VOL-8 Test 2 IELTS Reading — Full Practice Test

Practice IELTS Reading VOL-8 Test 2. Includes 3 passages, varied question types and detailed answer explanations.

VOL-8 Test 2 — 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
A. In the north of Australia there are many sugar cane plantations, which early in the 20th century were being damaged by a particular pest. This was a species of beetle whose larvae, the infant form…
Passage 2
A. The chain of stores known as Farmers began one hundred years ago as a mail order company. Today the Farmers chain employs 3,500 staff across 58 branches making it the most venerable institution of…
Passage 3
A. When scientists began observing Mars with their first primitive telescopes, they assumed from the start that the planet was peopled. The 18th-century astronomer William Herschel, noting the…

Sample questions from the test

Passage 1:The larvae of a type of 1__________ were a serious pest in sugar cane fields.
Passage 2:a mention of the company being sold
Passage 3:evidence that a rock found on Earth originated on Mars

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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