IELTS Academic Reading Forecast — Q2 2026 (May–August)
These are our Academic Reading forecast tests for Q2 2026 (May–August).
We use advanced AI technology to search where test takers share the topics they saw — forums, exam reports and recall threads. From those reports we predict the topics most likely to come up. We then search our own test database for passages and tasks on those predicted topics, and build each forecast test from that existing material. Nothing here is newly written. That is a deliberate choice. We could have AI generate new tests, but generated material can stop matching the real exam format. Reusing real material keeps the format accurate. IELTS draws on a limited bank of material, and topics rotate, so recent reports are genuinely useful. Still, a forecast is not a guarantee — we cannot tell you which topics your exam will have. What you get is a feel for current trends, and vocabulary that may come up.
Predicted Topics
- evolutionary and historical origins of human music
- climate history of extremely dry desert regions
- cognitive biology and origins of human intelligence
- sociological impacts of mobile and remote workforces
- extinction factors of ancient Pleistocene megafauna
- linguistic mysteries and undeciphered historical manuscripts
- marine protection strategies and ocean biodiversity conservation
- historical evolution and community roles of libraries
- conservation challenges and cognitive behaviors of parrots
- linguistic development and distribution of the Celtic language
- cognitive development and psychology behind artistic drawing
- nutritional biochemistry and health benefits of plants
- modern public relations and rebranding of cultural institutions
- evolutionary defense systems and competition in botany
- the role of chemical physics in culinary techniques
- literary history and biographical analysis of classic writers
- the historical legacy of industrial era philanthropy
- sculpture and society in ancient Mesoamerican cultures
- neurobiology and memory retention patterns in humans
- archaeological discoveries of Norse culture in Ireland
- cultural symbolism and sensory psychology of color
- long term perspectives on civilization and geological time
- success and team dynamics in the entertainment industry
- industrial history of steam powered maritime transport
is that real questions here