IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test: 150 Questions
with Rationales
Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Academic Reading practice test. This exam
is designed to reflect the format, content, and difficulty of the official IELTS
Academic Reading test, which consists of 40 questions to be completed in 60
minutes . To provide a more extensive practice opportunity, this collection
includes 150 questions across multiple passages and question types.
About the IELTS Academic Reading Test:
Texts are authentic and taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, written
for a non-specialist audience
Topics are of general interest to students at undergraduate or postgraduate level
Texts may contain diagrams, graphs, or illustrations
Each correct answer receives one mark; scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-
band scale
Question Types Covered in This Practice Test :
Multiple Choice (one or more answers)
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
Identifying Writer's Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
Matching Headings
Matching Features
Matching Sentence Endings
Sentence Completion
Summary/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion
Diagram Label Completion
Short-Answer Questions
This passage is adapted from an academic text on the historical and scientific
development of wound treatment .
,Paragraph A
Throughout human history, wounds and injuries have been among the most common
and dangerous threats to survival. From primitive bandages made of leaves to modern
surgical techniques that rely on advanced biotechnology, physicians have long sought
to understand the complex process of how the body repairs itself. Recent scientific
discoveries have shed new light on the remarkable mechanisms of healing, as well as on
how lifestyle, environment, and technology influence the recovery process.
Paragraph B
The earliest recorded attempts at wound treatment date back over 4,000 years. Ancient
Egyptian physicians used honey, animal fat, and lint to treat open cuts and burns.
Honey, now known to contain natural antibacterial properties, prevented infection long
before the discovery of microorganisms. Similarly, the Greek physician Hippocrates
described the use of vinegar and wine to cleanse wounds, an early recognition of the
importance of preventing infection. These treatments may seem primitive by modern
standards, yet many of their principles remain scientifically valid. Preventing bacterial
contamination and maintaining a clean environment are still cornerstones of wound
care today.
Paragraph C
The understanding of wounds changed dramatically in the 19th century with the
pioneering work of physicians such as Joseph Lister. Before Lister's time, infections in
hospitals were rampant, and even minor surgeries could lead to death from sepsis. In
1867, Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and
dressings. His antiseptic methods reduced infection rates dramatically and transformed
surgical practice worldwide. Lister's research marked the beginning of modern aseptic
techniques and established the idea that invisible microbes were the true enemies in
wound management.
Paragraph D
As medicine entered the 20th century, scientists began to uncover the intricate
biological processes behind wound healing. They discovered that the body responds to
injury through a series of carefully timed stages. First comes inflammation, during which
immune cells rush to the wound site to destroy bacteria and clear damaged tissue. This
is followed by the proliferation phase, when new cells begin to grow and repair the
damaged area. Finally, the remodeling phase strengthens the newly formed tissue and
restores its function. Understanding these stages has allowed physicians to develop
treatments that assist, rather than interrupt, the body's natural repair systems.
Paragraph E
In recent decades, the study of wounds has extended beyond physical healing to include
,molecular and cellular mechanisms. Researchers have found that certain proteins, such
as growth factors, play a vital role in stimulating cell division and tissue regeneration.
This has led to the development of bioengineered skin substitutes and synthetic
dressings that release healing compounds directly into the wound. These innovations
have revolutionized the treatment of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, which
were once extremely difficult to heal.
Paragraph F
Equally fascinating are the findings related to how external factors influence healing.
Studies show that psychological stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep can significantly
delay wound closure. Conversely, proper diet, emotional well-being, and controlled
exercise promote faster recovery. One groundbreaking experiment conducted by
physicians at Ohio State University revealed that patients who practiced relaxation
techniques healed up to 25% faster after surgery than those who did not. Such results
highlight the deep connection between the mind and body—a link that medical science
is only beginning to understand in full.
