IELTS Reading Topics and Examples of Question Types

Kasturika Samanta

5 min read

Updated On Aug 08, 2024

To excel in IELTS Reading, practice different IELTS Reading topics regularly. Academic passages cover academic content, while General passages focus on daily life. Familiarize yourself with question types & use official materials to improve your skills.

Overview of IELTS Reading Topics
IELTS Reading Topics
IELTS Reading Questions
Useful Resources

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Answering 40 questions in total from three to five different passages within just 60 minutes can be challenging if one is not prepared properly for IELTS Reading. This makes practising IELTS reading topics regularly necessary. It will help you to improve your reading skills as well as achieve a top IELTS band score.

Let’s look at the most common IELTS reading topics in the list below and make sure you practice them for your benefit.

Overview of IELTS Reading Topics

The IELTS exam covers a wide range of reading topics to assess the candidate’s ability to read and understand different types of text. The most common IELTS reading topics are related to include natural sciences, environmental issues, socio-economic and technological changes and cultural phenomena.

Since IELTS Academic is taken by candidates preparing to apply to a foreign university, the IELTS reading topics for this exam are usually related to academic setting or professional purposes and are taken from journals, books and newspapers. On the other hand, the reading topics of IELTS General are mostly simpler texts taken from advertisements, company handbooks or magazines as it is meant to evaluate the reading abilities of candidates migrating to English-speaking countries.

IELTS Reading Topics

Let us look at the IELTS reading topics list along with IELTS reading examples for IELTS Reading in general, as well as for IELTS Academic and IELTS General separately.

General IELTS Reading Topics

You will come across passages and questions across multiple categories like environment, science, social issues, business, daily life, and hobby. The table below will list various IELTS Reading topics and subtopics.

Category	IELTS Reading Topics
Environment	Biodiversity and ecosystems Climate change and global warming Sustainable urbanization Environmental policies Eco-friendly technologies Fossil fuel alternatives Energy efficiency Resource management Climate change mitigation strategies
History and Culture	Ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome) Art movements and famous artists Myths and legends Modern art movements
Science and Technology	Robotics and automation Computer science Biotechnology advancements Renewable energy technologies
Social Issues	Youth unemployment Social inequality Multiculturalism Digital addiction Gender Equality Human rights and social justice Empowerment
Education	STEM education Lifelong learning Educational psychology Challenges in higher education Vocational training Education funding and accessibility
Business and Economics	Corporate social responsibility Financial markets and stock exchanges E-commerce and digital marketing Consumer protection Globalization and its impact on economies
Technology and Society	Digital transformation Cybersecurity threats Impact of technology on communication Digital divide and access to technology Smart devices and home automation
Health and Well-being	Public health initiatives Alternative medicines Pandemic response and management Mental health stigma
Sports and Fitness	Sports diplomacy Emerging sports trends Fitness technology Role of sports in community building
Literature and Language	Translation and interpretation Contemporary literature Linguistic diversity Language and identity
Politics and Governance	Global governance Electoral systems Corruption and governance Civic engagement
Urbanization and Infrastructure	Sustainable transport Urban green spaces Redevelopment/Urbanization Public infrastructure projects
Cultural Diversity	Cross-cultural communication Indigenous cultures Globalization and cultural exchange Cultural stereotypes
Global Issues	Climate refugees International humanitarian aid Peacekeeping and conflict resolution Human trafficking

IELTS Reading Topics for Academic Exam

The topics for IELTS Academic Reading are academic in nature due to its intended purpose of examining the reading skills of undergraduate and postgraduate students. So, it ranges from general interest topics to subject-specific ones. Candidates have to solve questions from three different passages, each of which will be based on different topics.

