IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks: How to Improve IELTS Reading Band Score
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertThe IELTS Reading test can be challenging, but with the right strategies and techniques, you can significantly improve your band score. This section will provide you with essential tips and tricks to enhance your reading skills, manage your time effectively, and tackle different question types confidently.
The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions that must be completed in 60 minutes. It is divided into three sections, each increasing in difficulty. The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess the reading skills of the candidates. The test evaluates your ability to read and understand various texts, including articles, advertisements, and academic passages. It is designed in such a way that it tests whether a candidate understands the main idea, recognizes the author's opinion, and analyses the same. In this article, we will give you IELTS Reading tips that will ensure high scores and help in improvising reading skills and techniques such as scanning and skimming.
A variety of question types is used in order to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Time Allotted: 60 minutes
Total Questions: 40
IELTS Academic Reading and IELTS General Reading are Same?
The Reading skills (to find specific information and identify opinions) required for IELTS Academic Reading and IELTS General Reading are the same. The styles of questions like sentence completion and multiple-choice are also the same. However, the text will be different. In the IELTS Academic Reading, there will be three long academic texts.
IELTS Academic Reading:
There are three long texts that are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. These texts are suited for students who wish to apply to universities in English-speaking countries.
IELTS General Training Reading:
The format of the three texts is as follows:
- ‘Social survival’ is related to notices, advertisements, and timetables
- ‘Workplace survival’ is related to job descriptions, contracts and staff development and training materials
- ‘General reading’ is related to newspapers, magazines, and fictional and non-fictional book extracts
IELTS Reading Question Types
| Question Types |
Answer Strategies |
|---|---|
| Matching Information |
Candidates are required to locate specific information within the sections. |
| Matching Headings |
Candidates are required to recognise the main idea or theme of the text |
| Matching features |
Here, a candidate has to recognize opinions and the connections between the facts within the text |
| Matching Sentences |
Here, a candidate has to complete the sentence within a specified number of words. Look for the best conclusion from the passage. |
| Multiple Choice Questions |
Here, one MCQ can be a Reading Comprehension and one involves sentence completion with the best option to choose from |
| Identify the author’s views |
Here, a candidate has to confirm whether a set of statements agree with the information within the passage. A candidate has to select between true/false/not given or yes/no/not given |
| Diagram-Label Completion |
The description will be there in the text. A candidate has to label the given diagrams |
| Flow-chart Completion, Tables |
Candidates must pay attention to the details provided. They also have to recognize the main ideas of the text |
| Short Answer Questions |
Find information in the passage. Paraphrase vocabulary in questions and give an answer within the given word limit |
IELTS Reading Band Scores
The tables given below provide details of IELTS Reading Band Scores and the number of questions a candidate needs to answer correctly:
| Band Score |
Academic (Questions Answered Correctly out of 40) |
General Training (Questions Answered Correctly out of 40) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 |
40 |
40 |
| 8 |
35 |
38 |
| 7 |
30 |
34 |
| 6 |
23 |
30 |
| 5 |
15 |
23 |
IELTS Reading Tips
These IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks for Band 9 will help you in preparing better for the IELTS Reading section.
- IELTS Reading Practice Test
IELTS Reading practice tests must be completed from official IELTS material and resources such as Official Cambridge Guide, IELTS Prep App by the British Council, etc. The reason why IELTS reading practice tests are important is that they help a candidate build a test-taking temperament, which ultimately leads to better time management on the test day.
- Do not try to read each word in the IELTS Reading passages
Every time looking at a dictionary is not possible, so, you can look at the words and sentences around and try to get the meaning. It is not important to understand the meaning of every word, you can just have the gist of the sentence and go with it. No one is familiar with each and every word, especially tough words.
- Go through the questions first
This can be very helpful when it comes to scoring a good band score in the IELTS reading section. With a time constraint of 60 minutes, you have to solve 40 questions and solve 3 passages. Here, time is of great importance and you do not have the bandwidth to read each and every line of the text. When you read the questions first, then you will have an idea of what to look for in the passage and this will ultimately save you time.
- Skimming and scanning
One should be able to skim and scan passages to get a good score in the reading section of IELTS. Reading a passage and getting a general idea is skimming. You should be able to get the main idea of the passage and understand the key points. This will give you an edge to score more in the reading section.
