IELTS Academic Sample Questions — 10 Solved With Reasoning

If you're preparing for IELTS Academic, you already know the test demands more than just English fluency—it requires strategic thinking under time pressure. Below are 10 representative questions across all four sections, with worked solutions that show the reasoning behind each answer. Use these to understand the exam's logic, not just to check your score.

Listening Section (Questions 1–3)

Question 1: Form completion (Section 1)

Audio transcript (excerpt):

"Good morning, I'd like to register for the evening course. My name is Priya Sharma. That's P-R-I-Y-A. S-H-A-R-M-A. My contact number is 07700 900 382. I'm available on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

Task: Complete the form with one word or a number.

• Name: Priya Sharma
• Phone: _______________
• Preferred days: _______________

Solution:

• Phone: 07700 900 382 (write exactly as spoken, including spaces if allowed; typically numbers only)
• Preferred days: Tuesdays, Thursdays (two separate entries or comma-separated)

Why this works: Listening Section 1 tests your ability to catch specific details like names, numbers, and dates. The speaker spells the name, so listen for letter sequences. Days are given in a list—note both if the form has two blanks.

Question 2: Multiple choice (Section 2)

Audio (excerpt):

"The library renovation will be completed in two phases. Phase one, which includes the reading hall and computer lab, finishes in March. Phase two, adding the silent study pods, will be ready by June. However, the café area will remain open throughout."

Question: When will the silent study pods be available? A) March B) June C) Throughout the renovation

Solution: B) June. The speaker explicitly says "Phase two... will be ready by June." The café is "throughout," but that's a distractor.

Question 3: Map labelling (Section 2)

Map description: You see a campus map with buildings labelled A–F. The audio says: "The science block is opposite the library, which is next to the main entrance. The cafeteria is behind the science block."

Task: Match the building to its function.

• Library: _____
• Science block: _____
• Cafeteria: _____

Solution: (Assuming map positions) Library = B (next to main entrance), Science block = D (opposite library), Cafeteria = E (behind science block). Key: follow spatial language—opposite, next to, behind.

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Reading Section (Questions 4–6)

Question 4: True/False/Not Given (Passage on urban farming)

Passage excerpt:

"Urban farming has gained traction in cities like Detroit and Tokyo. In Detroit, abandoned lots have been converted into community gardens, providing fresh produce to local residents. Tokyo, however, focuses on rooftop farms due to land scarcity."

Statement: Detroit's urban farms are primarily located on rooftops.

Solution: False. The passage says Detroit uses abandoned lots, not rooftops. Tokyo uses rooftops. The statement contradicts the text.

Question 5: Matching headings to paragraphs

Paragraph A: "Vertical farming uses stacked layers to grow crops indoors, reducing land use by up to 90% compared to traditional agriculture." Paragraph B: "However, initial setup costs remain high, and energy consumption for artificial lighting can offset environmental benefits."

Headings:

1. 1Advantages of vertical farming
2. 2Challenges of vertical farming
3. 3History of vertical farming

Solution: Paragraph A = 1 (advantages: reduced land use). Paragraph B = 2 (challenges: costs and energy).

Question 6: Sentence completion (one word only)

Passage: "The experiment required participants to complete a series of cognitive tasks while their brain activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI."

Sentence: The brain activity was recorded using a technique called _______ .

Solution: fMRI (or functional magnetic resonance imaging). The passage gives the full term and abbreviation; either is acceptable if the instructions say "one word"—check carefully. Usually abbreviations count as one word.

Writing Section (Questions 7–8)

Question 7: Task 1 – Describing a chart

Prompt: The chart below shows the percentage of households in three countries with internet access from 2010 to 2020.

Sample data (simplified):

• Country A: 40% (2010) → 85% (2020)
• Country B: 30% (2010) → 70% (2020)
• Country C: 20% (2010) → 60% (2020)

Solution approach:

1. 1Overview: All three countries saw a steady increase in internet access over the decade, with Country A consistently leading.
2. 2Key details: Country A rose from 40% to 85%, a 45-percentage-point gain. Country B increased from 30% to 70%. Country C started lowest but still doubled its rate.
3. 3Language: Use comparative structures ("significantly higher than," "a similar upward trend") and avoid listing every year—group by trends.

Sample opening: "The line graph illustrates the proportion of homes with internet connectivity in three nations between 2010 and 2020. Overall, all countries experienced substantial growth, with Country A maintaining the highest adoption rate throughout the period."

Question 8: Task 2 – Opinion essay

Prompt: Some people believe that universities should focus on preparing students for the job market, while others think the purpose of higher education is to provide knowledge for its own sake. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Solution structure:

• Introduction: Paraphrase the prompt, state your balanced opinion (e.g., both are important, but a blend is ideal).
• Body paragraph 1: View 1 – job market focus. Example: vocational courses, internships, employability skills. Counter: may neglect critical thinking.
• Body paragraph 2: View 2 – knowledge for its own sake. Example: liberal arts, philosophy, research. Counter: may leave graduates unprepared for specific careers.
• Conclusion: Reiterate your balanced stance, suggesting universities should integrate both—e.g., core curriculum plus career-oriented electives.

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Speaking Section (Questions 9–10)

Question 9: Part 1 – Introduction and interview

Examiner: "Let's talk about your hometown. What do you like most about it?"

Solution approach:

• Be specific: "I come from Jaipur, known as the Pink City. What I appreciate most is the blend of historical architecture and modern amenities—the Hawa Mahal is a short walk from my home, yet we have excellent internet connectivity."
• Extend naturally: give a reason, example, or contrast. Avoid one-word answers.

Question 10: Part 2 – Cue card (long turn)

Cue card:

Describe a skill you learned that was useful. You should say: - what the skill was - how you learned it - why it was useful and explain how you felt after learning it.

Sample response (1–2 minutes): "The skill I'd like to talk about is public speaking. I learned it through a university workshop that involved weekly practice sessions and peer feedback. Initially, I was nervous, but the structured approach helped me organize my thoughts quickly. This skill became incredibly useful during job interviews and presentations at work. After mastering it, I felt more confident and less anxious in social situations. The ability to articulate ideas clearly has opened doors I hadn't imagined."

Why this works: The response covers all four bullet points, uses specific details (workshop, weekly practice), and includes a personal reflection (feeling confident).

Where to next?

• Take a full IELTS Academic mock test with timed sections and scoring →
• Review our IELTS Academic preparation guide covering all four modules →
• Compare IELTS Academic vs General Training to choose the right test →