so, you know what to expect in the real computer-delivered IELTS Reading test.
Please note that answers are not saved on the familiarisation tests when you move between question types. However on test day, answers will be saved.
ATTENTION: Even if the words dragged from the questions fill the answer box, they are not perceived as answers. For this reason, you can only take words from questions and use them in answers with CTRL + C (Copy) and CTRL + V (Paste). IDP IELTS is not responsible for any differences in the actual exam. If you want to check your answer, first download answer sheet, then click “Review Answers”at the end of the test.
Get prepared: Computer-delivered IELTS Reading
Before you head into your test, make sure you take some time to get familiar with the computer-delivered format of the test. The online demo test will give you an idea of what to expect in the computer-delivered IELTS Reading.
The Reading question types in IELTS are the same as in the paper-based test. They can include:
- Multiple choice
- Identifying information
- Matching headings
- Summary completion
At IELTS, want to help boost you to the next level. We want to make sure you don’t need to repeat your English language test. That’s why we share with you how we test, how we mark your work, and what is important.

The atmosphere was very calm and warm, all examiners have been so friendly and great professionalism and helpers. The computer exam is practical and easier than paper based and you result will be ready in 5 /7 business days.
Maria, Google Review from IDP IELTS Melbourne
Our 3 tips to get a high score in the IELTS Reading test
What are our three top tips to improve your IELTS Reading score? Here are some easy tips that will help you in your preparation. Remember that your preparation and test technique that will make a big difference to your score.
Skimming and Scanning
You get one hour to complete your IELTS Reading test. That’ why it is important to “skim & scan.” Skimming just means that you read quickly by skipping the unimportant words. You also ignore difficult words that you don’t have to understand. Skimming gives you a general idea about a text or a paragraph. It also helps when you are searching for the answer of a question.
Scanning is a similar technique. Scanning is what you do when you look for a name in a contact list. So, when you scan you don’t actually read the whole text. Instead, you move your eyes quickly over it. You can scan either left to right or right to left, from top to bottom or bottom to top. It helps to spot words like numbers, dates and words beginning with capital letters such as place names.
Highlight
Now that you know skimming, use it for your IELTS Reading. When you skim over the text, highlight the most important phrases. It will help you to save some time when you will search for answers. With IELTS on computer, you can use the highlight feature in the Reading test. Just right click on the word/sentence and select “highlight” from the menu. Easy!
Manage your time.
Don’t get nervous about running out of time. Plan ahead. Each text should take you about 20 minutes. Remember, you have a timer at the top of your screen to help. Also, never spend too long on a single question. You can either guess if you don’t know the answer exactly or skip the question and return to it later. Also, if you feel you are running out of time, tackle questions like gap fills before attempting “easy-to-guess” tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between IELTS Academic Reading and IELTS General Training Reading?
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There are two tests available: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do. The Academic test is usually for entry into university. General training is used for migration purposes. If you’re not sure, read more about which IELTS test you should take.
IELTS Academic Reading
- 3 long passages increasing in difficulty
- Academic style texts (journal articles, textbook extracts)
- Texts related to academic topics such as science, history, sociology
IELTS General Training Reading
- 4 short passages increasing in length and difficulty
- More general /everyday style texts
- Texts related to every-day issues (advertisements, notices, job descriptions, newspapers, magazines, travel brochures, etc.)
- How much time do I have in the IELTS Reading test?
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You get one hour to complete your IELTS Reading test.
Check out the Free IELTS Support Tools for more info on the test format.
- Can I increase the text size in computer-delivered IELTS?
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With computer-delivered IELTS, you can adjust the settings to your preference. Hit the ‘Settings’ button at the top right-hand corner and setting options will pop up. You can choose the size and colour of the text as well as the screen resolution. This will allow you to adjust to what’s comfortable for you.
- What are the IELTS Reading test questions?
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The General-Training Reading question types in IELTS are the same as in the paper-based test:
- Multiple choice
- Identifying information
- Note completion
- Matching headings
- Matching sentence endings
- Summary completion
- Sentence completion
- Flow-chart completion
The Academic Reading question types in IELTS are the same as in the paper-based test:
- Multiple Choice
- Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- Identifying a Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
- Matching Information
- Matching Headings
- Matching Features
- Matching Sentence Endings
- Sentence Completion
- Summary Completion
- Note Completion
- Table Completion
- Flow-chart Completion
- Diagram Label Completion
- Short Answer Questions