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British Council, IDP, Cambridge English12 Questions
Reading MCQs
Practice Reading multiple-choice questions for British Council, IDP, Cambridge English competitive exams. Each question includes the correct answer and a short explanation, and past-paper questions are marked so you can revise both repeated and fresh material in one place.
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
ExplanationThe IELTS Reading test is 60 minutes long, which includes the time taken to transfer answers.
Academic tests use a different 10-band scale.
General Training Reading requires more correct answers to achieve the same band score.
Academic Reading is not graded.
There is no difference in scoring.
ExplanationBecause Academic Reading texts can be more complex, it is typical that a higher number of correct answers are needed on the General Training test to achieve the same band score.
A personal laptop with spellcheck enabled.
A smartphone with internet access.
A handheld magnifier.
An electronic translator.
ExplanationTest takers with visual impairments are permitted to use specific assistive equipment like handheld magnifiers, but functions like spellcheck or internet access are strictly prohibited.
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
ExplanationThe IELTS Reading test is officially 60 minutes long, which includes time for transferring your answers.
Academic tests have more questions
General Training Reading usually requires more correct answers to achieve the same band score
Academic tests are shorter
General Training Reading is always harder
ExplanationBecause the texts in the Academic Reading test are generally more complex, it is common that you need a higher number of correct answers on the General Training test to reach a specific band score.
A dictionary
A smartphone
Handheld magnifiers or screen magnification software
An internet-connected laptop
ExplanationTest takers with visual impairments may use assistive technology like magnifiers or screen software, subject to approval.
Yes, always
No, spellcheckers and grammar tools are not permitted
Only if they have a learning disability
Yes, but only for the final 5 minutes
ExplanationEven with access arrangements, candidates are strictly forbidden from using automated spelling or grammar checking tools.
You fail automatically
You may be permitted to take the paper over two separate days
You must finish it in one sitting without breaks
You cannot take the test
ExplanationCandidates who require significant extra time (100%) may be allowed to split the test components over two days.
30 minutes
60 minutes
45 minutes
90 minutes
ExplanationThe test duration for the Reading section is 60 minutes, which includes the time to transfer answers.
Academic Reading is scored out of 100
General Training Reading requires more correct answers to achieve the same band score
Academic Reading has no band scores
There is no difference in the grading scale
ExplanationThe page mentions that it is usual that a greater number of questions must be answered correctly on a General Training Reading test to secure a given band score.
A standard dictionary
A handheld magnifier
A mobile phone for scanning
A calculator
ExplanationThe page lists handheld magnifiers as permitted assistive equipment for candidates with visual impairments.
They must finish in one session with a break
They can take the test papers on different days
They are automatically given a higher band score
They are not allowed to use a computer
ExplanationThe webpage indicates that if a candidate is entitled to 100% extra time, it may be possible to take test papers on different days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Reading MCQs free?
Yes. Every Reading MCQ on this page is free to practice, including the correct answer and explanation.
Do these include past-paper questions?
Yes — questions sourced from past papers are clearly marked with a "Past Paper" badge, alongside fresh practice questions.
Which exams do these Reading MCQs help with?
They are aimed at British Council, IDP, Cambridge English and related Pakistani competitive exams that test Reading.
How should I practice subject-wise MCQs?
Attempt each question first, then reveal the answer and read the explanation. Short, focused sessions on one subject work better than long unstructured reading.