The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage: Everything You Can Cover in this IELTS Reading Task

Did you know? A study found that IELTS Academic Reading test-takers who employed a combination of quick scanning to locate information and more detailed reading to answer questions performed better overall.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam is globally recognized, accepted by over 11,500 institutions across 140 countries. It assesses your comprehension skills. For example, in The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage, you’ll be asked to analyze historical, information-heavy content. 

Top universities like the University of Berkeley, Columbia University, and Oxford rely on your IELTS band score for admissions. Top tier universities require a minimum Band score of 6.5 to qualify. To perform well, focusing on important vocabulary and efficient reading strategies is key to answering questions accurately and managing time effectively.

In this guide, you will get a detailed breakdown of IELTS reading answers: "The Story of Opium" with sample practice questions and sample passages.

Analyzing The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage: An Overview

Historical passages like The Story of Opium often challenge test-takers due to their layered timelines and complex cause-effect chains. Instead of offering straightforward facts, historical passages in IELTS general reading test blend economic, political, and cultural angles that require close attention. 

Understanding the broader context of imperial trade and its human cost is key to get a good IELTS score in this section. To succeed, readers must track shifts in tone, spot implicit viewpoints, and decode academic phrasing. Let’s look at a breakdown of IELTS general reading section and IELTS reading answers: "The Story of Opium".

Reading Question Type	What You’re Expected to Do
Multiple choice questions	Analyze subtle differences between options and pick the one that best fits the author’s intent.
True/False/Yes/No/Not Given	Detect whether a statement is directly supported, contradicted, or not clearly addressed.
Matching headings	Identify the core message of each section and link it to the most fitting heading from a list.
Matching paragraph information	Locate where specific examples or ideas appear by scanning for keywords and paraphrases.
Choosing a title	Grasp the overall focus of the passage and decide which title captures its main argument.
Sentence completion	Fill in the blanks with exact or paraphrased words while keeping grammar and meaning intact.
Summary completion	Pick out key points from a condensed version of the text and supply the missing words.
Classification or categorization	Sort ideas, people, or things based on shared traits or roles discussed in the passage.
Diagram completion	Translate written information into visual parts by identifying labels that match diagram steps.
Table completion	Extract exact figures, names, or terms and place them correctly to complete the table.
Flow chart completion	Track the logical flow of a process and insert missing stages using relevant details.

Also Read: Try It and See - IELTS Reading Passage with Questions and Answers

Now, you have an idea of the exam structure so let’s explore some sample passages and practice question types with IELTS reading answers: "The Story of Opium".

Exploring Questions and Answers for The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage with Samples

To succeed in the IELTS Academic Reading section, you need to understand how each question type challenges a different skill, whether it’s tracing an argument, separating facts from opinions, or interpreting cause-and-effect relationships. This is important for passages which combine historical complexity with political nuance.

To build confidence, this guide features four practice passages with questions and IELTS reading answers: "The Story of Opium", each designed to reflect real IELTS question types. These include a variety of tasks, from matching headings to completing summaries, so you can train yourself to read quickly, think critically, and avoid traps.

Let’s now focus on how to effectively approach the 'fill in the blanks' format in a historical context like this and solve IELTS reading answers: "The Story of Opium"

Passage 1: Fill in the Blanks (Completion Questions)

This question type checks your ability to locate precise information hidden within dense historical content. When reading a passage like The Story of Opium, you're often required to fill in blanks using exact words from the text, typically dates, figures, or specific events that shaped the narrative.

However, it’s not as simple as keyword hunting. Test setters often rephrase the surrounding sentences, so understanding the deeper context becomes key. Training with passages on complex issues like colonial trade or drug regulation can greatly improve your speed and accuracy in handling these blanks effectively.

Passage:

