IELTS Reading Module: Format, Question Types and Preparation Tips
The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand written English in different contexts. It lasts for 60 minutes and includes 40 questions. The test differs slightly in content and focus depending on whether you’re taking the Academic or General Training module.
IELTS Reading - Academic vs. General Training
| Aspect | Academic IELTS | General Training IELTS |
|---|---|---|
Focus | Texts are sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, often related to academic topics. | Materials are sourced from everyday contexts like advertisements, timetables, notices, and employee handbooks. |
Purpose | Tests comprehension of complex and detailed factual, descriptive, and analytical information. | Tests understanding of basic workplace, social, and educational contexts. |
Example | A passage about the latest scientific research. |
A guide on workplace safety. |
Structure of the Test
The test is divided into three sections, each progressively more challenging:
| Aspect | Reading - Academic | Reading - General |
|---|---|---|
Section 1 | One long text focusing on descriptive content. | Short factual texts, like notices or advertisements. |
Section 2 | Texts with greater complexity, often containing arguments or explanations. | Texts related to work or training (e.g., job descriptions or instructions). |
Section 3 | A long, detailed passage with an analytical tone. |
A longer text, often descriptive or narrative, about general topics. |
IELTS Reading - Question Types
The IELTS Reading test includes various question formats to assess diverse skills:
- Multiple Choice: Select the correct option(s).
- Matching Information: Identify specific information within paragraphs.
- Matching Headings: Choose the most suitable heading for sections of the text.
- Matching Features: Match details like names or events to the appropriate section.
- Matching Sentence Endings: Complete sentences by selecting the correct endings.
- Table, Summary, Flowchart, or Note Completion: Fill in missing details using words from the text.
- Diagram Label Completion: Label diagrams with information from the passage.
- True/False/Not Given: Determine if statements agree with the text.
- Short Answer Questions: Answer questions briefly using a specific word limit.
- Yes, No, Not Given:
- Gap-fill summary:
- Selecting factors:
Multiple choice:
Skills tested:
- skimming for factual information
- identifying main and supporting points
- understanding attitude
Gap fill summary:
Skills tested:
- skimming for information
- detailed understanding of a section of text
- ability to paraphrase/re-word original text
Matching (items to descriptions):
Skills tested:
- skimming for specific information
- understanding description/characteristics
- understanding paraphrase
Yes, No, Not Given:
Skills tested:
- skimming for detailed information
- identifying attitude and opinion
- understanding gist and paraphrase
Selecting factors:
Skills tested:
- skimming/scanning for specific information
- identifying main ideas
- understanding paraphrase and inference
Completing a table:
Skills tested:
- following a chronological account
- skimming for specific information
- noting main ideas
Matching (causes to effects):
Skills tested:
- skimming/scanning for information
- understanding cause and effect relationships
- understanding paraphrase
Completing a flowchart:
Skills tested:
- following a sequence of events
- scanning/skimming for information
- understanding gist and paraphrase
Labelling a diagram:
Skills tested:
- skimming for factual information
- understanding description and relationships
Paragraph headings:
Skills tested:
- detailed reading
- identifying main ideas/themes/topics
- understanding gist
Matching phrases:
Skills tested:
- skimming/scanning for detail
- understanding paraphrase and gist
- making inferences
IELTS Reading Score Chart
Below is the detailed IELTS Reading Score Chart:
| Reading Band | Correct Answers - Academic Reading | Correct Answers - General Reading |
|---|---|---|
9.0 | 39-40 | 40 |
8.5 | 37-38 | 39 |
8.0 | 35-36 | 37-38 |
7.5 | 33-34 | 36 |
7.0 | 30-32 | 34-35 |
6.5 | 27-29 | 32-33 |
6.0 | 23-26 | 30-31 |
5.5 | 19-22 | 27-29 |
5.0 | 15-18 | 23-26 |
4.5 | 13-14 | 19-22 |
4.0 | 10-12 | 15-18 |
Please note that these scores are approximate.
Key Features
The following are the key features of the IELTS Reading Test:
Time Management:
No extra time is given to transfer answers. Write them directly on the answer sheet
Complex Vocabulary:
The test may include technical terms or advanced vocabulary, especially in Academic Reading.
Diverse Skills:
Tests skimming, scanning, and detailed reading abilities.
Word Limit
Follow the word limit in questions strictly (e.g., “Write no more than three words”).
Tips for Success in IELTS Reading
Familiarize Yourself with Question Types:
Practice each question type to understand how to approach them.
Improve Skimming and Scanning:
Learn to identify key ideas quickly while ignoring irrelevant details.
Expand Vocabulary:
Focus on understanding synonyms and paraphrasing.
Use the Passage Order:
Questions often follow the order of information in the passage.
Practice Under Timed Conditions:
Simulate test conditions to improve speed and accuracy.