Martin Luther King Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 07, 2025, 10:07

In the IELTS Reading section, you will answer 40 questions based on three passages. You have 60 minutes to complete the section, and your reading skills will be tested through a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. You must manage your time wisely and understand the main ideas, details, and opinions presented in the texts.
 

Martin Luther King Reading passage explores the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his role in the American civil rights movement. You’ll read about his vision, leadership, and the impact of his speeches and activism.


Let’s look at the Martin Luther King reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Martin Luther King Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 14 based on the Martin Luther King Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Martin Luther King Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Martin Luther King.

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3. Check Out Top 65+ IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

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Martin Luther King Reading Answer Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

Martin Luther King Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. In Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King was born. He was the son of Alberta Williams King and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. Alfred Daniel Williams King was his younger brother, while Willie Christine King was his older sister. King studied at Booker T. Washington High School while he was still a child in Atlanta. He attended Morehouse College at the age of fifteen without having officially completed high school after skipping the ninth and twelfth grades. Martin was aware that white people and black people in some regions of America had differing rights from the day he was born.

 

Paragraph B. A black family had to sit in a different area of the restaurant if they wanted to eat there. They had to use separate restrooms and sit in the back of the theatre. A black guy would have to undergo the humiliation of giving up his personal seat to a white man in several southern states if all the seats on the bus were taken, which is arguably even worse. King was unable to comprehend the heinous injustice of this. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1948. Afterwards, King started his systematic theology PhD studies at Boston University, where he graduated on June 5, 1955, with a doctorate of Philosophy. On June 18, 1953, King wed Coretta Scott; they had four kids together.

 

Paragraph C. King initially gained national attention when he assisted in organising the black boycott of the Montgomery bus system in 1955. He later moved back to the South and took a position as preacher of a Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama. In the segregated South, where black people could only sit at the back of the bus, this was organised when Rosa Parks, a black woman, refused to hand over her seat to a white man. The bus company changed its policies as a result of the 382-day boycott, as well as the Supreme Court ruled that such discrimination was unconstitutional.

 

Paragraph D. King was involved in the Southern Leadership Christian Conference (SCLC), which was established in 1957 to organise rallies against segregation. He promoted nonviolent direct action based on Gandhi's strategies, who organised demonstrations opposing British rule in India that resulted in the country's independence in 1947. At Birmingham, Alabama, in which the white populace was fiercely opposing desegregation, King spearheaded widespread demonstrations against discriminatory practices. When attacks on civil rights protestors mounted, the city came to be known as "Bombingham," and King was detained and imprisoned for his involvement in the demonstrations.

 

Paragraph E. Upon his release, King took part in the massive civil rights march in Washington in August 1963, when he gave his well-known "I have a dream" speech, which foresaw the day when the American dream of equality and liberty for all people would come true. After receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he oversaw a voter registration drive for blacks in 1965. The Voting Rights Act, which outlawed the discriminatory practices that had kept blacks from voting in the South, was passed by the US Congress the same year.

 

Paragraph F. King discovered that the younger generation did not generally agree with his philosophy of nonviolent protest because the civil rights movement grew more radical. King started to demonstrate it against the Vietnam War and the US's high poverty rate. King travelled to Memphis, Tennessee, on March 29, 1968, in support of the black sanitary public works workers who had been on strike since March 12 in demand of better pay and treatment. When black street repairmen were sent home due to inclement weather in one instance, they only received payment for the first two hours, whereas white personnel received payment for the entire day. King could not endure to be silent about such blatant acts of prejudice. He made an effort to bring together his people and all the American people who had experienced discrimination in order to calmly but resolutely demonstrate for their rights.

 

Paragraph G. King had reserved room 306 at Walter Bailey's Lorraine Motel for his journey to Memphis. King was shot on the second-floor balcony of the motel at 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968. King was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital, where medical professionals opened his chest and massaged his heart manually. At 7:05 p.m., he was pronounced dead. In spite of being only 39 years old, King's autopsy indicated that he possessed the heart of a 60-year-old man.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of Martin Luther King reading answer passage.

2.

Martin Luther King Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find the Martin Luther King Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • Martin Luther King Reading Answer Passage has 6 sections, A—F.
  • Choose the most suitable heading for each section from the list of headings below.
  • Write the appropriate numbers i-viii in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
    • Note: There are more headings than sections, so you will not use all of them. You may use any of the headings more than once.

 

1. Paragraph A

2. Paragraph B

3. Paragraph C

4. Paragraph D

5. Paragraph E

6. Paragraph F
 

i. the memorable speech

ii. unhappy about violence

iii. A tragic incident

iv. Protests and action

v. the background of an iconic man

vi. Making his mark internationally

vii. Difficult childhood

viii. Black Street repairmen
 

Martin Luther King  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)
 

Type of question: Matching Headings

 

In this question type, you will be asked to choose the correct heading for each paragraph from a list of headings provided. This type of question assesses your ability to understand the main idea or theme of each paragraph.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Familiarise yourself with the list of headings before reading the paragraphs. This helps you know what to look for.
  • Identify the main idea or theme of each paragraph by looking for topic sentences or recurring themes.
  • Find keywords or phrases that are similar to those in the headings. This can help you make connections.
  • Eliminate incorrect options that don't match any paragraphs to narrow down your choices.
  • Skim and Scan each paragraph efficiently to get a context about the content.