- Work on your vocabulary
Vocabulary is a significant factor in improving your scores in the IELTS reading section. Amongst all the sections of the IELTS, the Reading section demands the widest vocabulary. Learning a new word does not mean that you have learned it, learning the usage of the word will be key here. Read articles from different genres, this will help you in learning new words and enhances your knowledge.
- Answer all the questions
At last, a very important point to remember is that IELTS does not have negative markings, so, attempt all the questions. Apart from the IELTS reading tips you also, need to go through the IELTS reading preparation tips and IELTS reading practice papers to get a fair idea about the actual questions you are going to face in the test. In addition, you can go through the IELTS reading practice books to develop a deeper understanding and improve your reading skills.
- Divide your time wisely
As the section progresses, the questions get more difficult. You can allocate relatively lesser time to the initial sections and keep some extra time for the last section.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Pay attention to the grammar structure. You may see various types of grammar structures, but try to understand them all; they will be helpful for your writing. Most of us have limited vocabulary, but if you are weak at grammar, you will not know what the text refers to. Because of this, you may lose the main idea.
- You must have known that skimming and scanning are two essential tools in reading. Both rely on an understanding of the main ideas. Therefore, if you cannot grasp the main ideas in a short time, you will lose time. This can be learned by reading various articles.
- Another way to practice reading is speed-reading. However, reading as quickly as possible is NOT the key. If you read so fast that you have to read again, there are no benefits gained from this practice. The key here is picking out the main ideas, and the finer details. Besides understanding all the main points, you should try to remember as many details as you can.
- Reading intensively is also important in the IELTS test, especially to understand tough questions. With some questions or particular sentences, you need to read and try to understand every single word. Especially with true/false/not given (or yes/no/not given) questions, a single word can change the whole meaning.
- After finishing the reading practice test, you must check all the wrong answers, try to explain why you were wrong, and think of another way to answer those questions faster. You will gain the necessary experience by doing this before the real test.
- In the IELTS exam, though you can mark and write on the question paper, you must enter your answers on the Reading Answer Sheet, and be aware that no extra time is given for transferring your answers from the test booklet to the Reading Answer Sheet.
Also Read:
IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks FAQs
Q. How many passages are there in IELTS Reading section?
A. IELTS Reading section comprises of 3-4 IELTS comprehension passages wherein the difficulty level increases with every subsequent passage. It is important for the candidates not to spend too much time on the initial passages. Try to get in the zone early on. However, this does not mean that they can rush through the questions. Strike a good balance between all the passages. This can only come through practice. In every article, we have stressed the importance of mock tests. Make sure that you appear for at least 5 full-length IELTS mock tests (if you have sufficient time) before the day of your exam.
Q. How can I improve my IELTS reading?
A. The most important IELTS reading tip is to practice and appear for mock tests. There is nothing better than going through the official study material, appearing for mock tests, and evaluating your performance in each of those tests. It is through mock tests that you can identify your weak areas and prepare your own strategy for approaching different question types. Official study material, official solved papers, and mock tests lie at the core of every exam preparation. Some other reading tips include developing a habit of reading good magazines (such as the Economist), trying to find the core of the passage, and developing a habit of skimming through the relevant information.
Q. How many total questions are there that I need to answer?
A. IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions in all. A total of 60 minutes have been allotted to complete the IELTS Reading section. As the test moves, the difficulty level of the passages increases. It is advised that the students do not waste their time in the initial passages, as they might need some extra time for tougher ones. As an extra IELTS reading tip, it is highly advised that the students stay focused and do not get swayed away by their thoughts. Many students tend to lose a track of their reading passage and then they have to start again. Do not commit this mistake of wasting time during the test.
Q. How many questions do I need to answer correctly to obtain a band score of 7 and above on the IELTS Academic Reading test?
A. On the IELTS Academic Reading: in order to obtain a band score of 7 you need to answer 30 questions correctly, in order to obtain a band score of 8 you need to answer 35 questions correctly, and in order to obtain a band score of 9 you need to answer 40 questions correctly. When you are appearing for the test, do not count the number of questions that you need to answer correctly. Your aim must be to answer all of them correctly. However, you must have a pre-planned strategy to deal with different question types. This strategy will be clear only when you appear for IELTS practice tests.
Q. What are the various types of questions that are asked on IELTS Reading test?
A. The following question types are asked on the IELTS reading exam: Matching information, Matching headings, Matching features, Matching sentences, Multiple-choice questions, Identifying the author’s view, Diagram-label completion, Flow-chart completion, and Short answer questions.