Paragraph G
Advancements in imaging technology have also enabled physicians to observe wound
healing in real time. Using high-resolution microscopes and 3D imaging, scientists can
now watch cells migrate, divide, and interact as a wound closes. These observations
have led to a deeper understanding of why some injuries heal cleanly while others lead
to excessive scarring or chronic inflammation. In addition, genetic studies are identifying
variations that explain why certain individuals recover more efficiently than others. This
new era of personalized medicine could allow doctors to tailor treatments to each
patient's biological makeup, maximizing healing potential.
Paragraph H
The field of regenerative medicine offers perhaps the most exciting promise for the
future. Physicians and biologists are now experimenting with stem cells—
undifferentiated cells capable of developing into various tissue types—to accelerate the
repair of wounds and burns. Early clinical trials have shown encouraging results,
particularly for patients with severe injuries who previously had limited treatment
options. Combined with 3D printing technologies, researchers are even exploring the
possibility of creating custom skin grafts that match a patient's own tissue.
Questions 1-5: Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
, Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. Ancient Egyptians used honey mainly to make wounds smell better.
Answer: FALSE
Rationale: The passage states in Paragraph B that honey was used because it "contained
natural antibacterial properties" and "prevented infection." There is no mention of honey
being used to improve smell. The statement directly contradicts the information given in
the text.
2. Joseph Lister was the first physician to connect infections with microorganisms.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Rationale: While Paragraph C states that Lister's work established the idea that "invisible
microbes were the true enemies in wound management," the passage does not explicitly
state that Lister was the first physician to make this connection. It describes his work as
pioneering, but does not definitively claim he was the first. The information is not
provided.
3. The body repairs wounds through three major stages of healing.
Answer: TRUE
Rationale: Paragraph D explicitly states: "the body responds to injury through a series of
carefully timed stages" and then lists inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This
directly confirms the statement.
4. Emotional stress has no measurable effect on the speed of recovery.
Answer: FALSE
Rationale: Paragraph F directly contradicts this statement: "Studies show that
psychological stress...can significantly delay wound closure." The experiment at Ohio State
University further demonstrates that relaxation techniques improved healing speed.
5. The passage claims that stem cells can transform into different types of body
tissue.
with Rationales
Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Academic Reading practice test. This exam
is designed to reflect the format, content, and difficulty of the official IELTS
Academic Reading test, which consists of 40 questions to be completed in 60
minutes . To provide a more extensive practice opportunity, this collection
includes 150 questions across multiple passages and question types.
About the IELTS Academic Reading Test:
Texts are authentic and taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, written
for a non-specialist audience
Topics are of general interest to students at undergraduate or postgraduate level
Texts may contain diagrams, graphs, or illustrations
Each correct answer receives one mark; scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-
band scale
Question Types Covered in This Practice Test :
Multiple Choice (one or more answers)
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
Identifying Writer's Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
Matching Headings
Matching Features
Matching Sentence Endings
Sentence Completion
Summary/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion
Diagram Label Completion
Short-Answer Questions
This passage is adapted from an academic text on the historical and scientific
development of wound treatment .
,Paragraph A
Throughout human history, wounds and injuries have been among the most common
and dangerous threats to survival. From primitive bandages made of leaves to modern
surgical techniques that rely on advanced biotechnology, physicians have long sought
to understand the complex process of how the body repairs itself. Recent scientific
discoveries have shed new light on the remarkable mechanisms of healing, as well as on
how lifestyle, environment, and technology influence the recovery process.
Paragraph B
The earliest recorded attempts at wound treatment date back over 4,000 years. Ancient
Egyptian physicians used honey, animal fat, and lint to treat open cuts and burns.
Honey, now known to contain natural antibacterial properties, prevented infection long
before the discovery of microorganisms. Similarly, the Greek physician Hippocrates
described the use of vinegar and wine to cleanse wounds, an early recognition of the
importance of preventing infection. These treatments may seem primitive by modern
standards, yet many of their principles remain scientifically valid. Preventing bacterial
contamination and maintaining a clean environment are still cornerstones of wound
care today.