Opium, derived from the poppy plant, has a rich and complicated history that spans millennia. The first known use of opium dates back to around 3400 BC in Mesopotamia, where the Sumerians cultivated the poppy for its narcotic properties. The Sumerians referred to the poppy as the "joy plant" and used it primarily for medicinal purposes. By the time of ancient Egypt, opium had spread to other parts of the ancient world, where it was used to treat pain and as a sleep aid. Opium continued to be used throughout the ancient world for these medicinal purposes. However, opium's story took a dramatic turn when it began to play a role in global trade during the 17th century. European traders, including the British and Dutch, began to trade opium in exchange for valuable goods such as tea, silk, and porcelain, particularly in China. The British East India Company, in particular, began to grow large quantities of opium in India, which was then smuggled into China, where it was in high demand. By the 18th century, opium had become a major commodity, and the widespread availability of the drug led to a public health crisis in China. This growing demand for opium in China, coupled with the profits generated by the trade, led to significant political tensions between Britain and China. The Chinese government sought to reduce the opium trade, seeing its negative effects on society, while the British sought to protect their lucrative trade routes. These tensions eventually led to the Opium Wars in the 19th century, which marked a major turning point in the story of opium. The legacy of opium's role in global trade is still felt today. While modern countries have taken steps to regulate and control the production and distribution of opiates, the history of opium continues to shape global drug policy and international relations. The impact of opium’s global trade can be seen in the social, economic, and political consequences that arose from its widespread use, from the Opium Wars to modern-day challenges related to addiction and illegal drug trafficking.

Questions:

Instructions: Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.

Q1: The Sumerians called the poppy plant the “__________” and used it mostly for medicinal purposes.

Focus: Identifying the early cultural use and naming of opium

Strategy: Scan the first paragraph for references to the Sumerians and how they described or used the poppy

Impact: Tests your ability to locate direct factual information from ancient historical contexts

Answer: joy plant Explanation: The passage states that the Sumerians cultivated the poppy and referred to it as the “joy plant.” This phrase is tied to its narcotic, medicinal use. Accurately identifying this nickname reinforces your ability to pick up culturally specific terminology used in early historical settings.

Q2: European powers, such as the British and Dutch, exchanged opium for goods like __________ in China.

Focus: Understanding the dynamics of historical trade relationships

Strategy: Identify what goods were exchanged for opium by scanning references to trade with China in the second paragraph

Impact: Evaluates how well you can extract lists of items or specific details from a trade-related context

Answer: tea, silk, and porcelain Explanation: The second paragraph outlines how European traders exchanged opium for valuable Chinese goods. Recognizing the full list, tea, silk, and porcelain, demonstrates attention to detail in extracting complete factual data from the passage.

Q3: The __________ grew opium in India and smuggled it into Chinese markets.

Focus: Identifying the key actors in the historical opium trade

Strategy: Search for specific organizations involved in cultivating and distributing opium

Impact: Tests your ability to pick out named entities that played central roles in historical events

Answer: British East India Company Explanation: The passage directly mentions the British East India Company as the organization responsible for growing opium in India and smuggling it into China. Knowing this shows your understanding of institutional involvement in historical events.

Q4: The Chinese government tried to limit opium trade due to its __________ on society.

Focus: Understanding social consequences tied to historical drug trade

Strategy: Focus on the government’s motivations and reasoning in the passage’s discussion of trade conflict

Impact: Assesses whether you can interpret the cause-effect link between drug use and societal issues

Answer: negative effects Explanation: The Chinese government viewed the opium trade as harmful, and the passage attributes this to its negative effects on society. Recognizing this helps you grasp the motivations behind political resistance and conflict.

Q5: The effects of the opium trade still influence today’s __________ and international drug laws.

Focus: Recognizing the long-term global impact of historical events

Strategy: Examine the concluding paragraph for references to the modern legacy of opium

Impact: Tests your ability to connect past events to ongoing global policies

Answer: global drug policy Explanation: The final paragraph explicitly connects the historical opium trade to today’s global drug policy. Identifying this term correctly shows your ability to detect how historical narratives influence contemporary international relations and regulation.

Bonus Tip: Read the full sentence around the blank to catch paraphrased clues and avoid relying only on keywords. Always stick to the word limit, and don’t change the form of words from the passage. Regular practice with historical texts can improve accuracy.

Also Read: How to Improve Reading Skills in IELTS: Tips For Reading in IELTS

Now, let’s explore a new sample passage with the true/false/not given question type.

Passage 2: True/False/Not Given

In True/False/Not Given questions, your task is to judge how directly a statement aligns with the information in the text. With historical passages like the story of opium, small details, such as dates, causes, or effects, can make a big difference. So, don’t just skim for matching words.

What makes this tricky is that sometimes the statement sounds true but isn't directly supported by the text. Unless the passage clearly confirms or contradicts it, "Not Given" is usually the right choice. Focus on the passage's intent, not just its surface wording.

