By Tanvir Mahtab Fahim, British Council & IDP Certified Teacher.
This guide provides the official structure for each question type found in the IELTS Reading module. Use this as a direct reference for the classification system used in Fahim Sir’s classroom.
Click to watch Fahim Sir explain the 11 question types.
Category 1: Gap Filling
These questions require you to find specific words from the text to complete a missing part of a sentence or summary.
1. Sentence Completion
- Official Text: “The Metropolitan Railway, which was the world’s first underground passenger railway, opened in January 1863 in the city of London, using steam locomotives to pull the carriages.”
- Example Question: The first underground railway was built in the city of [……..].
- Answer: London
2. Summary Completion (with Options)
- Official Text: “Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the earth’s crust. By preventing erosion and landslides, timber zones ensure the long-term protection and conservation of the soil.”
- Example Question: Trees are vital for the (1) [……..] of the soil.
- Options Box: A) Destruction, B) Preservation, C) Growth, D) Ventilation.
- Answer: B (Preservation)
3. Diagram / Table / Flow-chart Labelling
- Context: Completing labels on a technical drawing or a step-by-step process.
Category 2: True/False/Not Given & Yes/No/Not Given
These questions test your ability to identify factual information or the writer’s specific opinions.
4. True / False / Not Given (Facts)
- Official Text: “While sleep requirements vary significantly between individuals, scientific consensus suggests that the vast majority of grown-ups require a minimum of eight hours of rest per night.”
- Example Question: Most adults require exactly eight hours of sleep to function optimally.
- Answer: True (The “vast majority” in the text matches “Most” in the question).
5. Yes / No / Not Given (Writer’s Views/Claims)
- Official Text: “In my estimation, although wind and hydro power have potential, solar energy stands as the sole realistic and sustainable solution for our planet’s energy crisis.”
- Example Question: The author believes that solar energy is the only viable solution for the future.
- Answer: Yes (The text says “sole realistic solution”).
Category 3: Short Questions
These questions require a direct, short answer taken exactly from the passage.
6. Short Answer Questions
- Official Text: “The ancient structure, which stood for over three centuries, was composed entirely of local timber harvested from the surrounding valley.”
- Example Question: What specific material was used to construct the first bridge?
- Answer: Local timber (Note: “Wood” is incorrect because it is not in the text).
Category 4: Matching
This category tests your ability to connect ideas, headings, or specific features within the text.
7. List of Headings (Matching Headings)
This task requires identifying the “Main Idea” of an entire paragraph.
- Example Paragraph A:“In the late 15th century, the introduction of the printing press revolutionized how information was disseminated. Before this, books were hand-copied and accessible only to the elite. Suddenly, knowledge became a commodity for the masses, leading to a surge in literacy rates across Europe.”
- Heading Option: The democratization of knowledge (Matches Paragraph A).
- Example Paragraph B:“Modern architectural trends are shifting toward ‘living buildings’ that incorporate vertical gardens and sustainable energy systems. Unlike the concrete monoliths of the 1970s, these structures aim to reduce carbon footprints while improving the mental well-being of the residents.”
- Heading Option: A green revolution in urban design (Matches Paragraph B).
8. Matching Information (Paragraph Location)
- Official Text (Para E): “During the 1700s, the region experienced a ‘Little Ice Age’ with temperatures dropping significantly lower than the modern average.”
- Example Question: Which paragraph contains a reference to the specific climate conditions of the 18th century?
- Answer: E
9. Matching Features (Name Matching)
- Example Task: Match the statement “The earth’s core is cooling faster than predicted” to the correct expert:
- A) Dr. James Smith
- B) Professor Linda Jones
10. Sentence Ending Matching
- Example Question: Studying a second language (Start)…
- Ending Box: …can significantly improve cognitive function in older age.
Category 5: MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
These questions test deep comprehension of specific details or the overall purpose of the text.
11. Single-answer MCQ
- Question: What is the writer’s main point regarding urban development?
- A) Costs are rising faster than expected.
- B) Technology is failing to solve infrastructure issues.
- C) Modern architecture ignores city history.
12. Double/Multiple Choice MCQ
- Question: Which TWO benefits of regular exercise are mentioned by the author?
- A) Improved cardiovascular health.
- B) Increased social interaction.
- C) Reduced risk of chronic illness.
Classroom Reference
For more practice materials, visit: Fahim Sir’s IELTS Reading Category