Category	IELTS Reading Topics with Answers
Environment	Environmental Medicine The Truth About The Environment Environmental Effects of Offshore Drilling and Production Air Pollution It’s Eco-logical Indoor Pollution
History and Cultural Diversity	The Vikings Individualism or Society Language Diversity Tea and the Industrial Revolution T Rex Hunter or Scavenger Stonehenge Candle Making in Colonial America
Science and Technology	A Brief History of London Underground Science Technology and the Third Millennium Communication in Science Is Science Dangerous Making Time for Science Science in Space Are we Managing to Destroy Science? A Brief History of Automata
Social and Global Issues	Climate Change and the Inuit Prison: The Solution Or The Problem Global Warming the Beginning of the End The World’s Expanding Waistline Music Piracy All at Sea
Literature and Language/Education	Nineteenth Century Paperback Literature The Future of the World’s Language Reading Wars Educational and Professional Opportunities for Women in New Technologies Education Philosophy Is It Any Wonder That There are Teacher Shortages? Does Education Fuel Economic Growth? Children’s Literature
Business and Economics	Money As The Unit Of Account A Comparative study of Innovation Practices in Business Theory or Practice Freebie Marketing What Does the Consumer Think?
Health, Sports & Well-being	Age-Proofing Our Brains Health In The Wild Healthy Intentions Changing Our Understanding of Health Poverty and Health Australia’s Sporting Success Calisthenics Radiation And Human Health
Fashion & Society	Classifying Societies Fashion and Society Clothes in Society Zulu Beadwork
Food	A Food Stream Contract In Praise or Fast Food Food For Thoughts The Future of Food Food Preservation Wild Foods Of Australia
Others	The Role of Government in Environmental Management Griffith and American Films When Conversations Flow The Origins Of Laughter

IELTS Reading Topics for General Exam

In IELTS General Reading, there are 2 shorter passages each in the first two sections and one long passage in the third section. The topics in this exam will not be academic. Rather, they are mostly related to daily life and the workplace.

Category	IELTS Reading Topics with Answers
Travels & Transport	The Role of the Swiss Postbus Sunset Tours Himalayan Treks The Beaver Valley Hotel The Harbour View Hotel
Technology & Business	The Birdmen Consumer Advice & Rice Cookers Marketing Advice for New Businesses and Working Time Regulations
Education & Culture	Groups for readers and writers Why Fairy Tales are Really Scary Tales Animals Can Tell Right from Wrong
Workplace	How to Prepare for an Interview How to Organise a Successful Business Conference Rights in the Workplace Professional Credentials & How to Prepare for a Presentation
Environment & Global Issues	The Water Crisis Mass Appeal of the Manta Rays White storks back in Britain after hundreds of years It is Important to Save Species like the Dormouse A Significant Development in Mining Safety
Health & Sports	Learning by Examples Causton Health Centre & Bentley Hospital Catering Service Come and Play Walking Football or Walking Netball Story of the Fosbury Flop
Advertisements	Home Shopper Advertisement Kenton Computers
Process Oriented	Emergency Procedures Passport Application

IELTS Reading Questions

Besides knowing about the IELTS Reading topics, it is also necessary to know the IELTS reading questions types. Since the question types are similar in both Academic and General Reading exams, therefore, let us learn about them and be prepared for more IELTS Reading practice tests.

Download the IELTS Reading questions and answers PDF for a better practice!

We know that practising without feedback from IELTS experts can be ineffective. So, you can sign up for our free demo session and talk to an experienced IELTS expert for guidance.

Useful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reading topics for IELTS exam?

IELTS Reading topics cover a wide range of subjects like environment, health and fitness, education, global issues, food and fashion and lots of more.

How to get 8.5 marks in IELTS reading?

You can start your exam or practice by skimming each passage and noting elements such as the topic, headers, and keywords. Improve your time management skills, IELTS vocabulary and familiarity with question types. Consistent practice and working on your comprehension skills are also very important.

How do I practice IELTS reading?

For IELTS reading practice, familiarize yourself with various topics and writing styles by reading newspapers and academic journals. Utilize timed practice to develop skills in skimming, scanning, and vocabulary building. Identify areas for improvement after every practice and modify your strategies accordingly.

Is IELTS reading tricky?

The IELTS Reading test can be challenging due to its question types, time limit, and large number of topic coverage. Moreover, the passages can be difficult for some test-takers due to complex vocabulary and academic language. However, with proper preparation and practice, you can develop the necessary skills to overcome these challenges effectively.

How can I crack IELTS reading?

To master the IELTS Reading test, get acquainted with the test structure and regularly practice using authentic materials. Also, develop reading skills like skimming for main ideas and scanning for details to effectively manage your time and improve your vocabulary, particularly in academic and general topics, to help in comprehension. Practicing under timed conditions will improve your speed and accuracy, and try to remain calm during the actual exam.