READING COMPREHENSION EXERCISES
We've prepared a diverse list of topics to help you to improve your ability to understand written English.
We've got
75 more reading comprehension exercises in the ad-free
PREMIUM EDITION of our website.
NEWEST EXERCISES (2025-2026):
Trump's plan for a "New Gaza"
Venezuelans contemplate returning home
The economic impact of deforestation
Challenging a giant data centre in the UK
Ancient handprints found in Indonesia
New anti-hate and gun laws in Australia
Problem deporting Afghan nationals from Europe
Former DEA agent sentenced to 5 years in prison
Canada loses its 'measles-free' status
The lab-grown meat industry
OLDER EXERCISES:
Using genetically modified moths to control pests
The end of petrol cars in the UK
Swimming under Antarctic ice (melting glaciers/ climate change)
World War 2 bomb found in London
Racism and its consequences at a Michigan school
Homework or no homework?
Ban on some polluting fuels
Bedbugs in Paris
Cutting trees to build cars in Germany
Pesticides and bumblebees
Asteroid flying close to our planet
Mini-moon
The high cost of renting an apartment in London
The personality of drivers of expensive cars
The connection between too much sugar and not sleeping well
A cause of obesity in young children
Making the United States a less bilingual place
New regulations for illegal immigrants in the EU
Outdoor activity injury statistics
Public tax returns in Scandinavia
Rembrandt self portrait
Can a healthy lifestyle alter your genes?
Global warming, another study
American veterinarians helping animals abroad
Using real animals in movies
TOP TIP! Improving your reading comprehension
Before you read:
• Set a purpose
Ask yourself: Why am I reading this? Having a goal helps you stay focused.
• Preview the text
Skim the title, headings, subheadings, and any bold/italic words. This gives you a framework before diving in.
• Activate prior knowledge
Think about what you already know about the topic-it helps new info stick better.
While you read:
• Take notes or annotate
Underline key ideas, jot questions in the margins, or summarize each paragraph briefly.
• Visualize the content
Picture scenes, diagrams, or concepts in your head. Turning words into images boosts memory and understanding.
• Slow down when it gets tough
Don't rush through dense or confusing parts. Reread and break it down into smaller chunks.
• Ask questions
What's the main idea? Why is this important? How does it connect to what I already know?
• Look up unfamiliar words
...but don't get stuck! Try to infer meaning from context first, then double-check.
After You Read:
• Summarize in your own words
Retelling what you've read (out loud or in writing) helps lock it in.
• Discuss with others
Talking about the text with someone else can clarify ideas and give new perspectives.
• Apply what you learned
Connect it to real life, other things you've read, or problems you're solving.
DID YOU KNOW? IELTS Reading section
Did you know that IELTS has a reading section? Here's some info about it:
• Included in both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Number of passages: 3
• Total questions: 40
What it tests:
The Reading section is essentially reading comprehension, testing your ability to:
• Understand main ideas and details
• Identify opinions, arguments, and purpose
• Skim and scan for specific information
• Understand vocabulary in context
Academic vs General Training
• Academic: Passages are more complex and taken from books, journals, or articles.
• General Training: Passages are more practical, based on everyday or workplace texts.