 

1. V - the background of an iconic man

 

Reference: Paragraph A: “In Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King was born. He was the son of Alberta Williams King and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. Alfred Daniel Williams King was his younger brother, while Willie Christine King was his older sister. King studied at Booker T. Washington High School while he was still a child in Atlanta.”

 

Explanation: This line presents details about King’s birthplace, family, and early education, including how he skipped grades and entered college early. It provides essential background information, making "the background of an iconic man" the correct heading.

 

2. VII - Difficult childhood

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “A black guy would have to undergo the humiliation of giving up his personal seat to a white man in several southern states if all the seats on the bus were taken, which is arguably even worse. King was unable to comprehend the heinous injustice of this.”

 

Explanation: This line highlights the daily discrimination and humiliation Black people, including King, faced during his childhood. These injustices shaped his early experiences, making "Difficult childhood" the most appropriate heading.

 

3. IV - Protests and action

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “King initially gained national attention when he assisted in organising the black boycott of the Montgomery bus system in 1955. He later moved back to the South and took a position as preacher of a Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama.”

 

Explanation: This line shows how King played a major role in organising protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It emphasises his active involvement in fighting injustice, so "Protests and action" fits best.

 

4. II - unhappy about violence

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “He promoted nonviolent direct action based on Gandhi's strategies, who organised demonstrations opposing British rule in India that resulted in the country's independence in 1947. At Birmingham, Alabama, in which the white populace was fiercely opposing desegregation, King spearheaded widespread demonstrations against discriminatory practices.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that King believed in peaceful resistance and was strongly influenced by Gandhi’s nonviolent methods. It clearly reflects King’s disapproval of violence, supporting the heading “unhappy about violence”.

 

5. I - the memorable speech

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Upon his release, King took part in the massive civil rights march in Washington in August 1963, when he gave his well-known "I have a dream" speech, which foresaw the day when the American dream of equality and liberty for all people would come true.”

 

Explanation: This line mentions King’s iconic "I have a dream" speech, delivered during a massive civil rights march in Washington. Its historical significance makes "the memorable speech" the most fitting heading.

 

6. VI - Making his mark internationally

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “King started to demonstrate it against the Vietnam War and the US's high poverty rate. King travelled to Memphis, Tennessee, on March 29, 1968, in support of the black sanitary public works workers who had been on strike since March 12 in demand of better pay and treatment. When black street repairmen were sent home due to inclement weather in one instance, they only received payment for the first two hours, whereas white personnel received payment for the entire day.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that King expanded his efforts beyond civil rights to global and national issues like the Vietnam War. His advocacy on such matters shows his growing international influence, justifying the heading “Making his mark internationally”.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 7-11
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C, or D.

 

7.  What thoughts did Martin Luther King, Jr. have towards the civil rights movement?

A. It was beneficial to the Vietnam War.

B. The younger generation came together as a result.

C. Politicians who sought to win more votes had taken advantage of it.

D. Sometimes, the protesters' behaviour was too violent.
 

8.  In 1965, what did Martin Luther King struggle for?

A. the right for black people to vote

B. the activities of the U.S. Congress

C. the right of winning the Nobel peace price

D. the right of blacks to travel internationally
 

9.  What factors impacted Martin Luther King in his nonviolent activism?

A. India's independence in 1947

B. Christianity

C. Gandhi's techniques

D. the Southern Leadership Christian Conference
 

10.  What made Martin Luther King renowned in the beginning?

A. boycott of the Montgomery bus system by blacks

B. obtaining a position as a pastor in a Baptist church

C. When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus

D. When he convinced Rosa Parks out of giving up her seat on the bus to a white man
 

11. Martin Luther King, from a young age,

A. wanted to show support for black people's rights.

B. could not comprehend the unequal treatment with black people.

C. was prohibited from visiting restaurants or cinemas.

D. was aware that several northern states were subjecting black people to humiliation.
 

Martin Luther King  Reading Answers With Explanations (7-11)
 

Type of question: Multiple choice questions

 

In this question type, you are asked to answer the question followed by several options, typically lettered A, B, C, or D. The task is to select the correct answer from the given choices based on the information provided in the reading passage.

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Read the question carefully and understand what it asks.
  • Pay attention to the keywords in the question.
  • Skim the passage quickly to locate relevant information.
  • Eliminate the clearly incorrect options.
  • Select the answer that best fits the information in the passage.

 

7. D - Sometimes, the protesters' behaviour was too violent.

 

Reference: From Paragraph F:  "King discovered that the younger generation did not generally agree with his philosophy of nonviolent protest because the civil rights movement grew more radical."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that Martin Luther King noticed a shift in the civil rights movement, especially among the younger generation, who no longer followed his nonviolent methods. As the movement grew more radical, protests became more aggressive. This makes “D” the correct answer.

