The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage is a commonly referenced text used to test a candidate’s ability to understand historical narratives, cause-and-effect relationships, and academic vocabulary. In the IELTS Reading section, candidates get 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, and according to official IELTS data, over 65% of test-takers lose marks due to misinterpreting factual details and unfamiliar vocabulary. This passage focuses on the global opium trade, its economic impact, and its role in shaping international relations, making it ideal for testing comprehension and inference skills.
In this blog, you’ll find the sample passage, exam-style questions, clear sample answers, and essential vocabulary, all aligned with the IELTS exam pattern. Whether you’re aiming for Band 7 or above, understanding how to approach passages like this can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and confidence in the Reading module.
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Sample Passage from The Story of Opium for IELTS Reading Practice
The Story of Opium: IELTS Reading Practice Passage (about 450 words)
For centuries, the opium poppy has played a remarkable role in human society. First cultivated in Mesopotamia around 3400 BCE, opium was valued for its pain-relieving properties. Ancient civilisations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, recorded its medicinal use. By the 8th century, Arab traders introduced opium to Asia, where it became a part of traditional medicine. However, its addictive nature soon caused widespread concern.
The turning point came in the 18th and 19th centuries. Britain discovered that selling Indian opium to China generated enormous profits, especially when exchanged for tea and silk. This trade imbalance sparked tensions that culminated in the Opium Wars between Britain and China (1839–1860). These conflicts weakened the Qing dynasty and left a lasting political and social impact on China. Millions of Chinese became addicted, and the image of opium shifted from medicine to menace.
In Europe, meanwhile, opium was refined into laudanum, a popular tonic prescribed for everything from coughs to sleeplessness. Literary figures such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas De Quincey openly described their dependence on the drug. By the late 19th century, advances in chemistry led to the isolation of morphine and, later, heroin. Both were initially praised as medical breakthroughs but soon revealed devastating addictive potential.
The 20th century saw governments worldwide take strong action. Opium cultivation and trade were restricted through international agreements such as the 1912 Hague Convention. Later, the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) tightened regulations. Despite these measures, opium remains a global issue today. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 7,000 tons of opium were produced in 2022, with Afghanistan as the leading source. While efforts continue to curb production, opium’s legacy as both healer and destroyer remains deeply embedded in human history.
IELTS Reading Questions Based on The Story of Opium Passage
In the practice of IELTS Reading, the passage, The Story of Opium, can yield a mixture of question types, including the True/False/Not Given, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, and Short Answer Questions.
These tests not only examine your memorization skills but also your ability to compare details, keyword awareness, and historical reasoning.
Some practice questions about the passage include:
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What are the True/False/Not Given questions for the Story of Opium passage?
Do the following statements agree with the passage? Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
Opium was first cultivated in China.
The British sold opium to China to balance trade.
Laudanum was used in Europe mainly for curing headaches.
Morphine was considered a safe medical breakthrough at first.
Afghanistan is still one of the largest opium producers.
What are the Fill in the Blanks questions for the Story of Opium passage?
Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Ancient _______ and _______ recorded the medicinal use of opium.
The _______ dynasty was weakened due to the Opium Wars.
In the 19th century, opium in Europe was refined into _______.
The first international effort to regulate opium was the _______ Convention of 1912.
Opium is described as both a _______ and a destroyer.
What are the Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for the Story of Opium passage?
Choose the correct option (A, B, C, or D).
When did Arab traders introduce opium to Asia? A. 1st century BCE B. 8th century CE C. 15th century CE D. 18th century CE
The Opium Wars mainly occurred between: A. Britain and India B. Britain and China C. China and Japan D. India and China
Which of the following literary figures mentioned opium use? A. Shakespeare B. Dickens C. Coleridge D. Chaucer
What are the Short Answer Questions for the Story of Opium passage?
Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Which two products did Britain gain from trading opium with China?
Which drug was developed after morphine but proved equally addictive?
Correct Answers for The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage
Now let’s go through the answers step by step. This will help you not only check your responses but also understand the reasoning behind each one.
