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IELTS Reading Question Types notesEvery Reading question type on one map

What each Reading question type tests, and which method lesson to open for it. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 9 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 9 cards
  • Free to read online
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 13 October 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

Along the way you get before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.

The first 3 of 9 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSStart here · Reading question types

    One trick for every question?

    the habit that costs marks

    Many learners hunt for a matching word and copy what's beside it. ielts.org lists 11 Academic Reading question types, each testing a different skill.

    I just find the same wordone trick for all in the passage and copy the answer next to it.

    Name the type first, then use its method.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 9
  2. IELTSStart here · Reading question types

    The map: six families

    BandLadder's grouping, not ielts.org's

    FamilyTypes in it
    JudgeT/F/NG, Y/N/NG
    ChooseMultiple choice
    MatchInformation, headings, features, endings
    CompleteSentence, summary, notes
    VisualTable, flow chart, diagram
    AnswerShort-answer questions

    ielts.org lists 11 Academic types and 8 on its GT page.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 9
  3. IELTSStart here · Reading question types

    Judge and choose

    each has its own method lesson

    TypeIt tests
    True/False/Not GivenSpecific information
    Yes/No/Not GivenThe writer's views or claims
    Multiple choiceDetail or the main points

    FALSE contradicts the text. NO contradicts the writer's view. NOT GIVEN does neither.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material3 / 9
  4. Card 4 of 9 onwards

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9 cards

Contents

  1. 1One trick for every question?the habit that costs marksIn the preview
  2. 2The map: six familiesBandLadder's grouping, not ielts.org'sIn the preview
  3. 3Judge and chooseeach has its own method lessonIn the preview
  4. 4Four kinds of matchingdetail, main idea or connection?Free account
  5. 5Fill, label, answermind the word limitFree account
  6. 6Two myths about the mapswap the habitFree account
  7. 7Your turnthree quick onesFree account
  8. 8Save thisthe map in five linesFree account
  9. 9Where next?pick one and goFree account

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FAQ

Is the Every Reading question type on one map lesson free?+

Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.

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The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team. It is original BandLadder material from our own study library, not copied from books or other websites.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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