IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 4
This test consists of 3 sections and 40 questions. You have exactly 60 minutes to complete all questions. Your progress and estimated Band Score will be calculated at the end.
Section 1
Bioluminescence in the Ocean
Section 2
The Domestication of the Dog
Section 3
The Attention Economy
Full Test Details & Question Types
Format
Academic
Passages
3
Questions
40
Time Limit
60 min
Section 1 — Bioluminescence in the Ocean
An 8-paragraph science passage on how marine organisms such as anglerfish, squid and dinoflagellates produce their own light, and how researchers study them and apply the science to medicine. Question types: matching information to paragraphs (Q1–6), note completion (Q7–9), and sentence completion (Q10–13).
Section 2 — The Domestication of the Dog
Two linked texts on the genetic origins of dogs from wolves and their evolving role in human society, including the health effects of modern selective breeding. Question types: sentence completion with a bank of endings (Q14–18), True/False/Not Given (Q19–25), and multiple choice — select two answers (Q26–27).
Section 3 — The Attention Economy
A passage on how digital platforms are designed to capture and hold user attention, the psychological techniques involved, and the debate over more ethical design. Question types: True/False/Not Given (Q28–33), table/note completion (Q34–39), and multiple choice (Q40).
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are covered in IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 4? +
This test features three academic passages: Section 1 covers 'Bioluminescence in the Ocean' (marine biology), Section 2 explores 'The Domestication of the Dog' (genetics/history), and Section 3 discusses 'The Attention Economy' (technology/psychology).
Is this IELTS Reading test free? +
Yes. The full 40-question test, official 60-minute timer, instant scoring, and band score conversion are completely free with no signup required.
How is the IELTS Academic Reading band score calculated? +
Your raw score out of 40 is converted to an Academic band score between 3.5 and 9.0 using the official IELTS Academic reading conversion scale. Our system calculates this automatically when you submit the test.
How much time do I have for the IELTS Reading test? +
You have exactly 60 minutes to complete all 40 questions across the 3 passages. Unlike the Listening test, there is no extra transfer time at the end.
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