 

8. A - the right for black people to vote

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “After receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he oversaw a voter registration drive for blacks in 1965. The Voting Rights Act, which outlawed the discriminatory practices that had kept blacks from voting in the south, was passed by the US Congress the same year.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that in 1965, King led a major effort to ensure black people could vote, resulting in the Voting Rights Act. The Act directly addressed discriminatory practices in southern states. Therefore, the struggle was clearly for voting rights.

 

9. C - Gandhi's techniques

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “He promoted nonviolent direct action based on Gandhi's strategies, who organised demonstrations opposing British rule in India that resulted in the country's independence in 1947.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that King adopted Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance strategies as a foundation for his activism. Gandhi's successful efforts against British rule inspired King’s peaceful protests. Thus, “C” is the most accurate answer.

 

10. A - the boycott of the Montgomery bus system by blacks

 

Reference: From Paragraph C:  "King initially gained national attention when he assisted in organising the black boycott of the Montgomery bus system in 1955."

 

Explanation: The line clearly states that King became nationally known due to his role in organising the Montgomery bus boycott. It was a turning point in his activism and public recognition. Therefore, this makes A the right answer.

 

11. B - could not comprehend the unequal treatment with black people

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: "King was unable to comprehend the heinous injustice of this."
 

Explanation: This sentence reveals that even as a child, King could not make sense of the racial injustice faced by black people. The examples of forced segregation deeply disturbed him. Hence, the answer reflects his early confusion about such unfair treatment.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the IELTS Academic Reading 2025!

Questions and Answers 12-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Martin Luther King Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 12-14 on your answer sheet, write
  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

12.  The black bus boycott in Montgomery was successful.

13.  Alabama's white population demanded desegregation in 1963.

14. In his protest against the Vietnam War, Martin Luther King accomplished a lot.
 

Martin Luther King  Reading Answers With Explanations (12-14)
 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(True/False/Not Given)

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.

 

12. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "The bus company changed its policies as a result of the 382-day boycott, as well as the Supreme Court ruling that such discrimination was unconstitutional."

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that the Montgomery bus boycott achieved its goal. The bus company was forced to change its rules, and the Supreme Court declared the segregation unconstitutional, proving the boycott was indeed successful.

 

13. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “At Birmingham, Alabama, in which the white populace was fiercely opposing desegregation, King spearheaded widespread demonstrations against discriminatory practices.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the white people in Alabama were strongly against desegregation. Since the statement claims the opposite—that they demanded desegregation—it is clearly incorrect, making the answer False.

 

14. Not Given

 

Reference: From N/A

 

Explanation: Although the passage mentions that King protested against the Vietnam War, it does not provide any information about what he achieved through this protest. As there is no mention of the outcomes, the correct answer is Not Given.
3.

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Below are some top 65+ free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. We have provided sample passages for each test type for your reference.
 

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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in Martin Luther King reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords often include terms like “civil rights,” “equality,” “non-violence,” “segregation,” and “justice.” These words reflect the main themes in King’s speeches and writings and can help you locate answers quickly while scanning the passage.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in Martin Luther King reading passage?

Ans. Read all the headings first, then skim each paragraph to find the main idea. Match the paragraph with the heading that best summarises its content. Look for keywords, tone, and topic sentences to guide your choice.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of Martin Luther King reading passage?

Ans. The passage may include complex vocabulary, historical context, or abstract ideas like social justice and freedom. Understanding the author's tone and purpose can also be tricky for some students.

Q. Are Martin Luther King passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. Passages related to Martin Luther King are more likely to appear in the IELTS Academic Reading section due to their informative and complex nature. However, simplified texts may appear in General Training as well.

Q. What should I do if I run out of time?

Ans. If you're short on time, quickly guess the remaining answers using logic or elimination. Don’t leave any questions blank. Focus on completing multiple-choice or matching questions quickly, as they can be faster to answer.

Q. How can I practice effectively for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Practice with real IELTS sample tests under timed conditions. Focus on improving your skimming and scanning skills. Review your mistakes carefully to understand patterns and work on weak areas consistently.

Q. Where can I find reliable IELTS Reading practice materials?

Ans. You can find trusted materials on the official IELTS website, Cambridge IELTS books, British Council, and IDP resources. Some reliable online platforms like IELTS Liz and IELTS Simon also provide helpful exercises and tips.

Q. How can I solve the IELTS reading section fast?

Ans. Use skimming to get the gist of the passage and scanning to locate keywords in questions. Don’t read every word. Answer questions in order, and move on quickly if you're stuck—return later if time allows.

Q. How can I get 8.0 in IELTS reading?

Ans. To score 8.0, you need to get around 35 out of 40 answers correct. Focus on time management, understanding question types, and consistent practice. Learn to quickly find answers and avoid traps in True/False/Not Given and Matching questions.

Q. What is the format of the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test includes 40 questions divided across 3 passages. You have 60 minutes to complete all questions. The Academic and General Training versions differ in topic complexity but follow the same format.

Q. How many passages are there in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. There are three passages in the IELTS Reading test. Each passage gets progressively harder, and they are followed by different question types like matching headings, True/False/Not Given, and multiple choice.