What are the True/False/Not Given answers in the passage “The Story of Opium”?
Question 1: FALSE – Opium was first cultivated in Mesopotamia, not China.
Question 2: TRUE – Britain exported opium to China to balance trade.
Question 3: NOT GIVEN – No evidence of laudanum being used for headaches.
What are the Fill in the Blanks answers in the passage “The Story of Opium”?
Question 4: Egyptians, Greeks – Early civilizations using opium.
Question 5: Qing – Refers to the dynasty that resisted opium imports.
What are the Multiple Choice answers in the passage “The Story of Opium”?
Question 6: B. Afghanistan – Largest producer of opium.
Question 7: C. Morphine – 19th-century medical breakthrough.
What are the Short Answer Question answers in the passage “The Story of Opium”?
Question 8: Mesopotamia – Origin of opium cultivation.
Question 9: 19th century – Period of the Opium Wars.
Key Vocabulary and Important Phrases in The Story of Opium IELTS Passage
A good vocabulary is necessary if you have to deal with passages like “The Story of Opium” in the IELTS reading. Understanding context-type language can also help you know what is being paraphrased and incorrectly placed in tricky questions.
The following are some important terms and phrases that can be found in the passage and which prospective test-takers may need to feel familiar with:
Word/Phrase
Meaning
Cultivation
The process of growing crops or plants
Trade route
Pathways used for commercial exchange
Addiction
Dependence on a substance, often harmful
Medicinal use
Application of a substance for treatment or healing
Colonial powers
Nations that controlled other regions during imperial times
Conflict / War
Political or military struggles (e.g., Opium Wars)
Banned / Prohibited
Officially not allowed by law or authority
Commodity
A valuable product for trade
Dependency
Reliance on something (economic or medical context)
Common Mistakes Students Make in The Story of Opium IELTS Reading
The problem is that most of the IELTS candidates lose points on the Story of Opium passage questions, not due to the challenging nature of the text, but owing to tiny errors that they can prevent. And these are the most common:
Omitting keywords: Students tend to read at a fast pace and miss other important words, such as not, only, or always, which alter the context of an answer completely.
Memory guessing: Not checking the particular line in the text, some candidates resort to sheer guessing.
Tangled wordings in the paraphrase: IELTS is all about replicating wordings. Other terms, such as the word banned may seem to appear as forbidden, and many overlook this connection.
Giving too much attention to one question: Spending time on one tricky True/False question when you do not need it.
Overthinking answers: Another put in information that is not found in the passage, rather than just sticking to what is directly said.
Tips to Score Higher in The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage
Scoring good in this passage isn’t just about reading fast; it’s about using smart strategies. Here’s what can help:
How can I use skimming and scanning effectively?
Instead of reading every line, skim the passage to understand the overall theme and arguments. Then scan for details like years, trade routes, or names that match the question. This method helps you locate information quickly without wasting time on irrelevant sentences.
Why should I focus on synonyms and paraphrases?
IELTS loves to test paraphrasing. For example, the passage may say opium was transported illegally, but the question could phrase it as smuggled goods. If you only look for exact words, you’ll miss the answer. Training your eye to catch synonyms and reworded phrases is essential to scoring higher.
What question types should I practice more?
‘The Story of Opium’ often appears with question types like True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, and short-answer questions. Each requires a different approach. For example, T/F/NG needs careful logic, while fill-in-the-blank questions test your ability to match exact words. Practicing all types ensures you won’t freeze during the test.
How do I manage my time for this passage?
Aim to spend about 20 minutes on this passage. Use 3-4 minutes for skimming, 10-12 minutes for answering, and 3-4 minutes for reviewing uncertain questions. Keeping a strict time structure prevents you from overthinking a single question and losing time for the rest of the test.
How do I deal with complex details in the passage?
Historical passages like this one often include overwhelming dates, treaties, and names. Instead of memorizing them, underline or circle only the details that relate to a question. Remember, IELTS won’t test every number or event; they only want to check if you can filter relevant information.
