Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official IELTS question types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a band score. For official sample tests, visit ielts.org.
Before you start
Do
- Read the instructions for word limits, like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS".
- Skim the passage first, then scan for answers.
- Check spelling: a misspelled answer is marked wrong.
- Leave no blanks. There's no penalty for wrong answers in IELTS.
Don't
- Don't spend too long on one question. Move on and come back.
- Don't write more words than the instructions allow.
- Don't replay the audio. In the real test you hear it once.
How the buttons work
- ▶ Start test starts the clock (20 minutes) and shows one part at a time, as in the real test. In reading, the passage stays on screen next to the questions.
- Move between parts with ◀ Back and Next ▶. As in the real test, you can go back and change answers until time runs out.
- Listening: each recording plays once. Read the questions first, then press play and answer as you listen.
- ❚❚ Pause stops the clock if you're interrupted (the real test can't be paused). End test finishes early and shows your results.
How it's marked
- Multiple-choice, fill-in and listening questions are marked instantly with the real test's rules. See exactly how we mark.
- At the end you'll see a results report by task type, with what to practise next.
Test paused. The clock has stopped.
Loading questions…
How this practice is marked
One point per correct answer, with spelling checked, as in the real IELTS. There's no penalty for wrong answers. We show points rather than a band, because IELTS converts raw scores using tables that vary by test version. See IELTS band scores explained and how our marking works.
Answers, explanations and transcripts
Finish the test first, then open each section to check your answers. Every answer has an explanation.
Reading
Passage text
The return of the night train
For several decades, overnight passenger trains in Europe were in decline. Cheap flights and high-speed rail made long journeys faster, and many operators cancelled sleeper services that were expensive to run. By the 2010s, a number of well-known routes had disappeared altogether.
In recent years, however, night trains have made a surprising comeback. Several operators have launched new services connecting major cities, and some governments have offered financial support. Part of the reason is environmental: a train journey generally produces far lower carbon emissions per passenger than the equivalent flight. Travellers have also rediscovered the convenience of boarding in the evening and arriving in a city centre the next morning, saving the cost of a hotel night.
Running night trains is not simple. Sleeper carriages carry fewer passengers than seated carriages, so ticket prices must be relatively high to cover costs. Trains often cross several countries, each with different rules, track charges and technical systems. Some operators also struggle to find enough modern carriages, and new rolling stock can take years to build.
Despite these challenges, demand appears strong, with some routes regularly selling out during holiday periods. Supporters argue that, with fair pricing for flights and better international cooperation, night trains could become a normal part of travel once again.
Answer key (11 answers)
| # | Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Why did many night train services close? | Faster and cheaper alternatives became available | Paragraph 1: cheap flights and high-speed rail made long journeys faster. |
| 2 | What is one environmental reason for the comeback of night trains? | They generally produce lower emissions per passenger than flights | Paragraph 2 compares emissions per passenger with flights. |
| 3 | Some governments have provided money to support night trains. | True | Paragraph 2: 'some governments have offered financial support'. |
| 4 | Night train tickets are always cheaper than flights. | Not Given | The passage says prices must be relatively high, but doesn't compare them with flights in general. |
| 5 | Sleeper carriages can carry more people than seated carriages. | False | Paragraph 3: sleeper carriages carry fewer passengers. |
| 6 | Every country in Europe uses the same rail technical systems. | False | Paragraph 3: each country has different rules and technical systems. |
| 7 | Some night train routes sell out during holidays. | True | Paragraph 4: some routes regularly sell out during holiday periods. |
| 8 | Travellers can board in the evening and arrive in a city ___ | centre (also accepted: center) | Paragraph 2. |
| 9 | Passengers may save the cost of a ___ | hotel night (also accepted: hotel) | Paragraph 2: 'saving the cost of a hotel night'. |
| 10 | New rolling stock can take ___ | years | Paragraph 3. |
| 11 | Supporters believe better international ___ | cooperation (also accepted: co-operation) | Paragraph 4. |
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS reading practice test 2 free?
Yes, free and marked instantly, with explanations.
How long should I spend on one passage?
About 20 minutes per passage, as in the real test.
Where can I take a full reading test?
Try our full IELTS Academic Reading tests or the unlimited reading mock test.