Private Schools Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Oct 03, 2025, 13:16

In the IELTS Reading section, you will answer 40 questions based on three reading passages. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the section, and the texts are taken from books, magazines, newspapers, or journals. This section tests your ability to understand main ideas, recognise opinions, and follow logical arguments.
 

Private Schools Reading passage explores the role and impact of private schools in modern education. You will read about how they differ from public schools and the debates surrounding their influence on society.


Let’s look at the Private Schools reading answer passages, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Private Schools Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on the Private Schools Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Private Schools Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Private Schools.

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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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Private Schools 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.

 

 

Private Schools Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. Utmost countries' educational systems have had what you may call educational disasters, yet these' disasters' are still visible in numerous sections of certain countries at the moment. The English education system is unique in that there are still dozens of seminaries, known as private seminaries, which immortalise honour and social separation. utmost countries have some private seminaries for the children of the fat; England has further than tripled the global normal.
England has approximately 3,000 private schools, which teach slightly under 500,000 children, whereas state schools educate approximately nine million children. The vast majority of pupils attending private schools come from middle-class backgrounds.

 

Paragraph B. The outgrowth of this system is egregious, and it contains a great deal of English history. The substantiation appears to speak for itself. Over half of scholars in the private system go on to university, whereas only roughly 8 % of scholars in the public system continue their education. Yet, figures like these can be deceptive because middle-class children perform better in examinations than working-class children, and the maturity of them continues to attend academy after the age of 16. As a result, private seminaries have an advantage over state seminaries since they 'reentirely' middle class,' creating a successful terrain in which scholars study further and apply themselves more diligently to their practice.

 

Paragraph C. Private seminaries are excessively priced, with freights as high as £18,000 per time at Harrow or Eton, where tycoons William and Harry studied, and at least£8,000 per time virtually far and wide differently. Numerous parents aren't rich or indeed comfortably out, but are willing to make significant offerings for their children's schooling. Numerous individualities are complexed as to why they must spend similar large totalities when there are impeccably acceptable state seminaries that are free.
One father explained why he chose to enrol his child in a private academy by saying," If my son has a 5% chance of attending council, that may mean the difference between success and failure." The normal person could suppose that spending at least £ 50,000 on secondary education is inordinate for a probability that's 5% better. Given the option, utmost kiddies would choose to take the plutocrat and use it to buy further enjoyable particulars rather than paying for an academy that's too precious for their requirements.

 

Paragraph D. Some contend that parents' fiscal support is actually motivated by demarcation since they do not want their youthful children to interact with" workers" or acquire a bad accentuation. Also, indeed if you could pocket the plutocrat for yourself rather and, as a result, be suitable to serve the stylish Champagne with the smoked salmon and duck, it wouldn't do if at the coming regale party all the guests boasted about their children being transferred to the same place where the son of the third kinsman of Prince Charles is going.
Nonetheless, it is true that at many of the top private institutions, your money goes a long way. One school boasts 11 science labs and has 500 students; another has 800 students and has 30 music practice rooms; a third has 16 squash courts; and a fourth has its own beach.

 

Paragraph E. Private seminaries spend£ 300 per pupil per time on investment in structures and installations; the government scheme spends lower than£ 50. In the books, the rate is 3:1. One of the effects that plutocrat can buy that's delicate to measure is the appearance of an academy, what it looks like. utmost private seminaries are located in beautiful, well-maintained country houses with large grounds and auditoriums. Compared to public seminaries, they tend to look like castles, and the worst public seminaries look like public toilets, perhaps indeed tiled or covered in graffiti. Numerous may indeed have an architectural design that's nearly at the position of an artificial chalet.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Private Schools reading answer passage.

2.

Private Schools Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Complete the sentences below.
  • Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

 

The fact that there are so many private schools in England, in comparison to other countries, makes the English educational system (1) __________ Most students in these schools are from (2) __________ families. These students seem to do better at exams, although statistics can be (3) __________ One of the advantages of private schools is that they seem to provide students with a better, more positive environment that encourages them to (4) __________ themselves to their school work with more enthusiasm. A lot of not-very-well-off parents make huge sacrifices for their children’s (5) __________ to help them go to respectable universities.