Passage:

The Opium Wars were a series of two wars fought between Britain and China in the 19th century, both of which were sparked by the trade of opium. The first Opium War (1839-1842) arose when the Chinese government took action to stop the illegal opium trade that was destroying the health of its citizens. Opium, which had been smuggled into China by the British East India Company, was highly addictive and led to widespread social and economic problems in China. The Qing Dynasty, under the leadership of Emperor Daoguang, ordered the destruction of large quantities of opium, which had been confiscated from British traders. In response to this, Britain, motivated by both the financial value of the opium trade and the desire to maintain open trade with China, declared war. The British military, with its superior weaponry and naval power, quickly defeated the Chinese forces, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. The treaty resulted in significant concessions to Britain, including the opening of several Chinese ports to foreign trade and the cession of Hong Kong to Britain. The second Opium War (1856-1860), also known as the Arrow War, was triggered by further disagreements over the opium trade, as well as China's refusal to open more ports to foreign merchants. Once again, Britain, joined by France, fought against China. The war ended with another Chinese defeat, and the Treaty of Tientsin was signed, which further expanded foreign privileges in China and legalized the opium trade. The outcome of both wars drastically shifted the power dynamics in East Asia and further entrenched British control over the opium trade. The consequences of the Opium Wars were far-reaching. In addition to the social impact of widespread addiction, the wars weakened the Qing Dynasty and led to a series of internal rebellions. The Opium Wars also marked the beginning of the "Century of Humiliation" for China, a period of foreign intervention and territorial loss. The role of opium in these wars highlights the intersection of drug trade, imperialism, and geopolitics.

Questions:

Q1: The British East India Company smuggled opium into China during the 19th century.

Focus: Identifying specific actions of historical entities involved in the opium trade

Strategy: Scan for factual statements about who was responsible for bringing opium into China

Impact: Tests your ability to match explicit historical claims to named actors in the text

Answer: True Explanation: The passage clearly states that opium was smuggled into China by the British East India Company. This directly confirms the claim and verifies the factual accuracy of the statement based on the passage.

Q2: Emperor Daoguang personally led troops during the First Opium War.

Focus: Distinguishing between leadership decisions and military involvement

Strategy: Look for any details that describe the emperor’s role in combat or military leadership

Impact: Assesses whether you can detect the absence of specific details, not just their presence

Answer: Not Given Explanation: The passage mentions that Emperor Daoguang ordered the destruction of opium, but it does not state or imply that he led troops into battle. Since there’s no information about his personal involvement in military action, the correct answer is “Not Given.”

Q3: The Treaty of Tientsin legalized the trade of opium in China.

Focus: Understanding treaty outcomes and policy changes

Strategy: Search for results of the Second Opium War, particularly those tied to trade regulation

Impact: Evaluates your ability to pinpoint legal or political consequences of historical events

Answer: True Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the Treaty of Tientsin, signed after the Second Opium War, legalized the opium trade in China. This is a direct confirmation, making the statement true.

Q4: The Opium Wars caused major internal conflicts within the Qing Dynasty.

Focus: Connecting external wars to domestic political and social consequences

Strategy: Review the paragraph discussing the outcomes and long-term effects of the wars

Impact: Tests your understanding of cause-effect relationships in a historical narrative

Answer: True Explanation: According to the passage, the wars weakened the Qing Dynasty and led to internal rebellions. These rebellions qualify as major internal conflicts, supporting the statement as true.

Q5: Britain and France worked together in both the First and Second Opium Wars.

Focus: Verifying specific alliances during distinct historical conflicts

Strategy: Note who was involved in each war separately

Impact: Checks if you can distinguish historical participation accurately between events

Answer: False Explanation: The passage clearly states that France joined Britain only during the Second Opium War. There is no mention of France in the First Opium War, which makes the statement false.

Bonus Tip

Always read the statement carefully before scanning the passage. If you can't find direct confirmation or contradiction, choose Not Given. Practice with historical passages to build accuracy in distinguishing implied facts from stated ones.

Also Read: IELTS Plan for 1 Month – A Complete Preparation Strategy

Now, let's look at the MCQ question type with a sample passage.

Passage 3: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are designed to assess how well you can understand the deeper message behind historical narratives like the Opium Wars. These questions often test your ability to distinguish between cause and effect, follow the sequence of events, and interpret the author’s emphasis.

In passages like the story of opium, the details can be dense and nuanced. The key to answering correctly is to trace how facts unfold and compare similar options carefully. Small shifts in phrasing can separate a partially correct answer from the one that is fully backed by the passage.

