IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS Reading Test is crucial for those aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries. It measures your ability to understand and analyse complex texts from academic books, journals, and magazines. Only 25% of test-takers score a Band 7 or higher in this section.

With 40 questions to tackle in just 60 minutes, doing well on the IELTS Reading Test demands strong reading skills and good time management.

The IELTS reading test is designed to assess a variety of reading skills, including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes, and purpose. Here's an overview of the test structure:

Time:

• Total duration: 60 minutes

Questions:

• Total number of questions: 40
• Each question is worth one mark

Sections:

Section 1:

• Contains two or three short factual texts
• Topics are relevant to everyday life, such as advertisements, timetables, or notices
• Tests your ability to understand and extract essential information

Section 2:

• Contains two texts
• Focuses on work-related issues, such as job descriptions, training materials, or policies
• Evaluates your ability to understand and interpret information in a workplace context

Section 3:

• Contains one long text
• Texts are more complex and may include discursive, analytical, or factual content
• Tests your ability to understand detailed arguments and opinions

Section 4:

• Contains one long passage
• Extracted from books, journals, or magazines
• Similar to academic reading content, assessing higher-level comprehension and critical thinking skills

Regular practice with IELTS reading practice tests is essential for achieving a high IELTS reading score.

Official IELTS Practice Tests:

• IELTS Official Website: Provides a range of practice materials, including sample questions and full practice tests.
• British Council: Offers free practice tests and preparation resources for the IELTS exam.
• IDP IELTS: Provides sample tests and preparation materials tailored for the IELTS reading section.

Recommended Online Resources:

• IELTS.org: Official site with sample test questions and preparation materials.
• British Council - IELTS Preparation: Free practice tests and IELTS reading tips and tricks.
• IDP IELTS - Prepare for IELTS: Sample tests, tips, and other preparation resources.
• IELTS Liz: Offers free practice tests, tips, and lessons to improve your reading skills.
• Road to IELTS: A comprehensive preparation course with practice tests and interactive activities.

The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes, and purpose.

Both IELTS Academic and General Training tests include different question types, although the formats differ slightly.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Description: Candidates choose the correct answer from four options.
• Skills Assessed: Detailed understanding, distinguishing between main ideas and supporting details.

True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given

• Description: Candidates state whether information in the text is true, false, or not given.
• Skills Assessed: Ability to identify specific information and recognize facts.

Matching Information/Headings/Features/Sentence Endings

• Description: Candidates match information to paragraphs or sections, match headings to paragraphs, match features to items or complete sentences.
• Skills Assessed: Understanding the main idea, recognizing specific details, understanding relationships and implications.

Sentence Completion

• Description: Candidates complete sentences with words from the text.
• Skills Assessed: Detailed understanding, ability to find specific information.

Summary, Note, Table, Flow-Chart Completion

• Description: Candidates complete summaries, notes, tables, or flow charts based on the text.
• Skills Assessed: Identifying main ideas, and understanding the organisation of information.

Diagram Label Completion

• Description: Candidates label a diagram with words from the text.
• Skills Assessed: Understanding of description and visual representation.

Short-Answer Questions

• Description: Candidates answer questions using words from the text.
• Skills Assessed: Detailed understanding and information retrieval.

The IELTS Academic and General Training Reading tests are scored on the same scale, but the Academic Reading test usually features texts with more difficult vocabulary and a more complex writing style. Because of this, you generally need to get more questions right on the General Training Reading test to achieve the same band score as on the Academic Reading test.

Below, you’ll find the score conversion tables for both the IELTS Academic and General Training Reading tests.

Raw Score: This is the number of correct answers out of 40 questions.

Band Score: This is the final score that ranges from 0 to 9, which is used in your IELTS certificate.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing for the IELTS Reading test:

• Understand the Test Format

  Familiarise yourself with the types of questions and the structure of both Academic and General Training Reading tests. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and improve your performance.

• Skim and Scan
  • Skimming: Quickly read through the text to get the general idea or the gist.
  • Scanning: Look for specific information or keywords related to the questions. This technique saves time and helps you locate answers more efficiently.
• Improve Your Vocabulary

  Enhance your understanding of a wide range of vocabulary, especially academic and practical terms. A strong vocabulary will help you comprehend complex texts and answer questions accurately.

• Practice with Different Materials

  Read a variety of materials such as newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and manuals. This will prepare you for the different styles and subjects you might encounter in the test.

• Time Management

  Allocate your time wisely. Spend no more than 20 minutes on each section to ensure you have enough time to complete all questions.

• Read Instructions Carefully

  Pay close attention to the instructions for each question type. Misinterpreting instructions can lead to incorrect answers, even if you understand the text.

• Highlight Keywords

  Underline or highlight important words in both the questions and the text. This makes it easier to find relevant information and stay focused.

• Don't Spend Too Much Time on One Question

  If you’re stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later if time permits. Spending too much time on a single question can impact your ability to complete the test.

• Practice Summary and Note Completion

  These tasks often require you to find and paraphrase information. Practice identifying main ideas and summarising texts.

• Understand True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given

  These questions can be tricky. Practice distinguishing between information that is explicitly stated, implied, or not mentioned at all.

• Review Your Answers

  If time allows, review your answers to ensure they make sense and are grammatically correct. Double-check instructions to confirm you have followed them correctly.

• Build Reading Stamina

  The reading test is lengthy and requires sustained concentration. Practice reading for extended periods to build your stamina and focus.

• Use Practice Tests

  Regularly take IELTS reading practice tests to familiarise yourself with the test format and question types. Analyse your mistakes and learn from them to improve.

• Get Feedback

  If possible, seek feedback from teachers to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive criticism can guide your study strategy.

IELTS Academic reading scores are categorised into bands ranging from 0 to 9, reflecting different levels of proficiency in understanding written English.

Below is a breakdown of each band's description and corresponding skill level:

The IELTS General Training Reading test measures how well you can understand and respond to texts you might face in everyday social and workplace situations.

Here’s a breakdown of the score bands, showing different levels of proficiency in reading English for practical purposes:

IELTS reading score bands reflect everything from basic understanding to expert fluency. To excel, students can use tips and tricks to boost their comprehension and manage their time more effectively.

Looking to ace your IELTS Reading test? At AECC, we offer tailored guidance and resources designed to maximise your success. Whether you're aiming to boost your IELTS reading score or seeking effective tips and tricks to improve comprehension, our experienced instructors are here to support you. Prepare with AECC to unlock your potential and achieve the IELTS reading band score you need for your academic and professional goals abroad.