 

Private Schools  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)
 

Type of question: Notes completion

 

Under this task, you will be required to fill in missing information within a given text, often in the form of words, phrases, or sentences. These questions are designed to test your comprehension, attention to detail, and ability to infer meaning from context.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the passage carefully to understand the context and main ideas.
  • Identify the type of information missing, such as words, phrases, or sentences.
  • Look for contextual clues or keywords surrounding the missing information.
  • Use logical reasoning and inference to fill in the missing parts.
  • Ensure that the completed notes are concise and grammatically correct.
  • Verify and finalise your answers.

 

1. Unique

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: "The English education system is unique in that there are still dozens of seminaries known as private seminaries, which immortalise honour and social separation."

 

Explanation: This line highlights that the English educational system stands out from others because of its large number of private schools. It directly refers to the system as “unique", making this the correct answer.

 

2. Middle-class

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: "The vast majority of pupils attending private schools come from middle-class backgrounds."
 

Explanation: The sentence clearly states that most students in private schools belong to middle-class families. This confirms that “middle-class” accurately describes the typical background of students in such institutions.

 

3. Deceptive

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: "Yet, figures like these can be deceptive because middle-class children perform better in examinations than working-class children, and the maturity of them continue to attend academy after the age of 16. "

 

Explanation: This line explains that exam statistics can be misleading since they don't account for socioeconomic advantages. The use of the word "deceptive" in this context makes it the right choice.

 

4. Apply

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “As a result, private seminaries have an advantage over state seminaries since they 'reentirely' middle class,' creating a successful terrain in which scholars study further and apply themselves more diligently to their practice .”

 

Explanation: This line explains that Native Americans and early settlers intentionally set fires to maintain the open nature of longleaf forests. Since they played a role in creating controlled fires, "Native Americans" is the correct answer.

 

5. Schooling

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "Numerous parents aren't rich or indeed comfortably out, but are willing to make significant offerings for their children's schooling."

 

Explanation: This sentence mentions that many financially limited parents make big sacrifices for their children's education. The word “schooling” is directly used in relation to those sacrifices, making it the correct answer.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 6-10
  • Choose the correct option A, B, C or D.

 

6. Compared to other educational systems, the English one is different because

A. It aims to equalise public and private spheres.
B. Private schools educate more students than public schools.
C. It helps to establish a class system in society.
D. It costs more to operate.
 

7. More private school students attend university because 

A. the lessons and teachers at private schools are significantly superior.
B. their parents frequently enrol their children in private schools
C. they have additional instructional hours
D. the school fosters a productive environment.
 

8. Many parents send their children to private schools.

A. due to their lack of knowledge.
B. to demonstrate to their buddies how much money they have
C. to improve their chances of passing university exams.
D. as a result of improved sports facilities.
 

9. It has been suggested that some parents of children enrolled in private schools are

A. biased and superficial.
B. more intellectual than those whose children attend public schools.
C.well-reared and nurtured.
D. very protective.
 

10. Private school

A . always have their own beaches.
B . teach sports that state schools do not.
C . spend more money per student than state schools.
D . Spend more money on hiring good teachers.
 

Private Schools  Reading Answers With Explanations (6-10)
 

Type of question: Flowchart Completion

 

In this task, you are required to fill in these gaps with specific information or steps described in the passage. The information might relate to a process, sequence of events, steps in a procedure, or stages in a development.
 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Pay close attention to the flowchart or diagram and the instructions provided.
  • Quickly scan the relevant section of the passage to gather information that fits the gaps in the flowchart.
  • Ensure that the information you choose accurately fits the context of the flowchart or diagram.
  • Look for keywords or synonyms in the passage that match the information needed for each gap.
  • Ensure your answers are grammatically correct and fit within any word limit specified.
  • Finalise your answers.

 

6. C - It helps to establish a class system in society

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: "The English education system is unique in that there are still dozens of seminaries known as private seminaries, which immortalise honour and social separation."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the English education system stands out because it reinforces social separation through private schools. It highlights how these institutions help sustain a class divide, making “It helps to establish a class system in society” the correct answer.

 

7. D - the school fosters a productive environment

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Over half of scholars in the private system go on to university, whereas only roughly 8 % of scholars in the public system continue their education. Yet, figures like these — creating a successful terrain in which scholars study further and apply themselves more diligently to their practice .”

 

Explanation: This line shows that private schools provide a focused and encouraging environment that motivates students to work harder. The middle-class surroundings contribute to a culture of academic diligence, making “the school fosters a productive environment” the correct choice.