Passage:

Opium has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, valued for its potent ability to relieve pain and treat a variety of ailments. In ancient times, the Sumerians and Egyptians used opium as a painkiller and to treat conditions such as coughs, diarrhea, and insomnia. During the 19th century, opium became widely used in Europe and America, where it was sold in the form of laudanum, a mixture of opium and alcohol. It was a common treatment for many health issues, from chronic pain to depression. However, as the use of opium spread, so did its addictive properties. Physicians and patients alike became increasingly aware of the risks of addiction, but the widespread availability of opium-based medicines made it difficult to control. By the late 19th century, the addictive nature of opium had become a major public health concern. Efforts to regulate the sale of opium-based products, such as laudanum, were slow to emerge, and the opioid crisis continued to grow. In the early 20th century, the development of alternative pain relief methods, such as aspirin and other non-opioid medications, led to a decline in the use of opium in medicine. Today, while opioids are still prescribed for pain management, their use is carefully regulated due to the high potential for addiction. The history of opium’s use in medicine serves as a reminder of the fine line between effective treatment and the danger of dependency.

Questions:

1. What was one of the earliest known uses of opium in ancient civilizations?
   A. As a recreational drug
   B. To induce hallucinations
   C. For pain relief and treating ailments
   D. As a food preservative

Focus: Identifying initial medicinal applications of opium

Strategy: Locate historical references to ancient civilizations and their uses of opium

Impact: Tests recognition of foundational historical facts and main ideas

Answer: C. For pain relief and treating ailments Explanation: The passage states that ancient Sumerians and Egyptians used opium as a painkiller and to treat conditions like coughs, diarrhea, and insomnia. This confirms that its earliest use was for pain relief and other medical conditions, making option C correct.

1. How was opium commonly used in 19th-century Europe and America?
   A. Smoked in public gatherings
   B. Prescribed only to terminal patients
   C. Sold as a mixture called laudanum
   D. Used exclusively in hospitals

Focus: Understanding forms of opium use in a specific historical period

Strategy: Scan for references to the 19th century and the form in which opium was consumed

Impact: Measures ability to extract specific historical practices from the text

Answer: C. Sold as a mixture called laudanum Explanation: According to the passage, opium in the 19th century was widely sold as laudanum, which was a mixture of opium and alcohol. This form was commonly used to treat various health problems, directly supporting option C.

 

1. What made it difficult to manage opium addiction in the 19th century?
   A. It was considered a spiritual remedy
   B. There were no laws against its sale
   C. The lack of awareness of its effects
   D. Its easy availability in medicinal products

Focus: Identifying barriers to public health intervention

Strategy: Look for reasons the opioid crisis was hard to control during that era

Impact: Tests understanding of cause-and-effect relationships within a public health context

Answer: D. Its easy availability in medicinal products Explanation: The passage explains that opium-based medicines were widely available and that both doctors and patients struggled with controlling addiction despite awareness of its risks. This widespread access made regulation difficult, confirming option D.

1. What contributed to the decline of opium use in the medical field during the early 20th century?
   A. Cultural opposition to Western medicine
   B. A shift toward natural healing methods
   C. The invention of safer alternatives like aspirin
   D. Government bans on all narcotics

Focus: Recognizing key developments in medical history

Strategy: Find statements about the transition away from opium in medical treatments

Impact: Tests ability to connect innovation with historical change

Answer: C. The invention of safer alternatives like aspirin Explanation: The passage clearly notes that the development of non-opioid pain relief options like aspirin in the early 20th century led to a decline in opium’s medical use. This identifies option C as the correct answer.

1. What is the main idea of the passage?
   A. Opium has only been misused throughout history
   B. Medical use of opium was short-lived and unimportant
   C. Opium's role in medicine is a story of both benefit and risk
   D. Ancient civilizations lacked medical knowledge

Focus: Grasping the central theme of a historical-medical discussion

Strategy: Consider the overall tone and structure of the passage

Impact: Measures comprehension of the passage's overarching message

Answer: C. Opium's role in medicine is a story of both benefit and risk Explanation: The passage outlines both the effective use of opium for treating ailments and the serious problems associated with its addictive nature. This balance between usefulness and danger defines the central message, making option C the most accurate summary.

Bonus Tip:

To master MCQs, read the question stem carefully, then predict an answer before looking at the options. Eliminate distractors that are too broad, too narrow, or not supported by the passage. Always return to the text for evidence before finalizing your choice.