Paragraph C
The understanding of wounds changed dramatically in the 19th century with the
pioneering work of physicians such as Joseph Lister. Before Lister's time, infections in
hospitals were rampant, and even minor surgeries could lead to death from sepsis. In
1867, Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and
dressings. His antiseptic methods reduced infection rates dramatically and transformed
surgical practice worldwide. Lister's research marked the beginning of modern aseptic
techniques and established the idea that invisible microbes were the true enemies in
wound management.
Paragraph D
As medicine entered the 20th century, scientists began to uncover the intricate
biological processes behind wound healing. They discovered that the body responds to
injury through a series of carefully timed stages. First comes inflammation, during which
immune cells rush to the wound site to destroy bacteria and clear damaged tissue. This
is followed by the proliferation phase, when new cells begin to grow and repair the
damaged area. Finally, the remodeling phase strengthens the newly formed tissue and
restores its function. Understanding these stages has allowed physicians to develop
treatments that assist, rather than interrupt, the body's natural repair systems.
Paragraph E
In recent decades, the study of wounds has extended beyond physical healing to include
,molecular and cellular mechanisms. Researchers have found that certain proteins, such
as growth factors, play a vital role in stimulating cell division and tissue regeneration.
This has led to the development of bioengineered skin substitutes and synthetic
dressings that release healing compounds directly into the wound. These innovations
have revolutionized the treatment of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, which
were once extremely difficult to heal.
Paragraph F
Equally fascinating are the findings related to how external factors influence healing.
Studies show that psychological stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep can significantly
delay wound closure. Conversely, proper diet, emotional well-being, and controlled
exercise promote faster recovery. One groundbreaking experiment conducted by
physicians at Ohio State University revealed that patients who practiced relaxation
techniques healed up to 25% faster after surgery than those who did not. Such results
highlight the deep connection between the mind and body—a link that medical science
is only beginning to understand in full.
Paragraph G
Advancements in imaging technology have also enabled physicians to observe wound
healing in real time. Using high-resolution microscopes and 3D imaging, scientists can
now watch cells migrate, divide, and interact as a wound closes. These observations
have led to a deeper understanding of why some injuries heal cleanly while others lead
to excessive scarring or chronic inflammation. In addition, genetic studies are identifying
variations that explain why certain individuals recover more efficiently than others. This
new era of personalized medicine could allow doctors to tailor treatments to each
patient's biological makeup, maximizing healing potential.
Paragraph H
The field of regenerative medicine offers perhaps the most exciting promise for the
future. Physicians and biologists are now experimenting with stem cells—
undifferentiated cells capable of developing into various tissue types—to accelerate the
repair of wounds and burns. Early clinical trials have shown encouraging results,
particularly for patients with severe injuries who previously had limited treatment
options. Combined with 3D printing technologies, researchers are even exploring the
possibility of creating custom skin grafts that match a patient's own tissue.
Questions 1-5: Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
, Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. Ancient Egyptians used honey mainly to make wounds smell better.
Answer: FALSE
Rationale: The passage states in Paragraph B that honey was used because it "contained
natural antibacterial properties" and "prevented infection." There is no mention of honey
being used to improve smell. The statement directly contradicts the information given in
the text.
2. Joseph Lister was the first physician to connect infections with microorganisms.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Rationale: While Paragraph C states that Lister's work established the idea that "invisible
microbes were the true enemies in wound management," the passage does not explicitly
state that Lister was the first physician to make this connection. It describes his work as
pioneering, but does not definitively claim he was the first. The information is not
provided.
3. The body repairs wounds through three major stages of healing.
Answer: TRUE
Rationale: Paragraph D explicitly states: "the body responds to injury through a series of
carefully timed stages" and then lists inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This
directly confirms the statement.
4. Emotional stress has no measurable effect on the speed of recovery.
Answer: FALSE
Rationale: Paragraph F directly contradicts this statement: "Studies show that
psychological stress...can significantly delay wound closure." The experiment at Ohio State
University further demonstrates that relaxation techniques improved healing speed.
5. The passage claims that stem cells can transform into different types of body
tissue.