 

8. C - to improve their chances of passing university exams

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "If my son has a 5% chance of attending council, that may mean the difference between success and failure."

 

Explanation: This line illustrates that parents are willing to invest in private schooling if it increases their child’s likelihood of university admission. The decision is based on the hope of academic success, so “to improve their chances of passing university exams” is the correct answer.

 

9. A - biased and superficial

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: "Some contend that parents' fiscal support is actually motivated by demarcation since they do not want their youthful children to interact with 'workers' or acquire a bad accentuation."

 

Explanation: This sentence suggests that some parents send their children to private schools due to prejudice or social bias. They want to avoid their children mixing with working-class peers, which makes “biased and superficial” the most suitable option.

 

10. C - spend more money per student than state schools

 

Reference: From Paragraph E:  "Private seminaries spend £300 per pupil per time on investment in structures and installations; the government scheme spends lower than £50."

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that private schools invest much more money per student compared to government schools. The financial difference highlights the better resources and facilities, making “spend more money per student than state schools” the correct answer.

 

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 11-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Private Schools Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 11-13 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.

 

11. Government School children have an advantage over the Private School Children

12. The top private schoolchildren charge a lot of money.

13. Private schools are only available in big cities.
 

Private Schools Reading Answers With Explanations (11-13)

 

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.

 

11. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “As a result, private seminaries have an advantage over state seminaries since they 'reentirely' middle class,' creating a successful terrain in which scholars study further and apply themselves more diligently to their practice.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that it is private schools that hold the advantage over government schools. The environment and background of students in private schools lead to better academic engagement, making the statement false.

 

12. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: "Nonetheless, it is true that at many of the top private institutions, your money goes a long way."

 

Explanation: This line suggests that top private schools charge a high fee but offer extensive facilities in return. The phrase “your money goes a long way” implies considerable investment is needed, confirming that the schools are indeed expensive.

 

13. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage provides details about the cost, facilities, and social implications of private schools but says nothing about their geographical presence. Since there is no mention of whether private schools exist only in big cities, the answer is not given.
3.

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

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 Private Schools reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords in this passage include terms like “tuition fees,” “curriculum,” “academic performance,” “admissions,” and “facilities.” You might also find words like “independent,” “funding,” or “extra-curricular activities.” Look out for synonyms and paraphrased versions of these terms throughout the text.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the Private Schools reading passage?

Ans. Read all the headings first to understand the general ideas. Then, go through each paragraph and identify its main idea. Match the paragraph with the heading that best captures the overall message, not just a single sentence. Avoid choosing headings based on minor details.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of the Private Schools reading passage?

Ans. One challenging aspect is identifying subtle differences between similar concepts, such as public vs private funding or academic vs extracurricular benefits. Also, dense information and paraphrased wording can make it tricky to locate correct answers without thorough reading.

Q. Are Private Schools passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. The Private Schools passage is typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading test. It’s designed to assess your ability to understand complex and factual texts, often drawn from educational or institutional sources.

Q. Can I take notes during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, you can take notes on the question paper during the IELTS Reading test. However, only your answers written on the answer sheet will be scored, so make sure to transfer them before time runs out.

Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Practise skimming and scanning techniques to locate key information quickly. Read regularly from various sources like newspapers, journals, and academic articles. Timed practice tests can also help you build speed and accuracy.

Q. Are there practice materials available for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, there are plenty of practice materials available both online and in books. Official IELTS websites, Cambridge IELTS books, and online platforms offer sample passages and mock tests to help you prepare effectively.

Q. How can I effectively manage my time during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Allocate about 20 minutes to each section. Don’t spend too long on one question—if you're unsure, move on and come back later. Practising under timed conditions helps build a good pace and improves time management.

Q. What are some strategies for tackling True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. First, understand what each option means. Carefully compare the statement with the passage. If it matches, it's True; if it contradicts, it's False; if there’s not enough information, it’s Not Given. Focus on keywords and avoid assumptions.

Q. How can I prepare for the IELTS Reading test if English isn't my first language?

Ans. Start with reading simple texts and gradually move to academic articles. Learn vocabulary in context, practise summarising what you read, and take regular practice tests. Watching English content and reading aloud can also build familiarity with sentence structure and tone.

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

Ans. The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions in total, divided across three passages. These include a mix of question types such as multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, and sentence completion.