Reading Overview

In the academic module the reading test comprises three sections, with 3 texts normally followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions overall. The General test also has 3 sections. However the texts are shorter, so there can be up to 5 texts to read.

Reading tasks:

There are 10-11 types of questions on both the Academic or General Reading Module:

• Multiple choice
• Multiple matching
• Short-answer
• Sentence completion
• Tables, diagrams, flow charts
• Summary completion
• Paragraph headings
•  Locating information
•  Identifying writer's views or claims
• Classification
• Matching

You need to work through a number of practice tests in order to identify exactly what you need to do and to understand how to correctly answer each type of question. After doing a few tests, analyze your answers. Doing so will help you recognize which types of questions are easier for you and which types cause more difficulty

Reading skills:

To do well in the IELTS reading test, you need global as well as macro reading skills. This means you should to be able to do the following:

• grasp the big picture as well as the minor points.
• distinguish facts from opinions and attitudes
• identify the overall purpose of the passage
• follow the main arguments in a written text
• locate specific details and relevant information
• summarize the key points
• represent written information in graphic form
• infer meaning
• use accurate spelling and correct grammar

Specifically, three key reading skills will help you do the above most effectively:

• Skimming
• Scanning
• Reading for detail

Reading time:
Remember that you have three reading passages and forty questions to answer in only one hour. Also, the three passages become increasingly more difficult. Divide your time into three 20 minute segments, or as suggested below:

• 17 minutes on section 1
• 20 minutes on section 2
• 23 minutes on section 3

If you're having difficulty with a particular question, mark it for your attention, move on to the next question and come back later. If you finish early, use the time to review.