IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test: 150 Questions
with Rationales
Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Academic Reading practice test. The IELTS
Academic Reading section consists of 40 questions divided across three passages, to
be completed in 60 minutes . Passages are drawn from books, journals, magazines, and
newspapers, covering topics of general academic interest .This practice test includes 150
questions covering all 11 IELTS Reading question types, organized by format. In the
actual exam, you will encounter a mix of these types across three passages.
PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE (Questions 1–20)
Multiple choice questions may ask you to choose one answer from four options or more
than one answer from a longer list . Questions follow the order of information in the text.
Passage A: The Evolving Understanding of Wounds and Injuries
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, physicians have long sought to understand the complex process of how the
body repairs itself. 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. The understanding
of wounds changed dramatically in the 19th century with the pioneering work of Joseph
Lister. In 1867, Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments
and dressings. His antiseptic methods reduced infection rates dramatically. As medicine
entered the 20th century, scientists discovered that the body responds to injury through
three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. In recent decades, researchers
have found that growth factors play a vital role in stimulating cell division and tissue
regeneration. Studies also show that psychological stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep
can significantly delay wound closure. Advancements in imaging technology now enable
physicians to observe wound healing in real time. The field of regenerative medicine offers
promise for the future, with stem cells being experimented with to accelerate the repair of
, wounds and burns. Despite these advances, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
threatens to reverse some progress.
Source: IELTS Academic Practice Test adapted from "The Science of Healing" passage
1. What was the main contribution of Joseph Lister to medicine?
A) He invented the first microscope.
B) He developed antiseptic surgical methods.
C) He discovered antibiotics.
D) He explained the stages of inflammation.
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage states: "Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize
surgical instruments and dressings. His antiseptic methods reduced infection rates
dramatically." This directly indicates his contribution was developing antiseptic surgical
methods.
2. According to the passage, which of the following can delay wound healing?
A) A balanced diet
B) Sufficient rest
C) Constant psychological stress
D) Gentle exercise
Answer: C
Rationale: The text explicitly states: "Studies show that psychological stress, poor nutrition,
and lack of sleep can significantly delay wound closure." This makes psychological stress
the correct answer.
3. What technological development allows scientists to view wound healing in real
time?
A) Artificial intelligence systems
B) 3D imaging and high-resolution microscopy
C) Robotic surgery
D) Virtual reality simulators
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage mentions: "Advancements in imaging technology now enable
physicians to observe wound healing in real time." While the text doesn't specify the exact
, technology, high-resolution microscopy and 3D imaging are the established tools for this
purpose.
4. Which statement best describes the focus of modern wound research?
A) Testing new surgical tools
B) Studying the cellular and molecular processes of healing
C) Discovering ancient herbal treatments
D) Observing bacteria under microscopes
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes that "researchers have found that certain proteins, such
as growth factors, play a vital role in stimulating cell division and tissue regeneration" and
mentions "molecular and cellular mechanisms." This indicates modern research focuses on
cellular and molecular processes.
5. What challenge is mentioned as a threat to future wound care?
A) A decline in medical education
B) Reduced hospital funding
C) The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
D) The overuse of antiseptics
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage's final sentence states: "Despite these advances, the rise of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria threatens to reverse some progress." This directly identifies the
threat.
6. Why did ancient Egyptians use honey on wounds?
A) To make wounds smell better
B) To prevent infection
C) To promote cell division
D) To reduce inflammation
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage states: "Honey, now known to contain natural antibacterial
properties, prevented infection long before the discovery of microorganisms."
7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor that can delay wound
healing?
with Rationales
Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Academic Reading practice test. The IELTS
Academic Reading section consists of 40 questions divided across three passages, to
be completed in 60 minutes . Passages are drawn from books, journals, magazines, and
newspapers, covering topics of general academic interest .This practice test includes 150
questions covering all 11 IELTS Reading question types, organized by format. In the
actual exam, you will encounter a mix of these types across three passages.
PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE (Questions 1–20)
Multiple choice questions may ask you to choose one answer from four options or more
than one answer from a longer list . Questions follow the order of information in the text.
Passage A: The Evolving Understanding of Wounds and Injuries
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, physicians have long sought to understand the complex process of how the
body repairs itself. 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. The understanding
of wounds changed dramatically in the 19th century with the pioneering work of Joseph
Lister. In 1867, Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments
and dressings. His antiseptic methods reduced infection rates dramatically. As medicine
entered the 20th century, scientists discovered that the body responds to injury through
three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. In recent decades, researchers
have found that growth factors play a vital role in stimulating cell division and tissue
regeneration. Studies also show that psychological stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep
can significantly delay wound closure. Advancements in imaging technology now enable
physicians to observe wound healing in real time. The field of regenerative medicine offers
promise for the future, with stem cells being experimented with to accelerate the repair of
, wounds and burns. Despite these advances, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
threatens to reverse some progress.
Source: IELTS Academic Practice Test adapted from "The Science of Healing" passage
1. What was the main contribution of Joseph Lister to medicine?
A) He invented the first microscope.
B) He developed antiseptic surgical methods.
C) He discovered antibiotics.
D) He explained the stages of inflammation.
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage states: "Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize
surgical instruments and dressings. His antiseptic methods reduced infection rates
dramatically." This directly indicates his contribution was developing antiseptic surgical
methods.
2. According to the passage, which of the following can delay wound healing?
A) A balanced diet
B) Sufficient rest
C) Constant psychological stress
D) Gentle exercise
Answer: C
Rationale: The text explicitly states: "Studies show that psychological stress, poor nutrition,
and lack of sleep can significantly delay wound closure." This makes psychological stress
the correct answer.
3. What technological development allows scientists to view wound healing in real
time?
A) Artificial intelligence systems
B) 3D imaging and high-resolution microscopy
C) Robotic surgery
D) Virtual reality simulators
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage mentions: "Advancements in imaging technology now enable
physicians to observe wound healing in real time." While the text doesn't specify the exact
, technology, high-resolution microscopy and 3D imaging are the established tools for this
purpose.
4. Which statement best describes the focus of modern wound research?
A) Testing new surgical tools
B) Studying the cellular and molecular processes of healing
C) Discovering ancient herbal treatments
D) Observing bacteria under microscopes
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes that "researchers have found that certain proteins, such
as growth factors, play a vital role in stimulating cell division and tissue regeneration" and
mentions "molecular and cellular mechanisms." This indicates modern research focuses on
cellular and molecular processes.
5. What challenge is mentioned as a threat to future wound care?
A) A decline in medical education
B) Reduced hospital funding
C) The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
D) The overuse of antiseptics
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage's final sentence states: "Despite these advances, the rise of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria threatens to reverse some progress." This directly identifies the
threat.
6. Why did ancient Egyptians use honey on wounds?
A) To make wounds smell better
B) To prevent infection
C) To promote cell division
D) To reduce inflammation
Answer: B
Rationale: The passage states: "Honey, now known to contain natural antibacterial
properties, prevented infection long before the discovery of microorganisms."
7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor that can delay wound
healing?