Q: What is the IELTS exam passing score?
There is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Students taking the IELTS exam are graded on their performance in the IELTS test using Bands from 1 – 9 for each skill of the test: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Candidates would also receive an overall band score which would be the average of all the individual scores received by the candidate and rounded to the nearest half band. The IELTS exam does not have a passing score. Universities abroad would have an IELTS minimum score requirement which is often referred to as the IELTS cut-off. This is the minimum score that candidates need to achieve to apply to the university. Candidates should note that getting the minimum IELTS score does not guarantee admission to the university. Candidates are required to score higher than the expected IELTS cut-off.
Q: What is a good IELTS score?
A good IELTS score can vary depending on your specific goals, such as study abroad requirements, visa applications, or employment opportunities. Different institutions and organizations may have different score requirements, so it is essential to research and understand the specific score expectations for your intended purpose. In general, a score of 6.5 or higher is considered a good IELTS score. However, this may differ based on the individual's needs and the requirements of the institution or organisation they are applying to.
Some universities and programs may have higher score requirements, especially for competitive programs or fields of study. It is crucial to review the score requirements of the institutions or organizations you are interested in and aim to achieve a score that meets their criteria. Additionally, consider your own personal goals and requirements when determining what constitutes a good IELTS score for you. Get more details at What is a good IELTS score?
Q: How can I prepare for IELTS exam?
Shiksha Study Abroad has introduced a new, 1-month free online IELTS course to help students prepare for their IELTS Exam. Students associated with Shiksha get complementary free IELTS training for a month. This programme aims to help students prepare for studying abroad without any additional costs.
Starting in early February 2024, the course has already attracted over 1,000+ participants. Shiksha Study Abroad reports impressive results: 80% of students have succeeded in their goals, with the average participant achieving an IELTS score of 7.0.
Key Features of Free IELTS Training
Some of the key features of the Shiksha Study Abroad Free IELTS Training programme typically include:
- Live online classes are accessible from anywhere and on any device
- 1 Month Free Training - Option to choose from Weekend and Weekday Batches
- Learn from experienced British Council and Cambridge-certified trainers
- Coverage of all IELTS modules: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- Option for students to retake classes if needed at 0 cost
- Mock Tests for the students to practice before the exam
Q: How can I know my IELTS test centre?
One can check their IELTS test centre details on the IELTS login account. Candidates ave to visit the official IDP IELTS website, enter the login credentials and check the details of test centres.
Q: Which is the best book for IELTS preparation?
Q: Is IELTS exam hard to crack?
The difficulty of the IELTS exam varies from person to person and largely depends on individual English proficiency levels and preparation strategies. Many candidates find certain sections, such as Writing and Speaking, to be challenging due to the need for well-structured responses and fluency.
However, with adequate preparation and practice, many test-takers find the exam manageable. Understanding the test format and focusing on weak areas can significantly improve performance, making it easier to achieve the desired band score.
Q: How to crack IELTS on the first attempt?
Yes, it is possible to clear the IELTS exam in the first attempt. Many test takers achieve their desired scores in their initial attempt with proper preparation, study, and understanding of the exam format. Success in the IELTS exam depends on various factors, including your existing English language skills, familiarity with the test format, preparation strategies, and overall test-day performance. By dedicating sufficient time and effort to study, practising with sample questions and mock tests, and familiarizing yourself with the test structure and timing, you can increase your chances of achieving your target score.
It is important to note that individual results may vary, and success in the IELTS exam depends on personal factors and preparation. Some test takers may require multiple attempts to reach their desired scores. Regardless of the outcome, treat each attempt as a learning opportunity and use the experience to identify areas for improvement. Seeking guidance from experienced tutors or attending preparatory courses can also be beneficial in enhancing your preparation and performance in the exam.
Q: Are two months enough for IELTS exam preparations?
The sufficiency of two months for IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam preparation depends on several factors, including your current English language proficiency level, the target band score you are aiming for, and the amount of time you can dedicate to studying. Two months can be a reasonable timeframe for focused and intensive preparation, especially if you already have a solid foundation in English. During this time, you can familiarize yourself with the test format, practice sample questions, develop test-taking strategies, and work on improving your skills in the specific sections of the exam: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in USA1037 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum VitaeComments
(2)
S
3 years ago
P
3 years ago
M
7 years ago