The Story of Opium IELTS Reading Passage tests more than just reading speed. It checks how well you understand historical context, track factual details, and handle academic vocabulary under time pressure. By practising with the sample passage, reviewing exam-style questions and answers, and learning key vocabulary in context, you build the skills needed to avoid common traps in the Reading section.
The real advantage comes from strategy, not memorisation. Skimming for structure, scanning for facts, and staying alert to paraphrasing can significantly improve accuracy. With consistent practice and the right approach, passages like this become predictable rather than intimidating, helping you move closer to your target IELTS band score.
How many passages are there in the IELTS Reading test?
he IELTS Reading test includes three passages, each one becoming harder than the last. The first is usually simpler and descriptive, while the second may be analytical or factual. The third passage is typically complex, with advanced vocabulary and ideas. That’s why practice with texts like “The Story of Opium” prepares you for the real exam challenge.
Can I write answers in capital letters in IELTS Reading?
Yes, you can write your answers entirely in capital letters. Many test-takers prefer this because it avoids confusion with messy handwriting and lowercase spelling mistakes. For example, “CHINA” and “china” are read the same, but the capitalisation removes any doubt. Just make sure you’re consistent and neat on your answer sheet.
Do hyphenated words count as one or two words in IELTS Reading?
In IELTS, a hyphenated word like long-term or well-known is counted as one word. This rule is crucial in fill-in-the-blank or short-answer questions where the word limit is strict. If the instructions say “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,” writing three words, even if correct, will be marked wrong. Always keep an eye on the word count.
How strict is spelling in IELTS Reading?
Spelling is taken very seriously. Even a small mistake like writing “opiun” instead of “opium” will cost you the mark. This applies to all answers, names, numbers, or common words. Since you won’t lose marks for grammar in Reading, spelling accuracy is one of the easiest ways to protect your score. Double-check every word before submitting.
Do I lose marks for wrong answers in IELTS Reading?
No, there’s no negative marking in IELTS Reading. This means you should never leave a blank answer. Even a guess has a chance of being right, while a blank guarantees a lost mark. Use elimination, cross out wrong options, and choose the most logical one. Sometimes an educated guess can push you into the next band score.
How are True/False/Not Given questions different from Yes/No/Not Given?
The two may look the same but test different things. True/False/Not Given checks facts in the passage, asking if they match, contradict, or aren’t mentioned. Yes/No/Not Given deals with the writer’s opinion or claims. Mixing them up is a common mistake, so carefully read the instructions before answering. Misunderstanding these can cost you several marks.
Can I underline or mark the passage in IELTS Reading?
Yes, you’re allowed to make notes, underline words, or circle phrases in the question paper. Many candidates find this helpful for tracking keywords quickly. Since you don’t get extra time for transferring answers in Reading, marking important details as you go can save time. Just remember, the examiner only checks your answer sheet, not your rough notes.
How many words should I write in sentence completion questions?
The instructions will clearly say “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” or “NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.” Writing even one extra word, even if correct, will get you zero for that answer. For example, if the passage says “opium trade” and the limit is two words, writing “the opium trade” is wrong. Following instructions is just as important as understanding the text.
Is it better to read the passage first or the questions first?
There’s no single right method it depends on your strategy. Many students read the questions first, so they know what details to look for while scanning. Others skim the passage to understand the topic before tackling questions. The key is to experiment during practice tests and stick with the approach that helps you find answers faster.
Can I change my answers in IELTS Reading?
Yes, you can change your answers as long as it’s before the time is up. You’ll only have a question paper and an answer sheet, so make sure all final answers are neatly marked on the sheet collected by the examiner. If you’re unsure, write lightly first, then darken your final choice. Neatness counts; messy changes can confuse examiners.
How is the IELTS Reading test scored?
The Reading section has 40 questions, each worth one mark. Your raw score is then converted into a band score between 1 and 9. For example, scoring 30–32 correct answers usually gives you Band 7.0 in Academic Reading. Knowing this conversion helps you set targets, like aiming for at least 34 correct answers if you want Band 7.5 or higher.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview pre...
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