Welcome to the ultimate IELTS reading practice guide!
Today, I’ve selected four of the most commonly repeated and top-rated IELTS reading comprehension passages from past IELTS practice tests. These are the best revision materials you can use to prepare for your exam and score band 8 and above!
But before diving into the passages, here are some of my top tips for conquering the IELTS reading section:
You can watch the full class in the video below:
IELTS Reading Time Management Tips
- You have just 60 minutes to answer all the questions.
- There are 3 sections, so aim to spend only 20 minutes per section.
- The reading section often consumes time, so strict time control is key.
General Strategy Before Reading
Before reading the full passage:
- Skim through the multiple-choice questions first. This gives you an overview of what to expect and helps you read with purpose.
- Then scan the passage quickly to pick up keywords and ideas.
- Use those keywords to locate answers efficiently when reviewing the passage in detail.
Reading Passage 1: Electroreception in Fish
Let’s explore the first reading passage. It focuses on electroreception, a fascinating sensory ability in fish.
Sample Multiple Choice Questions
- What is the primary advantage of electroreception for fish?
- How do sharks and rays utilize electroreception?
- What distinguishes active electroreception from passive electroreception?
- Which of the following is an example of a fish using electroreception defensively?
- What potential application of studying electroreception is mentioned in the passage?
Knowing these ahead of time gives us context and helps us anticipate relevant parts of the passage.
Comprehension Passage Overview
“Open your eyes in sea water and it’s difficult to see much more than a murky, blurry green color. Sounds, too, are distorted and difficult to comprehend without specialized equipment. Humans would be lost in this deep-sea habitat. So how do fish make it seem so easy?”
Much of this ease is due to a biological phenomenon known as electroreception — the ability to perceive and respond to electrical stimuli in the environment.
This ability is incredibly useful in low visibility conditions, like murky or deep waters.
Electroreception enables fish to:
- Detect electric fields produced by other organisms
- Navigate underwater
- Hunt prey effectively
- Communicate even in visually impaired conditions
Types of Electroreception
There are two main types:
- Passive Electroreception:
This allows fish to detect electric fields around them. They do not generate electricity themselves but can sense it from other organisms. - Active Electroreception:
In this case, the fish generate electric fields and monitor the changes in these fields to detect objects or prey.
Each type has evolutionary advantages depending on the species and their ecological niche.
Why You Should Study This Passage
- It teaches you how to pick out scientific terms and their meanings in context.
- The structure of the passage aligns with typical IELTS academic passages.
- The vocabulary level is Band 7+, so great for pushing your limits.
Watch more educational videos and past questions: https://youtube.com/@allcbts
Conclusion and Prep Recap
To master IELTS Reading:
- Practice with authentic passages
- Focus on time management
- Skim, scan, then answer
- Understand scientific and academic vocabulary
- Use question-first strategies to save time
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