The IELTS Reading test is one of the four key modules of the IELTS exam. It checks your ability to read and understand a range of texts, manage time well, recognise paraphrasing, and apply specific techniques to find correct answers efficiently. Whether you are taking the Academic or General Training version, the skills you need are very similar.
1. Overview of the IELTS Reading Test
The Reading section contains:
- 40 questions, each worth one mark, with a total of 40 possible points.
- You get 60 minutes to complete all questions and transfer answers.
- There are three reading texts of increasing difficulty.
You do not have to understand every word in a passage. Your goal is to locate the correct answers efficiently by using relevant reading strategies.
Academic vs General Training Reading
- Academic Reading features three longer texts on academic topics such as science, history or social issues.
- General Training Reading also has three sections, with the first two often based on everyday contexts (e.g., notices, job descriptions) and the third similar to Academic style but generally easier.
Although the content differs, the question types and techniques are the same for both versions.
2. Essential Skills for the Reading Test
To score well, you should build these core skills:
Skimming and Scanning
- Skimming: Quickly read the text for the main idea.
- Scanning: Search for specific information, keywords or numbers without reading every word.
These skills help you locate answers without wasting time.
Understanding Question Types
There are over a dozen common question types, such as:
- True/False/Not Given
- Matching headings
- Multiple choice
- Sentence completion
- Summary completion
Learning strategies for each question type is more effective than simply reading passages.
Paraphrasing and Vocabulary
IELTS often rephrases ideas from the passage in the questions. Being able to recognise paraphrasing and broaden your vocabulary through reading helps you spot the correct answers faster.
Time Management
With only one hour to answer all 40 questions, pace yourself. Jump between passages or skip difficult questions to return later. Every correct answer is worth the same number of points, so efficient time use is vital.
3. Proven Strategies for Success
Here’s a step‑by‑step method to approach the Reading test:
Before You Start Reading in Detail
- Read the questions first to understand what information you need.
- Skim the passage quickly for a general overview of the topic and structure.
- Look for keywords or paraphrases in both questions and the passage.
When Searching for Answers
- Scan the passage to find relevant text sections.
- Check context carefully: read a few sentences before and after your target area.
- Use grammar and vocabulary to check accuracy: sentence completion questions must make grammatical sense.
If You Get Stuck
- Move on and return later — don’t lose time on one difficult question.
- Always check your answers before submitting to avoid careless mistakes.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong English speakers can lose marks by making these mistakes:
- Matching words instead of ideas: IELTS requires you to match meaning, not exact words.
- Over‑reading passages: Don’t read every word — focus on finding information.
- Relying on one synonym: Paraphrases often use different structures and vocabulary, not just single synonyms.
- Practising tests without review: The real learning happens when you analyse your answers and understand why you got them right or wrong.
5. Practice Makes Better Scores
Practise with a range of question types and topics. Don’t just complete exercises — study how answers are formed, how paraphrasing works, and why particular strategies succeed.