Also Read: How To Reduce Spelling Mistakes In English While Writing?-IELTS

Now, let’s discuss another sample passage with the practice questions for matching headings.

Passage 4: Matching Headings

Matching Headings questions are all about recognizing the central message of each paragraph, especially when the topic involves complex historical themes. It's not enough to spot repeated words. You need to understand what the author is really trying to say about each phase of the story, it’s crucial for strong IELTS exam preparation.

Since several headings might feel similar, focus on what sets each paragraph apart. A good trick is to quickly read the beginning and end of a paragraph to catch the overall shift or development, then glance through the middle for confirmation. This skill helps you connect historical dots and trace the deeper patterns of cause and effect.

Passage:

The story of opium is deeply intertwined with the history of European colonialism, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. The British Empire, in particular, played a significant role in the global trade of opium. In the late 1700s, the British East India Company began cultivating opium in India and exporting it to China. At the time, China had a high demand for opium, and the drug quickly became popular among its population. The British, seeing an opportunity for profit, turned opium into a major commodity, trading it for valuable goods like silk, tea, and porcelain. The British Empire’s involvement in the opium trade was not limited to commerce; it was also a tool of imperial control. By flooding China with opium, the British sought to undermine Chinese society and extend their political and economic influence in the region. The Chinese government, realizing the social and economic damage caused by opium, tried to restrict the trade. This led to the Opium Wars, which were fought to protect the British opium trade and further their colonial ambitions in Asia. The opium trade played a critical role in the expansion of the British Empire, as it helped fund Britain’s imperial pursuits in Asia. However, the consequences of this trade were devastating for China. Millions of Chinese people became addicted to opium, and the drug's impact was felt across society. Despite China’s efforts to curb the opium trade, the British continued to dominate the market, contributing to the long-term social and economic problems that China would struggle with for decades. The colonial legacy of the opium trade can still be seen in the modern drug trade. The global networks that were established during the 19th century have continued to shape the dynamics of the illicit drug market, which remains a major issue in international politics today.

Questions:

Choose the correct heading (i–viii) for each paragraph (1–5).

Headings:
i. How opium became a tool of British imperialism
ii. The continuing influence of colonial drug networks
iii. Opium as a valuable trade commodity
iv. Resistance from the Chinese government
v. Social impact of addiction in China
vi. Financial motivations behind the British opium trade
vii. The spread of opium through British-controlled territories
viii. The global legacy of opium-driven conflict

Paragraphs:

1.During the late 18th century, the British East India Company began cultivating opium in India, using it as a means to gain economic leverage in trade with China. With Chinese goods like tea and silk in high demand in Britain, opium became the preferred exchange. The British profited enormously by selling opium to Chinese merchants, creating a steady outflow of silver from China and strengthening Britain’s trade position.

Focus: Identifying Britain’s core motivation for starting the opium trade

Strategy: Look for clues about economic goals and trade advantages

Impact: Tests recognition of underlying financial drivers in historical contexts

Answer: vi. Financial motivations behind the British opium trade Explanation: The paragraph discusses how Britain used opium grown in India to trade for Chinese goods like tea and silk, resulting in large profits and economic leverage. This highlights Britain’s financial motives, which makes heading vi the most accurate match.

2.The growing dependence on the opium trade was not just a financial strategy—it became a calculated instrument of control. By encouraging widespread opium use in China, the British destabilized local structures and weakened resistance to foreign influence. This laid the groundwork for direct military intervention when China attempted to push back.

Focus: Understanding the political use of opium in colonial expansion

Strategy: Pay attention to how opium influenced power dynamics and control

Impact: Measures ability to link trade practices to broader imperial agendas

Answer: i. How opium became a tool of British imperialism Explanation: This paragraph explains how opium was used to weaken Chinese society and pave the way for military action, which reflects imperial strategy. Hence, heading i is the best fit.

3.The Chinese government soon realized the severe consequences of the drug’s popularity. In an effort to protect its people, it moved to restrict and confiscate opium shipments. These actions were met with force by Britain, leading to armed conflicts that revealed how deeply commercial interests were tied to imperial policy.

Focus: Capturing the conflict between Chinese authorities and British forces

Strategy: Look for actions taken by the Chinese government and British reactions

Impact: Tests understanding of historical resistance and military consequences

Answer: iv. Resistance from the Chinese government Explanation: The paragraph outlines China’s efforts to stop the opium trade and how this triggered military conflict with Britain. This shows clear resistance from the Chinese government, aligning with heading iv.

