VOL-8 Test 12 IELTS Reading — Full Practice Test

Practice IELTS Reading VOL-8 Test 12. Includes 3 passages, varied question types and detailed answer explanations.

VOL-8 Test 12 — Practice guide and overview

A quick overview of the Reading sections, common question types, plus short excerpts and sample stems so you know what to expect before starting the test.

Short excerpts from the test

Passage 1
<p>One of the earliest forms of portable illumination, candles have served vital functions for humankind throughout history, a fact chronicled through the use of candles or candle-like objects in…
Passage 2
<p>A. As this book is about ways of measuring the carbon footprint of particular things, I should start by making it clear what I mean. I am using the word ‘carbon’ as shorthand for all the different…
Passage 3
A. You may have wondered why so many supermarkets are virtually indistinguishable from each other. It is not, as some might suspect, that the companies operating them lack imagination. It is more…

Sample questions from the test

Passage 1:Artwork from ancient Egypt indicates that the use of candles was limited to royalty.
Passage 2:reference to an award-winning formula
Passage 3:What does the writer suggest about supermarkets in the first paragraph?

Frequently asked questions about this test

What band score is this test suitable for?

The VOL-8 set suits candidates targeting band 5.5–7.5. Earlier exercises are more approachable, while later ones are more challenging.

How long should I take on this test?

Official IELTS gives you 60 minutes for 3 passages and 40 questions. Time yourself while practising to build real exam-time stamina.

Should I check answers immediately?

Yes. Read the explanations for every incorrect answer right after submitting — that is where most of the learning happens.

What should I practise next?

After this test, try another test from the same volume or move up the difficulty curve into volumes 11–19.

Do I need to register to practise?

No registration is required. A free account lets you save your scores and track progress over time.

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