The International English Language testing system reading part assesses critical thinking skills via different question types and topics. So, the article includes all the details about IELTS reading you need to know. In addition, to familiarize yourself with the exam, you should take the IELTS reading practice test. Moreover, the format of questions remains the same for both modules: Academics Test and General Training. But the types of text differ. There are three tasks in this part. Also, the duration is approx 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. Thus, to help you score well in the examination, there are many mock tests available online for both segments.
To know more about the reading section, scroll down for more valuable information.
IELTS Reading Pattern
The reading section consists of 40 questions designed to test your vast range of critical thinking skills. Moreover, the structure is similar to the Academics Test and General Training, but the text styles are different. There are three tasks in this section and to complete the 40 questions you will have 60 minutes.
Read below to get more valuable information for the academic test and general training formats.
Academics Test Format
The IELTS academic reading section focuses on your ability in understanding an argument, identify writer’s opinion, and purpose, and comprehend ideas and suggested meanings in the sentence. Your skills in skimming, scanning, and detailed reading to grasp the essence of the sentence are assessed. The reading test in Academics is divided into three parts. Each features a comprehensive passage sourced are the books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
The passages reflect topics relevant to academic reading tests, which may include many types of questions, such as short answers, matching headings, sentence endings, and many more.
General Training Format
The IELTS General Training Reading test comprises three sections and 40 questions designed to assess your ability to understand what you might come across in everyday or professional settings. The sources for these texts include books, ads, and legal papers- like company handbooks and guidelines.
Included in this section:
- 1: The focus is on your ability to function in a social setting within an English-speaking environment, featuring many short texts such as timetables, ads, or public notices.
- 2: Aims to assess your capability to understand texts relevant to the workspace, including extracts from contracts, employee training manuals, and job reports detailing salary and working needs.
- 3: Presents a more challenging, lengthiest text on a subject of broad interest, which might be from a book, magazine, or newspaper.
Get to know about both modules in detail. Now read below to understand what question types come in Academics Tests and General Training.
Types of Questions in Both Modules
You can expect a variety of questions in the General and Academics reading tests likewise:
- Multiple choice
- Matching Information
- Identifying Information
- Matching Sentence Ending
- Sentence Completion
- Matching Features
- Summary, Note, Table, Flow chart Completion
- Diagram Label Completion
- Short Answer Question
- Matching Sentence Ending
To ensure you can accurately answer a range of questions in the 60 minutes. You will need to manage your time. Look at the following tips to know how to manage your time during the reading test.
For the best preparation try the IELTS reading practice test so you can get familiar with the time duration and questions.
These were all types of questions faced in the reading section. Now, read below to learn how the score is calculated.
IELTS Reading Band Score
The reading test has 40 questions and you get one point for each right answer. These points will convert into a score on a scale of nine. Academics:
| Band Score | Raw Score Out of 40 |
| 8 | 35 |
| 7 | 30 |
| 6 | 23 |
| 5 | 16 |
General Training:
| Band Score | Raw Score Out of 40 |
| 8 | 38 |
| 7 | 34 |
| 6 | 30 |
| 5 | 23 |
| 4 | 15 |
Read below to get the tips to manage your time during the IELTS reading part.
Tips to Manage Time in the IELTS Reading Section
Acing the reading section is not so easy so take a look below to get the best tips.
Skim Through Passage
Your reading test will have 3 different reading passages. You can quickly skim through the entire paragraph to understand the gist. Do not spend your time reading every sentence in detail as this can be time-consuming and unnecessary. Focus on the heading and subheading and look for the main points that define the passage. This will help with finding answers.
Pay Attention to the Introduction and Conclusion
The author’s point of view is often described in the introduction and conclusion. You can answer most questions correctly when you read these parts of the reading passage. Skim through the body of the passage after the intro and conclusion.
Identify Key Words
A keyword will help you determine the image associated with the passage. Identify these and underline or highlight them when you skim through the paragraph. This can help you answer most questions that follow the passage.
Take Mock Tests
Take IELTS reading practice test to get familiarized with the actual exam. By taking these you get a better idea of the questions you might encounter on the examination day.
Answer Every Question
Remember to answer every question even if you can not find the answer. If you are running out of time, remember that you will not lose marks if the answer is wrong, so make an educated guess and write the answer.
Check Your Answer
Checking your answer can help you to boost your reading section score. But, make sure that you answer all the questions and allocate at least 20 minutes for checking. You can use the practice materials available on the official IDP website or from the IELTS coaching centers and spare time yourself with perfection.
The reading section can be daunting for test takers. But, prior preparation and time management can make the difference between an average and a great score.
These are the tips you should consider while taking the reading section.
Conclusion
In conclusion, got to know about reading section format and question types. So, now you learn to gain a good band score in Academics and General Training tests with IELTS mock test and reading materials are the best ways. In addition, follow the tips mentioned in the article and boost your results in the exam.