4.Opium addiction spread rapidly throughout Chinese society, affecting individuals across all classes. Families were torn apart, productivity declined, and the nation’s social fabric began to deteriorate. These consequences were long-lasting, outliving even the wars themselves and deepening the internal crisis within the Qing Dynasty.

Focus: Recognizing the human and societal cost of the opium trade

Strategy: Identify specific consequences of addiction on society

Impact: Tests ability to trace social impact across different levels

Answer: v. Social impact of addiction in China Explanation: This paragraph focuses on how addiction disrupted families, reduced productivity, and worsened China’s internal crisis, clearly supporting heading v.

5.Even after the formal end of the opium wars, the networks built to traffic the drug didn’t disappear. In fact, they evolved into modern drug routes, some of which still exist today. The 19th-century trade infrastructure laid the foundation for global illicit drug trafficking and continues to shape international politics and public health debates.

Focus: Tracing the legacy of the opium trade beyond its historical context

Strategy: Look for long-term consequences and global effects

Impact: Measures understanding of how historical systems influence modern issues

Answer: ii. The continuing influence of colonial drug networks Explanation: The paragraph describes how 19th-century opium trade routes evolved into modern drug trafficking networks. This ongoing influence directly supports heading ii.

Bonus Tip: 

Focus on the paragraph’s overall theme, not just the first sentence. If multiple headings feel similar, ask yourself: “What is this paragraph mainly doing, explaining, criticizing, or summarizing?” That clarity will help you avoid traps.

Now, let’s discuss what vocabulary can repeat and how you should be prepared for it in these kinds of historical passages.

Important Vocabulary from The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage

To do well in IELTS reading, especially on topics like the history of opium, you need a strong grasp on advanced vocabulary. Historical texts often use terms like monopoly, colonial ambition, or sovereignty that carry layered meanings crucial to understanding the author’s point.

Also, pay attention to phrases and timeline markers like subsequently, in retaliation, or by the 19th century. These signal shifts in events or causes, helping you follow the narrative and answer more accurately. Knowing such vocabulary improves both speed and precision.

Here’s a list of vocabulary you should be familiar with:

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Opium Wars	Two 19th-century conflicts between Britain and China over opium trade	“The Opium Wars reshaped East Asian geopolitics and marked China’s ‘Century of Humiliation.’”
British East India Company	Powerful trading company central to Britain's opium exports from India to China	“The British East India Company cultivated and exported opium to boost imperial profits.”
Laudanum	A medical tincture of opium mixed with alcohol, used widely in the 1800s	“Laudanum was once a household remedy before its addictive risks became clear.”
Addiction crisis	A widespread problem of dependence on a drug or substance	“China’s opium addiction crisis contributed to social decay and internal instability.”
Treaty of Nanking	The 1842 agreement that ended the First Opium War, favoring British interests	“Under the Treaty of Nanking, China ceded Hong Kong and opened key ports to Britain.”
Imperialism	A policy of extending a country's power through colonization or force	“Britain used the opium trade as a tool of imperialism to dominate Chinese commerce.”
Arrow War	Another name for the Second Opium War, fought between 1856–1860	“The Arrow War deepened foreign intrusion into China’s legal and economic systems.”
Medicinal opium	Use of opium in treating pain, insomnia, or illness before modern regulation	“Medicinal opium was once seen as a cure-all before its long-term effects were known.”
Trade imbalance	A situation where one country imports more than it exports	“Britain used opium to correct its trade imbalance with China over tea and porcelain.”
Colonial legacy	The long-term impact of colonization on a region’s society or politics	“The colonial legacy of opium shaped international drug policies for decades to come.”

Also Read: Tips to Improve Pronunciation for IELTS

Now, let’s discuss the common phrases and collocations that can be helpful for historical passages.

Collocations and Phrases

You’ll frequently come across repeated phrases like "opium dependency," "colonial trade policies," or "imperial expansion" in historical passages. These collocations aren't just common, they serve as cues that link key themes throughout the passage and reveal the deeper implications of historical events.

Recognizing these fixed word combinations helps you track how the author develops arguments about commerce, addiction, and international conflict. It also helps you avoid trap choices that use similar phrases without conveying the right meaning. 

Below is a curated list of useful collocations and expressions to sharpen your understanding and improve accuracy when answering related questions.

Collocation / Phrase	Meaning
Opium dependency	Addiction to opium causing physical and mental reliance
Colonial trade policies	Rules and strategies controlling trade under imperial powers
Imperial expansion	Growth of a nation’s control over foreign lands and markets
Social disruption	Disturbance to societal order due to addiction or conflict
Economic exploitation	Unfair financial gain from controlling resources or markets
Trade monopoly	Exclusive control over a particular trade or product
Diplomatic conflict	Disputes between nations over political or economic issues
Treaty concessions	Forced agreements giving privileges to a stronger party
Public health crisis	Widespread health problems affecting large populations
Geopolitical influence	Power exerted over international political relations

Now, let’s discuss some tips to avoid making common mistakes while solving this part in your IELTS test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage

If you are targeting an IELTS band score 7 or band score 8 then you need to focus on detailing. For instance, they might mix up the initial introduction of opium trade with later colonial expansions, mistakenly thinking all events occurred at the same time.

Others may misread details about the drug’s usage or regulation, assuming practices were uniform across different eras or places, while the text actually associates them with specific contexts. Here’s a breakdown of common pitfalls and tips to navigate them successfully:

1. Overlooking the Timeline and Event Sequence

• Mixing up dates and events, such as when opium trade began versus when the Opium Wars occurred
• Confusing early cultivation efforts with later regulatory actions in China
• Tip: Practice identifying chronological markers in passages and try summarizing timelines in your own words.

2. Misinterpreting Cause and Consequence Relationships

• Assuming addiction alone caused the Opium Wars instead of understanding trade disputes and political motives
• Missing how Chinese government actions provoked British responses, escalating conflicts
• Tip: Pay close attention to linking words like “because,” “therefore,” and “led to” to clearly spot cause-effect relationships.

3. Neglecting Author’s Purpose Behind Historical Facts

• Reading about British trade as purely economic without recognizing its role as imperial control
• Ignoring deeper political reasons for Britain’s involvement beyond just profit
• Tip: Consider why the author included certain details, what bigger message or argument are they supporting?

4. Missing Broader Social and Economic Context

• Focusing only on addiction without noting the societal and economic damage described
• Overlooking the impact on communities and government stability in China
• Tip: When reading about effects, think beyond individuals and look for keywords indicating wider social or economic impacts.

5. Confusing Historical Events with Modern Implications

• Treating current drug problems as identical to historical opium trade circumstances
• Failing to separate the historical narrative from the passage’s commentary on modern legacies
• Tip: Distinguish facts from reflections or opinions, especially in concluding paragraphs, to avoid mixing timelines or topics.

Keep these common mistakes in mind while you prepare for the IELTS exam so you can learn how to avoid them. Now, let’s discuss some of the best resources available for preparation.

Trusted Resources to Practice The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage

Your study material is your arsenal to score a high band IELTS score. It’s important you get this material from the most trusted sources. Your IELTS study material needs to replicate the test pattern and context. 

This way you will be practicing exactly for the real exam day and won’t be stressed due to any surprises. Here’s where you can get the best resources available:

Resource	Focus Area	Why Use It?
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Understanding historical arguments	Helps you recognize how colonial trade, like the opium exchange, shaped global relations and identify key viewpoints within complex passages.
IELTS Reading Test	Practice with cause-effect chains	Prepares you to follow political and economic cause-effect sequences, such as how British trade policies led to the Opium Wars.
IELTS Online Coaching	Interpreting author tone & intent	Builds skill in spotting subtle critiques of imperialism or economic exploitation in history-based academic texts.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Analyzing idea progression	Shows how to track the development of ideas, such as opium’s shift from a commodity to a tool of dominance, through structured reading strategies.

Now, let’s explore how upGrad can help you get good IELTS exam results.

How Can upGrad Help You With IELTS Reading Passages?

upGrad offers structured learning paths designed to tackle complex reading topics like historical trade, colonialism, or social impact. Their material mirrors real IELTS passages, making it easier to follow timelines and arguments. You'll also get interactive videos, timed mock tests, and strategy-based lessons, with personalized feedback. 

These tools build confidence and speed while reinforcing academic vocabulary. The platform is ideal for learners aiming for Band 7 and above. Book a free one-on-one counselling session with upGrad’s expert advisors today and get personalized support for your test prep and university applications.